Narrow Galley kitchen ideas The absolute minimum width between opposing worktops in a galley kitchen layout is 3 feet, whilst 4-5 feet is optimal. Very narrow galley kitchen spaces are best suited for a single user but there are many modern kitchen solutions designed to help you maximise space.
How to expand a galley kitchen?
How to Expand a Galley Kitchen
- Remove Interior Wall. One of the most common ways to expand a galley kitchen is to remove an interior, nonstructural wall and borrow space from an adjacent room.
- Add Pass-Through. If you don't have the space or budget to take out an entire interior wall, expand your galley kitchen by creating a pass-through instead.
- Give Up Pantry. ...
- Build an Addition. ...
What is the typical size of a kitchen?
180 to 440-square-feet is the kitchen size for most new home designs. 225-square-feet is the overall national average for a kitchen as it relates to average kitchen size. 175 to 200-square-feet is the average size of a kitchen and dining area that has been combined. As functionality is increased, so does the size of the kitchen area.
How tall is a standard kitchen cabinet?
Virtually all base kitchen cabinets come in a standard cabinet height of 34 1/2 inches. The exception would be in a kitchen for a wheelchair user, where the cabinets need to be custom made to the required height.
How to decorate a galley kitchen?
How to decorate and update a galley kitchen
- High-quality appliances. Ideally, choose built-in appliances for your galley kitchen. ...
- Clever colour choices. ...
- Open shelving and storage. ...
- Stand-out accessories and utensils. ...
- Bring in some plants. ...
- Change up the lighting. ...
What is the minimum width for a galley kitchen?
7-12 feet wideWhat Is the Minimum Width for a Galley Kitchen? Your galley should be 7-12 feet wide with a minimum of 3 ft between the opposing countertops. 3 ft works well for a single-occupancy kitchen, but ideally, you would need at least 4-5 feet.
How wide is the aisle in a galley kitchen?
To minimize problems with congestion when people are congregating or base-cabinets and appliances are open, the aisle should measure at least 4 to 6 feet wide, with the sink and refrigerator on one wall and the range on the opposite one.
What is the minimum width of a kitchen?
42 inches minimum in a single-cook kitchen. 48 inches minimum in a kitchen where more than one cook may be working.
What are the disadvantages of galley kitchen?
Here are a few cons of galley kitchens:Galley Kitchens Tend to be Narrow. The fact that galley kitchens tend to be narrow and a good fit for smaller spaces is both a pro and a con. ... A Galley Kitchen can be Difficult for Multiple People. ... Galley Kitchens Provide Limited Storage.
Where should a refrigerator go in a galley kitchen?
For a typical galley layout, McFadden suggests putting the refrigerator on one end, a pantry (if there is one) and wall ovens on the other end, with the sink and cooktop centered in the middle on opposite walls. If the kitchen is wide enough, he recommends putting the cooktop directly across from the sink.
What kitchen layout is appropriate for long narrow kitchen?
The galley kitchen is the most efficient layout for a narrow space. The layout offers workstations on two opposing walls with a walkway in the center. When coming up with galley kitchen ideas, we recommend installing major appliances on opposite walls.
What are the smallest dimensions you can have for a one wall kitchen?
Ideal one wall kitchen design dimensions Typically, the minimum width-by-length dimensions are 5.91 feet x 9.84 feet. Such an arrangement leaves a minimum distance of 2.95 feet to 3.94 feet for movement in the kitchen, any kitchen furniture, or for any access.
How much space do you need for a kitchen walkway?
Doorways and Walkways Passageways through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide (or desirably larger if you're building an open floor plan kitchen). In work areas, walkways should be at least 42 inches wide for one cook or 48 inches for multiple cooks.
How much wall space is needed for a kitchen?
To properly fit all of the necessary appliances, your one wall kitchen should be a minimum of 8 feet long. If you have a kitchen island where you will house one of your main appliances, you may be able to get by with less. When possible, try to give yourself as much counter space as you can.
Why do people not like galley kitchens?
Although galley kitchens fit well in smaller spaces they can tend to be narrow and tight on space. The narrow space makes it difficult for multiple people to be in the kitchen at the same time.
What Colour is best for a galley kitchen?
We suggest sticking to neutral hues, with colourful accents to add vibrancy. White or grey galley kitchens are a stylish choice and look particularly striking in compact spaces. Another trick is to anchor your kitchen with dark coloured base cabinets and lighter shades on your wall cabinets and surfaces.
Do people like galley kitchens?
