Galley kitchens are a staple of many households, but they can be one of the more challenging layouts to renovate due to their narrow design. You may be wondering how to update your galley kitchen while still ensuring it meets your functional needs. The good news is that there are many creative ways to remodel your galley kitchen this year, including changing the style, design influences, color palette, and more, that will make your space feel brand-new.
What is a galley kitchen?
A galley kitchen is a narrow kitchen layout with walls or services on two sides and an aisle running down the middle. Galley kitchens get their name from the cooking area in a ship, known as the galley. These kitchens can either be dead-ends on one side, or act as a thoroughfare to other rooms in the home. They have many benefits, including enhanced storage options, a space-saving design for homes with a smaller footprint, and an efficient layout for cooking.
1. Stylish Galley Kitchen Ideas
You can easily lean into a galley kitchen’s nautical origins with a stylish, ocean-inspired design. Incorporate shiplap on the walls and rustic wooden cabinets to conjure a maritime atmosphere. Select a color palette of deep blues, greens, and purples for your paint colors. Install an aquamarine tile backsplash over your kitchen sink.
2. Efficient Small Galley Kitchen Design
Maximize your counter space by keeping pots, pans, and appliances in your cabinets or pantry when not in use. Consider storing your microwave in a custom microwave drawer. You can add additional storage space through wall organizers, shelving units, and hooks underneath your cabinets.
3. Timeless Galley Kitchen Inspirations
In a small kitchen, prioritizing clean lines and light colors will create a timeless look. Select cabinetry with simple rectangular shapes, as opposed to ornate patterns or cut-outs, and pick out minimalist handles for your drawers and cabinets. Opt for materials such as light wood or white marble for your countertops.
4. Mid-Century Modern Galley Kitchen Trends
Curate a retro look with some mid-century statement pieces. Find an antique bar table and stools to create a small dining nook. A vintage floral wallpaper with a bold pattern will immediately transport you back in time. You can even add antique collectibles like vases, dishware, and photo frames to your open shelving to bring history to your kitchen.
5. Vibrant Small Kitchen Color Palette
To create a highly vibrant color palette for your kitchen, select colors that are opposites on the color wheel—otherwise known as complementary colors. Blue and orange or purple and yellow are classic examples that will guarantee your color selection still feels cohesive. Alternatively, select just one vibrant color to use as an accent against a neutral base, like cream or white. Your accent color can be sprinkled into your kitchen through drawer handles, curtains, and dishware.
6. Finishing Touches for Galley Kitchens
Make your kitchen feel lived-in and welcoming with a few easy decor pieces. Add a persian runner rug for underfoot comfort and warmth during the winter. Place a small collection of herbs on the window sill. Hang up art from a local artist to bring a piece of your community into the home.
7. Wine Storage Solutions for Galley Kitchens
Despite limited space in a small galley kitchen, you can still get creative with wine storage options. Add a wall-mounted wine rack to take advantage of empty wall space and display some of your favorite bottles, or use a free window sill to set up a stylish standing rack.
8. Open Concept Galley Kitchen Designs
Take advantage of your open-concept space to maximize seating. Install a kitchen island perpendicular to your workspace with room for bar seating. Or, build a custom bench and breakfast nook area for dining in your bay window.
9. Innovative Galley Kitchen Design Ideas
To truly transform your galley kitchen, you may consider a larger home renovation. If your galley kitchen is separated from the living room by a wall, you can knock down the wall to open up the space and bring in more light. You can also work with an architect to create a full kitchen extension on the side or back of your home, which is a popular option in historic row houses.
10. Minimalism in Galley Kitchen Layouts
Go for a minimalist aesthetic to keep your galley kitchen looking clean, organized, and decluttered. Eliminate the hardware on cabinets and drawers to streamline your storage area. Stick to neutral color schemes like white and light beige to create a light and airy look.
11. Galley Kitchens Illuminated with Skylights
With galley kitchens typically being small and narrow, adding an additional source of natural light can make a huge difference in your space. Consider installing a skylight to bring in bright, natural light during all hours of the day.
12. Lighting Strategies for Galley Kitchens
Add mirrors to empty wall space to increase natural light reflection and create the illusion of more space. Hang task pendant lighting over your sink, counter, or breakfast nook to give the room an ambient glow. Set up a small statement lamp on your island as a centerpiece of your decor.
13. Small Pantry Ideas for Galley Kitchens
If you have a small pantry, a good organization system is a must. Use drawer organizers and bins to efficiently organize ingredients, spices, and snacks. Hang items like pots, cutting boards, and knives on the wall to free up pantry space. Add a small bookshelf with baskets to your kitchen for extra storage.
14. Understanding Galley Kitchen Concepts
There are a few concepts that can help you maximize space in your galley kitchen. Be sure your refrigerator can open easily without hitting cabinets or a wall. Minimize the size of your sink to save counter space. Swap your permanent kitchen island with a mobile unit that can be rolled out of the way when needed.
15. Contrasting Black and White Galley Kitchen
A black and white kitchen is a classic style that ages beautifully over time. Install a large black and white tile floor to create a historic atmosphere. Hang up black and white checkered gingham curtains to keep up with 2024 trends. Add in one pop of color, like a bright green vase with flowers, to make a statement against your dichromatic space.
16. Elegant Marble Countertop Galley Kitchen
A light marble countertop will instantly upgrade your kitchen to have a more luxurious feel. Select a countertop with an overhang on one side, where you can store stools and add seating to your galley kitchen. Or, install a waterfall marble countertop to create the illusion of more space.
17. Bold Colors and Patterns in Galley Kitchens
Who says you can’t go bold with a small kitchen? The latest design trend of maximalism encourages bright colors, patterns, and shapes no matter the size of your home. Try a seafoam green or periwinkle blue wall color as a creative backdrop for your kitchen, and pick a contrasting color for your cabinets to add additional flair.
18. Peel-and-Stick Tile Galley Kitchen Upgrade
Peel-and-stick decorations are one of the modern innovations completely transforming DIY home design. Add a bold, patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper to your cabinets to create an eclectic kitchen atmosphere. Select a classic peel-and-stick vinyl tile to make your floor pop and help the kitchen feel like its own distinct room.
19. Greenery Accents in Galley Kitchens
Adding greenery into your galley kitchen is another way to breathe life into your space. If you have a window, install hanging planters or floating shelves to make room for house plants. Paint your cabinets green for a soothing pop of color. Or, install a green faucet as a statement piece in your kitchen.Make the most of limited space with dual-purpose furniture. Consider a stylish vanity that also serves as storage or a mirror with built-in shelving. Efficiency meets elegance in your powder room.
20. Creative Colorful Kitchen Designs
Lean into a bright, colorful design to give your kitchen character. Paint an accent wall with Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, to bring a splash of warmth to your space. Accessorize it with pastel flowers, earth-toned pottery on open shelving, and eggshell cabinets. Add splashes of mint green through plants or art prints to create an eye-catching contrast.
Contact us
Are you currently designing a galley kitchen? The team at LX Hausys can help. We provide free consultations on everything from furniture placement to countertop selection to ensure your galley kitchen renovation meets your needs. Reach out today to start a conversation.