Galley Kitchen Ideas

Growing up I’ve lived in apartments with these small galley kitchens. I was not a big fan of them, they felt too small and cramped. When my friend reached out needing help to design his apartment and I saw the kitchen, I knew this would be a great opportunity to change my mind! These small kitchens can make big statements! Read along to see this small galley kitchen design.

A galley kitchen is also known as a corridor kitchen. The layout consists of two parallel walls lining a narrow walkway. Galley kitchens became popular in the 1900s and got their name from shipboard galley. It is a great use of limited space normally found aboard ships.

Many people started using this idea in their homes that were ideal for small spaces. Flash forward to today, you’ll see galley kitchens in small homes and apartments.

Best Galley Kitchen Designs

When I first took a look at this kitchen the size didn’t bother me as much because look at all those cabinets! Lot’s of storage for such a small space!

First thing on the punch list was to paint the cabinets. It would brighten up the space and make it feel more open.

When designing a space on a budget, my first approach is to see what we can keep. Keeping the same layout and not having to move any plumbing can save you thousands.

Brilliant Space Making Solutions For Galley Kitchens

The goal for this tiny galley kitchen design was to keep the same layout and upgrade what was already there. Painting the walls and cabinets, adding new hardware to the cabinets, a new ceiling light, and new countertops and backslash.

New flooring was already added and we were going to keep the same stove, that was removed to be cleaned, and keep the same vent hood.

There was an open space on the lower right near the sink that did not have a cabinet. So we measured the space and purchased a new base cabinet with drawer. It fits perfectly and although it’s slightly different, once painted it blends in nicely!

Gorgeous Galley Kitchen Design Ideas

Because the space is so small, deciding on what paint colors to paint the cabinets was very important. I know I wanted the upper cabinets and walls to be white. This will open up the space and it won’t just look like a room full of cabinets.

To add some interest and color, doing two-toned cabinets would work best. Initially, doing dark lower cabinets sounded great but I wanted the entire space to feel light and airy. So we went with Benjamin Moore October Mist for the lower cabinets and Benjamin Moore Simply White for the upper cabinets.

We hired a cabinet painter for this project but if you are looking to save money and take on this project yourself, checkout How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets. I painted the kitchen cabinets in one of the apartments at our rental property an they turned out great!

What Is A Galley Kitchen? Example Floorplans & More

When I ran into this Boutique Ceramic Zellige Glazed Ceramic Subway Wall Tile at Lowe’s I knew I had to use it! I love the variations in the colors and it looks so much like the popular Cloe tiles but for a fraction of the price!

New quartz countertops were installed and it included a new stainless steel sink. We went with a nice single basin undermount sink and paired that with a pretty brushed gold faucet.

The original white knobs and pulls on the cabinets were replaced with brushed brass pulls and knobs. It came together so nicely with the cabinet colors and faucet.

How To Expand A Galley Kitchen

I like to shop on Amazon for affordable knobs and pulls. I like that they come in bulk and there are lots of options to choose from too!

A nice new light fixture that provides great lighting when the sun isn’t shining through the window compliments the kitchen so well.

We were able to salvage the original vent hood and stove and it honestly looks great in the space. Because of the dark cabinets and overall lighting in the room, we thought the hood was off white. I even wiped it clean and it still looked off white. That was until everything was painted and we brought it back into the kitchen to realize that it was a nice bright white! The lighting was making it look beige!

How To Design A Galley Kitchen

Painted the walls and trim Sherwin Williams Pure White and to bring in some warmth we added a nice Roman shade to the window.

Right outside the tiny kitchen is a retro fridge which is perfect for the space and a cute little breakfast nook right before heading into the dining space.

In the base cabinet that was added to fill that empty space that was previously there, we installed pull out trash bins and a drawer organizer for the utensils in the drawer.

Galley Kitchen Ideas

To dry dishes in the sink, we purchased a roll up dish drying rack and appliances that we were able to store in the surplus of cabinets that were already in this kitchen.

