Designing A Galley Kitchen

A kitchen with blue and white cabinets with gold hardware and a farmhouse sink

Consumer Information

A narrow kitchen, more commonly referred to as a galley kitchen, can be challenging to create adequate space due to space limitations. Still, with good design and planning, it can become a functional area that meets all the homeowners’ needs. Remember that small and narrow does not mean cramped and lacking style. Today, we are sharing some of our best design tips on how to get the most out of your galley kitchen.

Include The Necessities

While appliances will take up a certain amount of room in the design, there are ways to include what is essential to you while still having sufficient space for storage. Many appliances offer smaller models that still perform but take up less space. Consider using a smaller sink since a large one can take away counter space. Be sure to talk with your designer about what is important to you and the available options.

Utilizing Natural Light

When space is small, allowing natural light into the room can create the illusion of a larger area. Leaving a large window at one end of the kitchen can immediately add warmth and space. A skylight is also always a great option since it takes no space away from the walls yet still allows natural light to pour in.

white kitchen and brown island with hardwood floors

Include A Breakfast Nook

Most would agree that the kitchen is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a meal, but with a smaller, narrow kitchen space, this is not as easy, but it is not impossible. Consider adding a small seating built-in; this saves valuable space but allows for your morning coffee, afternoon snacks for the kids, and even a small family meal. By saving room through built-ins, more cabinets and storage options are available.

Go Up In Your Galley Kitchen

Floor-to-the-ceiling will be among your best assets in a galley kitchen. Don’t be afraid to utilize the whole wall of the kitchen. By going up, you can maximize storage and use that space to store items that are rarely used. A wall oven can be used in this type of design as well. Another option would be to allow the top cabinets to be glass-fronted so you can display unique dishes as works of art.

Design Tips For A Galley Kitchen

It is not always easy to create the right balance of style and function, but several tips can help bring out the best of the galley kitchen style. Here are a few of our favorites to help spark your creativity.

White cabinets can make the space look more extensive due to their clean and fresh appearance.
A colorful backsplash adds a pop of color and visual interest without taking up space, and it is perfect for adding a personal touch to the design.
Glass-front cabinets open the area up to create a bigger illusion of space.
A larger tile size can help the space seem larger than it is.
Placement is essential, especially if there are multiple people in the kitchen. Think through who will use the space and try to keep certain things together, such as baking supplies and dinner prep. Doing this will help the kitchen run smoothly and efficiently.

Design is key to any space, especially when space is limited. It is a good idea to talk with your designer to achieve a space that is just right for you and your lifestyle. Read a few more tips here.

Functional and Stylish

A narrow galley kitchen never means you lose out on function and style; however, it does require a good designer to achieve this. We have helped multiple clients gain the square footage they needed in a variety of unique layouts and sizes. Our team of designers is experienced in maximizing space in any room, so give us a call to schedule your design meeting, and let’s get that galley kitchen looking stylish and functional.

byStacey Walker/onSeptember 7, 2024/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inConsumer Information

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Oak, white, and blue kitchen cabinets with a pass through door

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