Introduction
A galley kitchen design can be an excellent choice for smaller spaces like apartments, condos, and vacation homes. Though compact, a thoughtfully designed galley kitchen can provide ample storage, functionality, and style. This week we explore a wonderfully efficient galley kitchen in a California wine country cottage. With its timeless white cabinetry, marble accents, and pops of black, this kitchen proves galley kitchens can be fresh, inviting, and perfectly suited for entertaining.
Overview of the Galley Kitchen Design
A galley kitchen refers to a kitchen layout where the cabinets, appliances, and countertops are all lined up on two parallel walls, with an aisle in between. This creates an efficient, assembly-line-like workflow. Galley kitchen layouts are common in spaces like city apartments, condos, older homes, and vacation cottages where a more open kitchen design may not be feasible.
Some key features of the galley kitchen in this wine country cottage include:
- White shaker-style cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware provides a light, airy feel
- Marble countertops and a marble subway tile backsplash offer elegance
- Stainless steel appliances keep the look modern and streamlined
- Pops of black in the cabinets, island, and pendant lights create contrast
- Open shelving provides display space without closing the room in
- The island creates additional prep space and seating
Despite being compact, this kitchen includes all the essential work zones – cleaning, cooking, prep, and storage. Thoughtful design choices make the space feel open and inviting, rather than closed off and cramped. Continue reading for a closer look at how this galley kitchen creates style and function within a small footprint.
Clever Design Solutions for Small Galley Kitchens
When working with a galley kitchen layout, every inch counts. Here are some clever design solutions that maximize function and style:
- Optimize traffic flow – Place frequently used appliances and prep zones close together to minimize steps. Locate cleaning and cooking zones farthest from the entryway to prevent bottlenecking.
- Use mirrors strategically – Mirrors create the illusion of more space. Place across from windows or along the backsplashes of parallel walls.
- Install sliding doors – Swapping hinged cabinets for sliding doors saves precious inches of clearance within a compact kitchen.
- Choose multipurpose furniture – Opt for a storage bench or stools at the island rather than bulky chairs and tables.
- Work vertically – Floor-to-ceiling shelving, narrow wall cabinets, and hanging pot racks keep items off the counters while utilizing vertical real estate.
- Let there be light – Abundant task lighting and reflective surfaces prevent a small galley kitchen from feeling dark and closed in.
Galley Kitchen Layout and Floor Plan
This galley kitchen is located within a 750 square foot wine country cottage. The home’s open concept living-dining-kitchen space allows an abundance of natural light to reach the kitchen.
The kitchen footprint measures 12 feet by 10 feet – quite compact, but highly functional thanks to careful space planning. Here are some key details about the layout:
- 12 foot galley run created between parallel walls
- Island parallel to counters provides dining space and extra prep area
- Fridge/freezer placed at end of galley run nearest dining space
- Cooktop and wall ovens situated nearest living room for ventilation
- Sink located close to dining area for easy cleanup
- Upper cabinets maximize vertical storage above the counters
- Open shelving substitutes for some upper cabinets
- Sliding doors on several base cabinets save space
By placing appliances in complementary zones, this galley layout allows for efficient workflow between sink, prep, oven, and fridge. The island adds space for meal prep and casual dining without cluttering the main galley. Open shelving reduces visual clutter while providing display space. Overall, the layout makes the most out of every inch while maintaining an open, inviting feel.
Galley Kitchen Layout Pros and Cons
Galley kitchen layouts come with distinct advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Efficient use of space
- Allows for assembly-line workflow
- Can accommodate multiple cooks
- Easy to organize into work zones
- Walls provide abundant storage space
Cons:
- Limited room for kitchen table
- Traffic flows can create bottlenecks
- Less open feel than L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens
- Requires careful planning for optimal function
Despite the cons, this kitchen does an admirable job offsetting common galley kitchen pitfalls through careful layout and design.
Galley Kitchen Cabinetry and Design Elements
Bright, Airy Cabinetry
Crisp white shaker-style cabinetry keeps the space light and airy, contrasting beautifully with the black accents. Brushed nickel hardware provides an understated elegance. The upper cabinets maximize storage without feeling oppressive.
Open shelving substitutes for some upper cabinets. This provides display space in a compact footprint while preventing a closed-in feeling. The lower cabinets include a combination of hinged and sliding doors. The sliding doors optimize space savings.
Elegant Marble Accents
Marble offers timeless elegance. White marble countertops provide ample prep space while bouncing light around the room. A marble subway tile backsplash offers a classic look with endless design possibilities. Black grout provides that extra pop of contrast.
Marble does require some extra maintenance to keep it looking pristine. But the end result is a kitchen with incredible style staying power.
Modern Black Accents
Pops of black prevent all the white cabinetry from feeling sterile:
- Black lower cabinets anchor the space and provide visual interest
- Black shelving adds display space and dimension
- Black metal pendants make a bold style statement
- Black window frames tie in with the other accents
Together, the white cabinetry and marble balanced by bold black accents creates a kitchen that manages to feel fresh, elegant, and inviting.
Galley Kitchen Appliances and Amenities
This kitchen maximizes function and convenience without overcrowding the compact space.