Galley Kitchens Are Ideal for Small Spaces Either by personal choice or financial restraints, a person may prefer to live in a smaller space. This is one of the biggest factors behind the popularity of a galley kitchen. You do not need to allocate a lot of space to design a galley kitchen.
How do you layout a galley kitchen?
10 Tips For Planning A Galley KitchenAssess your space. ... Choose your galley look: Symmetrical … ... … or asymmetrical. ... Put tall cabinets on one wall. ... Or break up the run. ... Work with a galley corridor. ... Enhance a closed-off kitchen wall. ... Create a galley with an island.More items...•
How do you maximize space in a galley kitchen?
6 Brilliant Space-Making Solutions for Galley KitchensUse windowsills as shelves. Ideally, your galley kitchen has at least one window. ... Add a breakfast bar. ... Take advantage of the tops of your cabinets. ... Put storage racks wherever possible. ... Use whatever wall space you have. ... Don't forget the space over your window, too.
Can you put an island in a galley kitchen?
If you're considering adding a kitchen island to your galley kitchen remodel, you may be able to do so without any construction required. Portable kitchen islands are widely available, and they can be a great option for galley kitchens that are small enough to require a more flexible design.
What is a walk through kitchen called?
The galley kitchen, also called a walk-through kitchen, is characterized by two walls opposite of each other—or two parallel countertops with a walkway in between them.
How many feet should a galley kitchen cabinet run?
Plan for a minimum of 12-foot cabinet runs if possible to give your galley kitchen sufficient room for appliances, storage, and adequate workspace.
How to make a galley kitchen look bigger?
Smart design and organization will make a galley kitchen feel more spacious than the footprint suggests. 1 Add light to a galley kitchen, by either installing a window or a skylight or by adding bright ceiling and task lighting, will illuminate work areas and make the kitchen more inviting. 2 Choose light colors, as bold and dark hues can make a galley kitchen feel even narrower. Light shades on cabinets, painted walls, and other surfaces will make the kitchen feel larger. 3 Incorporate reflection—with, for example, stainless steel appliances and glossy tile backsplashes—to create the illusion of a bigger kitchen.
How far apart should you keep pans in a galley?
When designing a new galley kitchen, plan to keep the cabinet runs four to five feet apart for optimal meal preparation.
Where were galley kitchens installed?
The original galley kitchens were installed on ships and trains where limited space demanded compact, highly efficient meal preparation design. They featured parallel runs of cabinets with a work corridor between them, a setup that was adopted by restaurants and dwellings alike. While the arrangement remains a favorite of many professional chefs, homeowners are split—people tend to either love or loathe a galley kitchen.
Where was the galley kitchen?
Until the 1930s, galley kitchens were common in many homes, usually located at the back of the house —far removed from entertaining and dining areas. They were purely functional with no extra room for guests to chat with the cook. Larger kitchens became the norm in the ‘40s and ‘50s, and the galley was all but forgotten. Then, at the turn of the 21st Century, serious home cooks began clamoring for an all-business place for meal prep again. Today’s galley kitchens are designed for both functionality and style; they aren’t as small or dark as their forebears and are fitted with the latest appliances and storage options.
Can you remove a side of a galley kitchen?
While virtually any kitchen design can be accomplished, the cost will vary greatly depending on the complexities of rerouting pipes and wiring of the existing mechanical layout. Removing one side of an existing galley kitchen may require taking down a load-bearing wall.
What is the essential shape of a galley kitchen?
The Essential Shape. The essential shape of a galley kitchen is a narrow rectangular-shaped room with most of the appliances and countertops located along the two long walls , with the end walls featuring entry doors or windows. The term "galley" is used because of the similarity to the shape of the cooking spaces found in ship galleys.
How long is a galley kitchen?
The length of a work zone in a galley kitchen (such as the work triangle) should be a maximum of eight feet. The width of a galley kitchen should be seven to 12 feet with a minimum of three feet between opposing countertops.
What is a corridor kitchen?
The galley kitchen, sometimes referred to as a "corridor" kitchen, is a very common layout in apartments and in older, smaller homes where a more expansive L-shaped or open-concept ...
What is a work triangle in a kitchen?
The traditional kitchen work triangle —the arrangement of the principle cooking, storage, and food preparation areas —should be an equilateral triangle, with each arm the same length. Irregular triangles are awkward in galley kitchens. In the work triangle, the single element should be roughly centered opposite the elements found on the facing wall.
How to make a kitchen sink look bigger?
Place the sink in front of a window or pass-through opening in the wall. This has the effect of making the kitchen feel larger and brighter.
Why is it important to have the kitchen open on one end?