This small galley kitchen design came together so well! Despite the space being so small, I think we’ve managed to make a big statement. It’s a fresh, bright and airy space now instead of a dark hallway full of cabinets.A galley kitchen is long and narrow with cabinets along two parallel walls. While some argue that galley kitchens feel crammed and claustrophobic, others find them to be efficient, accessible and great for storage — especially when trying to maximize limited square footage. Due to their tiny nature, galley kitchen layouts are also best if you're working on a budget. Whether you've got a galley kitchen in need of a makeover or you're considering a complete kitchen remodel, we've rounded up stunning galley kitchen ideas that pack a ton of style into small spaces.

Just because you're working with a compact setup, doesn't mean you need to sacrifice beautiful kitchen design. Use shades of bright white, reflective surfaces and natural light to open up small kitchen designs — but don't forget to layer in geometric patterns, open shelving and pops of vibrant color. We've demonstrated how statement kitchen lighting, daring cabinet colors and eclectic floor runners can actually help to create the illusion of more space.

Galley Kitchen Ideas And Layouts To Suit Any Space

If you're looking to get creative, you'll find inspiration for adorable breakfast nooks and other open galley kitchen layouts — like merging dining and kitchen spaces with island seating. And, if you want clever ways to incorporate 2023 kitchen design trends into your narrow layout, consider colorful backsplashes, overstated hardware and bold kitchen paint colors. Start scrolling to find an idea that fits your home style — there's everything from farmhouse to modern.

Dark lower cabinets help to define a space, while light upper cabinets make a room feel larger by reflecting light. In this Upper East Side kitchen, Bakes & Kropp goes for black lower cabinets with statement hardware — and keeps it minimal up top.

From the gold hardware and statement runner to the soothing green cabinetry, interior designer Julia Chasman makes this small space feel so elegant. She even uses built-in cabinets to hide the fridge, which furthers the calm, cohesive feel.

Galley Kitchen Ideas: 14 Designs For Narrow Kitchens

Pack style into a small space with vibrant hues and playful patterns — just as Shelby Girard, VP of creative and design at Havenly, does here.

Maximize a narrow space with true white cabinets and compact kitchen appliances. Layer in lively details like a Mediterranean tile backsplash, gold hardware and industrial-style lighting.

Make a galley kitchen aisle feel more spacious with chic floor tiles, like this classic herringbone pattern. Here, REFORM pairs the gray flooring with sleek pink cabinetry and minimal light fixtures.

Creative Galley Kitchen Remodel Ideas That You Will Love

Not only does a colorful runner make a narrow aisle feel spacious, it adds instant warmth and texture to an interior. Take note from Brio Interior Design and go for a vibrant and geometric style.

Create visual intrigue by combining cabinet styles and finishes. Here, Reena Sotropa In House Design Group sticks with bright whites on one side but chooses warm woods and black marble for the other.

From the checkerboard flooring and statement runner to the elegant gold stove and two-tone cabinets, this cheerful kitchen combines various colors and patterns.

Galley Kitchen Remodel Ideas That Make A Difference

At the end of this Greenwich Village kitchen, the Mendelson Group builds a small breakfast nook with just enough seating for two.

In a galley layout, you can choose to go for a bold backsplash on one or both sides of your kitchen. Recreate this calm interior by Lily Spindle and use eye-catching tilework on only one side.

When in doubt, stick with sophisticated white shades — from countertops to cabinetry to molding. Hint: light wood flooring pairs perfectly with an all-white design.

Small Kitchen Ideas

Paired with open shelving, two adjustable arm sconces brighten up this blue kitchen. Interior designer Tiffany Gowler keeps it light with natural woods and pops of greenery.

If space permits, extend your countertop to create a compact bar area — complete with counter stools. We love how Union of Art Interiors adds a large window that overlooks the landscape to create the illusion of more space.

Many galley kitchens have a window at the far end, which is a great way to separate a narrow aisle

Galley Kitchen Designs That Maximize Space