Galley kitchens, known for their narrow layouts and parallel walls of cabinetry, can be challenging spaces to cook and entertain in. Though galley kitchens maximize space, their confined feeling can make remodeling seem daunting. However, with careful planning and creative solutions, you can open up and transform your galley kitchen into a highly functional and inviting room.
We’ll also share ideas for lighting, storage, and space-saving tips to make your remodeled kitchen both stylish and efficient. Read on for the key considerations and steps to take when remodeling a galley kitchen.
Galley Kitchen Layout Options
When remodeling your galley kitchen, the layout provides the foundation for your design. Carefully consider how you use your kitchen and what matters most – workflow, storage, or aesthetics? Here are some of the most common galley kitchen layouts to consider:
Single Wall Layout
The single wall (or one-wall) galley kitchen layout places cabinets and appliances along one wall, with the opposite wall usually left open. This straightforward layout is budget-friendly since cabinetry is only installed on one side. It promotes an efficient kitchen workflow and allows for easy traffic flow. However, the single wall design offers limited storage and countertop space.
Double Wall Layout
The double wall (or two-wall) galley kitchen is the most common layout. Cabinets and countertops line up on both sides of the walkway. This maximizes your storage and prep space. But the confined galley width can still feel restrictive. Careful measurements are needed to ensure proper walkway width and clearance between cabinets.
L-Shaped Layout
An L-shaped galley kitchen has cabinets installed on two adjoining walls, turning at a right angle like an “L.” This layout provides ample storage and countertop space by using two walls rather than just one. It also allows for a more spacious feel. Adding an island or peninsula can further enhance the l-shaped kitchen’s workflow.
U-Shaped Layout
The U-shaped layout places cabinets on three walls – typically two sides and the back wall. This creates an efficient kitchen work triangle while maximizing every inch of space. The U-shaped galley can feel closed-off from adjoining rooms, but provides abundant storage and prep surface area.
Key Considerations for Layout
When deciding on your ideal galley kitchen layout, keep the following key factors in mind:
- Available Space – Consider the size and shape of the room. Long, narrow spaces are best suited for single or double wall layouts.
- Workflow – Ensure your layout promotes an efficient cooking workflow.
- Storage – Maximize every inch of space with layouts that incorporate ample cabinets.
- Budget – simpler layouts like the single wall are more affordable.
- Aesthetics – Determine the look and feel you want for the new kitchen.
Maximizing Space in a Galley Kitchen
While galley kitchens are space-constrained, smart design solutions can help you make the most of the narrow galley space. Here are some ideas to visually open up your kitchen and gain more function:
Islands and Peninsulas
Islands or peninsulas are great options for adding work surface and storage without taking up wall space. Even a narrow island transforms a confining galley into an efficient U-shape. For more open feel, use a peninsula against one wall rather than an island.
Removing Walls
If feasible with your home’s structure, removing walls around your galley kitchen can instantly make the space feel more open and airy. Consult with contractors to see if a full or partial wall can be taken down.
Cabinetry Storage Solutions
Maximize vertical storage with floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Additional interior storage solutions include pull-out shelves, lazy susans, and drawer organizers. Optimize corner cabinet space with angled lazy susans or specialized corner cabinets.
Open Shelving
Replace some upper cabinets with open shelving to reduce visual bulk. Greenery and decorative items on the shelves also enhances visual space. Just be sure to still include sufficient closed cabinetry for storage.
Small Appliances
Trading a standard stove for a smaller appliance like an oven, microwave drawer, or cooktop helps save precious floor space in a galley kitchen.
Optical Illusions
Installing mirrors is a creative way to visually double your space. Place across from windows or doors to create an open, bright look.
Galley Kitchen Storage Solutions
Despite their narrow dimensions, galley kitchens can be customized with storage options to eliminate clutter and keep cooking essentials organized. Consider these galley-friendly storage ideas:
Base and Wall Cabinetry
Take full advantage of your lower and upper cabinet space with base and wall cabinets sized to fit the galley walls precisely. Opt for cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling for max storage.
Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers
Install pull-out shelves in base cabinets and large drawers for pots and pans. This provides easy access to items that otherwise get buried in deep cabinet spaces.
Lazy Susans and Organizers
Lazy susans efficiently use tricky corner cabinet space. Drawer organizers keep utensils, spices and other items neatly compartmentalized.
Pantry Addition
If space allows, adding a pantry provides welcome storage overflow. Even a narrow floor-to-ceiling pantry can accommodate appliances and shelving for food items and small appliances.
Open Shelving
As mentioned above, open shelving looks lighter and airier than wall cabinets. Use for frequently-used items like dishes. Add hooks for hanging utensils and pots.
Galley Kitchen Lighting Tips
Proper lighting transforms a dark, closed-in galley into a fresh, inviting space. Include a mix of lighting sources for visually opening up your new kitchen:
Overhead Lighting
Recessed ceiling lights provide overall ambient lighting. Space evenly for consistent light distribution. Dimmer switches allow adjusting brightness.
Under Cabinet Lighting
Strip lighting installed under upper cabinets illuminates countertops for food prep and cooking tasks. Choose LEDs for efficiency and long life.
Decorative Lighting
Pendant lights centered over a kitchen island or peninsula add style while directing light right where it’s needed most. Sconces flanking a galley sink offer targeted task lighting.
Natural Light
Make the most of any natural light your galley kitchen receives. Unobstructed windows, skylights, and glass doors keep the space feeling open and airy.
Galley Kitchen Remodel Costs
On average, expect to pay $17,000 – $21,000 to remodel a galley kitchen. Here are some factors affecting your budget:
- Layout changes like removing walls or adding an island
- Cabinetry – custom or semi-custom cost more than stock
- Countertops – materials like quartz and granite are pricey
- High-end appliances and fixtures
- Flooring upgrades like hardwood or tile
- Extensive wiring and plumbing work
Some affordable ideas for galley kitchen updates:
- New cabinet hardware and drawer pulls
- Painting cabinets
- Adding a backsplash
- Refinishing existing floors
- Replacing lighting fixtures
For a complete luxury galley kitchen remodel, expect to spend $35,000 or more with high-end finishes and pro-grade appliances.
Galley Kitchen Remodel Process
Remodeling your kitchen takes careful planning and attention to details. Be prepared for some disruption to your home’s regular routine during the process. Here’s a general overview of the galley kitchen remodel steps:
Planning and Preparation
Finalize your kitchen design, choose materials and products, and get all essential permits. Remove belongings from cabinets and prep the space.
Demolition
Kitchen structures like walls come down, and old cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and appliances are removed.
Installation
New cabinetry, countertops, and appliances are installed. Plumbing and electrical work takes place.
Flooring
Existing flooring comes up and new durable, water-resistant flooring goes down, like tile or luxury vinyl.
Lighting and Plumbing
New sinks, fixtures and lighting like under cabinet lights get installed and wired.
Final details like caulking, a fresh coat of paint, and re-installing decor complete your kitchen transformation.
Remodeling your cramped galley into a spacious, highly functional kitchen takes strategic planning. Following the layout, lighting, and storage solutions outlined above will help you create your dream galley kitchen design within your unique space.
From single wall to U-shaped layouts, we covered galley kitchen pros, cons and considerations to guide your remodel. Creative lighting, cabinetry, open shelving, and other space-saving ideas will prevent your renovated galley kitchen from feeling confining. With an optimized layout and storage solutions tailored to you, even a compact, narrow galley kitchen can become an inviting hub for cooking and connecting.