Having the kitchen open on one end only is the most efficient arrangement since it reduces foot traffic through the space.
Where should upper cabinets be placed?
Spaces above the refrigerator and stove may accommodate specialty cabinets designed for these spaces. No upper cabinets should be placed above the sink.
What is a galley kitchen?
The key to owning and making the most of the space is a layout that maximizes efficiency, like a galley. By definition, a galley kitchen consists of two parallel sides with a narrow passage in between.
How wide was Emily's kitchen?
The six-foot-wide galley kitchen in Emily’s prewar apartment was completely cut off from the living room. To open it up and make the layout more ideal for entertaining, her contractor created a pass-through window with an extended counter and two stools on the non-kitchen side.
What is the purpose of Sheilaja and Sergio's long galley kitchen?
They instead used that extra space to take advantage of the room’s length and install lower cabinets all the way to the window wall.
Why did Sandra and Michael change the kitchen layout?
Sandra and Michael overhauled their existing galley kitchen layout to add more cabinet and counter space. They chose narrow base cabinets (basically wall cabinets) to save the square footage without making it feel more cramped.
What did Jill and Aaron do with their kitchen?
Rethinking the walls surrounding their kitchen gave Jill and Aaron the idea to open one side up and close off another. Closing off the doorway between the galley kitchen and dining room—and opening up the wall between the kitchen and living room—allowed them to create a much more open and functional space. The new layout feels extra roomy and is ideal for entertaining.
What are the advantages of a galley kitchen?
Galley kitchens have the advantage of everything being close to hand, as well as being able to become a through passage to other rooms or link to the outside.
How to offset the feeling of being enclosed in a galley kitchen?
Offset the feeling of being enclosed in a galley kitchen by incorporating different but complimentary kitchen units. The illusion of space and the contemporary styling ensures that the space feels deliberate and well considered.
How to make a kitchen work twice as hard?
While lack of kitchen worktop space can be a limiting factor, make the units work twice as hard by maximising storage for usual kitchen counter clutter like microwaves, seldom-used toasters and small appliances. Installing a boiling water tap will further streamline the design.
Why do you need a sliding door in a galley kitchen?
Depending on your household, you may want to include barn-style sliding or pocket doors in your design to reduce the chances of pets or small children running through when you have a hot pan or sharp knife in your hand.
What to do with a narrow space?
The trouble with a really narrow space is that even with the best will in the world, you will frequently use the same spot for preparing food time and time again. So, put the area to good use — a small seating area or bar can be a lovely addition to create a cosy seating area for a quick breakfast or a drink with a friend after work.
Is a galley kitchen good for a cook?
Initially, galley kitchens can be tricky to plan, but their inherent compact nature actually makes them great for avid cooks ( and those who enjoy a good kitchen disco away from open- plan spaces) once it's been cracked.
Can you use a galley kitchen in a semi detached home?
While we tend to think of galley kitchens in existing Victorian or semi-detached homes, opting for this layout during a kitchen remodel is a great idea for those who have a passion for cooking and minimal space.
How to make a galley kitchen look more open?from kitchencabinetkings.com
Since a galley kitchen can be constraining, it's best to add storage that creates an open and airy feel. Try adding floating shelves above your counter or install sleek and minimalist cabinets. It can also be helpful to use light color pairings and try ambient lighting such as under cabinet lighting and recessed lighting. Light or monochromatic paint colors on your cabinets or light-colored flooring can give the illusion of more space.
How much space between cabinets in a galley?from kitchencabinetkings.com
To comfortably accommodate more than one person in the kitchen, make sure there are four to five feet of space between the opposing cabinets in your galley kitchen.
What is an asymmetrical galley kitchen?from kitchencabinetkings.com
The asymmetrical galley kitchen has a few options. You have the option to differentiate the lengths of the countertops, having one run longer than the other. This is a good option if you want to create space for your dining area next to the shorter counter. You can also change the cabinetry set up by adding full wall cabinets to one side and open shelving on the other side. An asymmetrical layout is perfect for small kitchens where you need flexibility, allowing you to break up the counters and cabinets if needed.
Why do you need asymmetrical kitchen layout?from kitchencabinetkings.com
A symmetrical layout works well in larger kitchens because you won't need to worry about creating a more spacious feel, but you may want more versatility if you have limited space. If you have a kitchen with limited space, you'll want to consider having an asymmetrical design so that you can have counters of differing lengths or cabinets that vary shapes and sizes. This will help you to create a more strategic design that works with the space you have.
Why did the Galley kitchen become popular?from kitchencabinetkings.com
Galley kitchens emerged from the kitchen layout used on ships or trains, which was designed to fit into small areas with the ability to accommodate multiple cooks. Due to the efficiency of its layout, it soon became a preferred layout for professional chefs and amateur cooks alike.
What is the best layout for a kitchen remodel?from kitchencabinetkings.com
If cooking is a passion of yours and you're looking to create a layout that works well for prep work, then a galley kitchen could be the best layout for your redesign. If you're interested in more inspiration for your next kitchen remodel, check out our kitchen lighting ideas. We cover everything you need to know about adding new lighting to your culinary space to help you create the perfect ambiance in your kitchen.
What side of the kitchen is the refrigerator on?from kitchencabinetkings.com
Galley kitchens typically have the sink and refrigerator on one side, while the stove and oven are on the other side. This layout helps keep prep work more streamlined with the ability to travel back and forth between the refrigerator and sink with minimal effort. If possible, it's recommended to place the refrigerator close to the entryway to make the process of putting groceries away easier.
Narrow kitchen ideas – maximize space in a long kitchen layout
If your kitchen is on the narrow side, there is plenty to feel positive about. With some clever tricks of the trade, there are in fact multiple small kitchen ideas that wall help turn that awkward kitchen layout into something stylish and sophisticated, so don’t give up just yet.
1. Invest in bespoke cabinets if you have an awkward layout
While the average kitchen consists of four straight-ish walls and a series of cubes, not all rooms are so accommodating. Narrow kitchen ideas might be more time consuming to plan but, with careful management and expert advice, seemingly negative constructional quirks can be turned to your advantage.
3. Use an island to separate an open plan space
In recent years, a third galley scenario has evolved. 'Modern galley kitchens can be part of a much larger space featuring a wall-hugging galley run with a long island running parallel, separating a living or dining area beyond,' explains Paul O’Brien, director, Kitchens International.
4. Plan for cabinetry without handles
Create a feeling of spaciousness by opting for sleek, handleless units, pale-colored finishes and glossy, light-reflecting surfaces, with clutter kept to a minimum. Technological advances in push-open and close doors means that it has become possible to dispense with handles in both wall and base cabinets.
5. Use lighting to your advantage
When space to wow is limited, look upward for inspiration. In this narrow, galley kitchen in Copenhagen a pair of outsized designer suspension lights by Artemide take full advantage of the room’s epic height, while the arctic white ceiling cuts a crisp note against mossy green walls.
6. Create a space for dining
Galley kitchens are celebrated for their cooking efficiency but they’re usually found in enclosed rooms and therefore not the most sociable of arrangements. If you have sufficient length available, a banquette-style nook or breakfast bar is a great way to provide somewhere for people to chat, without interrupting culinary progress.
7. Extend in glass
Natural light is everything when you’re cooking in narrow confines. A lean-to glazed kitchen extension idea has added precious dining space to this narrow kitchen, while opening the views out to the garden all year round.
What to use instead of wall units in a galley kitchen?
Use open shelves instead of wall units, which can make a galley kitchen feel cramped and closed-in. Raw oak shelves have an industrial feel and could be used for spices, jars and cherished ceramics. For a more modern feel, opt for high gloss white or metallic shelves.
Why install an oven at eye level in a galley?
Built-in appliances are the ideal solution for galley kitchens, as they create a sleek and streamlined environment while freeing up plenty of space to enjoy family meals and entertaining. Installing ovens at eye level is not only kinder on the back but also prevents anyone from walking into the oven door when open.
How wide is a slimline wine cabinet?
Slimline appliances will make the most of every inch. A single zone undercounter wine cabinet like this one is only 145mm wide but has room for eight bottles as well as LED lighting, wooden racks, LED display and reversible door.
What is a good idea for a glamorous kitchen?
Good idea! For a glamorous kitchen, choose sleek handleless cabinetry with dramatic contrast trims – they come in a range of metallic finishes
How to add depth to kitchen cabinets?
Choose light-coloured cabinets to enhance a feeling of space then add depth by using a darker finish for worktops, splashbacks and side panels.
How to slot in a curved breakfast bar?
Simply pop a couple of bar stools underneath for an instant dining space that adds extra shape and character to a linear space.
How to elongate a room?
Draw the eye to a window at one end of the room with a vibrant blind, as this will help to elongate the space. It can also add a splash of colour or an on-trend pattern or print, which will be quick and easy to swap when you fancy a change.
What is a small galley kitchen?from designingidea.com
Small galley kitchens can contrast using darker cabinetry by utilizing plenty of lighting, light color countertops, backsplash and flooring. This traditional galley style kitchen is open on one side, serving as a small breakfast nook with black upholstered chairs.
What is the color of the subway tile in a galley kitchen?from designingidea.com
This tight galley kitchen is made wider thanks to the linear illusion created by the cool grey-green subway tiles along its backsplash and light grey walls. The crystal chandelier at its center illuminates the grey travertine tiles in a coursed ashlar layout and the Juparana Delicatus granite countertops. Plain white cabinets and a door frame leading to the trendy living room complete the retro modern look of this kitchen.
What is white cabinetry?from designingidea.com
White cabinetry is frequently used in small galley kitchens because it reflects light and brightens a compact space. This small traditional galley style kitchen comes with basic white raised panel cabinets, chrome-finished hardware, grey walls and a hanging pendant lamp with Edison bulb over the stainless steel wash basin. Modern flair is added by installing a space black granite countertop and backsplash with large, rough white grains running along its length, adding linearity to the galley.
What color cabinets are used in a cottage kitchen?from designingidea.com
The cottage style of this galley kitchen is embodied by its main highlight, the light blue undercounter cabinets. Chrome finished handles are used and continue on to the white paneled hanging cabinets. Red oak floors with its rich wood finish contrasts well with the blue cabinets and the Bianco Romano granite countertops. The white tiled backsplash and stainless steel appliances provide a modern cottage style touch, as does the solitary hanging lamp over the wash basin facing the double hung mullioned window.
What color is the backsplash on the Astoria kitchen?from designingidea.com
The rich grains and texture of Red Astoria granite countertops are matched by the deep reddish wooden cabinets with chrome-finished handles. The stainless steel farmhouse style wash basin looks modern but the beige mosaic tile backsplash paired with the diamond-layout orange ceramic tiles on the floor gives this galley kitchen a rustic vibe.
What color is a transitional kitchen?from designingidea.com
This transitional style kitchen features cool light grey walls with a darker shade of grey for the cabinets. Paired with chrome-finished handles, lighter accents are also found in its powder blue subway tile backsplash and Andino white granite countertops. A warmer, huskier tone was used for the wood flooring in order to contrast with the cool shades. Small galley kitchens can contrast using darker cabinetry by utilizing plenty of lighting, light color countertops, backsplash and flooring.
What color is used in a modern kitchen?from designingidea.com
Cool tones of grey are used in this modern-style galley kitchen, starting with the pale grained engineered wood flooring. Moving upwards, the minimalist paneled drawers feature a chrome-finished bar, and the speckled Tundra Gray marble counters create an interesting dynamic with the blue glass mosaic tile backsplash. A shuttered window centered towards the end of the galley bring in natural light and provide a classic accent to the modernity of the kitchen.
The Essential Shape
Basic Dimensions
- A galley kitchen can be any length by dividing the kitchen into multiple work zones. The length of a work zone in a galley kitchen (such as the work triangle) should be a maximum of eight feet.
- The width of a galley kitchen should be seven to 12 feet with a minimum of three feet between opposing countertops. Three feet of walking space between countertops is a bare minimum a…
- A galley kitchen can be any length by dividing the kitchen into multiple work zones. The length of a work zone in a galley kitchen (such as the work triangle) should be a maximum of eight feet.
- The width of a galley kitchen should be seven to 12 feet with a minimum of three feet between opposing countertops. Three feet of walking space between countertops is a bare minimum and is best res...
Basic Design Elements
- Countertops 1. Includes two countertops on opposing walls at the optimal countertop height(generally 36 inches high). 2. Each countertop should be of relatively equal length to provide maximum working surface and appealing visual proportions. Cabinets 1. Optimal cabinet heightsshould be used unless special considerations exist. Generally, this means 36-inch high b…
Other Considerations
- Having the kitchen open at both ends creates a through traffic corridor—you will need a space wider than the three-foot minimum to allow for traffic flow.
- Having the kitchen open on one end only is the most efficient arrangement since it reduces foot traffic through the space.
- Place the sink in front of a window or pass-through opening in the wall. This has the effect of …
- Having the kitchen open at both ends creates a through traffic corridor—you will need a space wider than the three-foot minimum to allow for traffic flow.
- Having the kitchen open on one end only is the most efficient arrangement since it reduces foot traffic through the space.
- Place the sink in front of a window or pass-through opening in the wall. This has the effect of making the kitchen feel larger and brighter.
- Ensure you have the proper lighting levelsfor the working tasks. This may include an over-sink light fixture and under-cabinet task lighting, in addition to a central ceiling fixture.