Streamlined Stainless Steel Appliances
The stainless steel appliances include:
- 30-inch slide-in gas range with 5 burners
- Over-the-range microwave oven
- Pair of wall ovens mounted side-by-side
- Integrated refrigerator-freezer unit
Choosing streamlined, standard sizes allows everything to fit without choking the workflow. The gas cooktop, wall ovens, and microwave offer sufficient cooking capacity for everyday meals and entertaining.
The integrated fridge-freezer tucks neatly out of the way at the end of the galley run. Its narrow 24-inch footprint saves precious floor space. Conveniently, the fridge sits nearest the dining space for easy access while serving meals.
Multifunctional Island
The kitchen island provides additional counter space plus room for bar-height seating. It creates a natural breakpoint along the galley run.
On one side, the island houses wine storage and appliance garages to tuck away small appliances when not in use. The other side offers open shelving for cookbooks and display.
The island saves space by eliminating the need for a separate kitchen table and china cabinet. It also enables casual dining and interaction with guests. The black color provides bold contrast from the light cabinetry.
Other Convenient Amenities
Several other amenities round out the function and convenience of this compact kitchen:
- Deep single-bowl undermount sink with pull-down faucet
- Built-in waste and recycling bins in lower cabinet
- Slide-out spice racks in upper cabinets
- Charging station built into the island
- Under-cabinet lighting for task illumination
By fully outfitting the kitchen within the existing footprint, trips to other rooms are minimized while cooking and entertaining.
Style Tips for Achieving This Look
Love the fresh take on traditional galley kitchen design seen here? Use these tips to recreate the look:
Cabinetry:
- White shaker-style cabinets for clean, classic look
- Brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze hardware
- Mix of open shelving and solid upper cabinets
- Combination of hinged and sliding lower cabinet doors
Accents:
- Marble countertops and backsplash
- Black island, shelves, or lower cabinets for contrast
- Wrought iron or black metal pendant lighting
appliances:
- Stainless steel or Slate finish for modern appeal
- Integrated fridge/freezer unit
- Gas cooktop and electric wall ovens
Additional Touches:
- Abundant task lighting
- Mirrored backsplash or strategically placed mirrors
- Multifunctional island for dining and storage
- Built-in waste/recycling and slide-out spice storage
While layout and footprint impact function the most, these design choices help maximize perceived spaciousness. They also create a kitchen that feels welcoming and suited for gatherings with family and friends.
Achieving Work Triangles in a Galley Kitchen
The work triangle concept focuses on the relationship between key kitchen work zones – specifically the refrigerator, stove, and sink. Optimizing these connections can dramatically improve workflow.
Galley kitchens can make establishing perfect work triangles tricky given their linear layouts. But a few adjustments can help:
- Position the sink in the middle of the galley run so it equidistant from fridge and stove.
- Use the island to create a makeshift third point of a triangle if the sink, fridge, or stove end up clustered together on one wall.
- Install an island cooktop or prep sink to establish a second work triangle if the galley footprint is extra long.
- Utilize a peninsula or kitchen pass-through window to connect the kitchen to dining spaces for serving meals.
- Add a wheeled trolley to conveniently transport hot food from stove to island to table.
While galley kitchens make textbook triangle workflows tricky, a few tweaks can optimize function. This kitchen does so beautifully by positioning the sink centrally and using the island as an improvised third point.
Galley Kitchen Lighting Ideas
With their close quarters and limited natural light, galley kitchens rely heavily on strategic lighting. Lighting serves both function and ambience in this kitchen remodel.
Task Lighting
Abundant task lighting allows safe, easy food prep:
- Under cabinet lights below the upper cabinets
- Pendants above the island
- Ceiling mounted fixtures with LED bulbs vary the height of pendants and under cabinet lights based on the counter height. Place lights near the inside corners of the L-shaped galley layout for broad illumination.
Ambient and Accent Lighting
Beyond task lighting, additional sources create ambience:
- Recessed LED can lights in the ceiling
- Track lighting or wall sconces by the ovens
- Toe kick lighting under lower cabinets
Accent lighting adds drama:
- Mini pendant clusters over the island
- Under cabinet lights illuminating the marble backsplash
- Landscape lighting outside the windows
Together, ample layered light prevents shadows and dark corners in this petite wine country kitchen.
Storage Solutions for Galley Kitchens
Despite the compact footprint, this kitchen incorporates ingenious storage for cookware, gadgets, and pantry items.
Traditional Base and Wall Cabinets
The kitchen features abundant standardized cabinetry:
- Full-height wall cabinets maximize vertical storage space
- Deep lower cabinets accommodate large pots and pans
- Lazy susans in corner cabinets improve access
- Sliding shelves allow easy viewing of cabinet contents
Standardized cabinets keep costs down while providing tried-and-true storage space. Custom inserts and upgrades add functionality.
Clever Inserts and Upgrades
Specialized inserts tailored to a compact galley kitchen include:
- Spice drawer organizers for upper cabinets
- Tiered countertop lazy susan for oils, vinegars, etc
- Slide-out trays and shelves in base cabinets
- Pull-out waste bin cabinet with recycle bin
These upgrades optimize every inch of existing cabinetry for headache-free organization.
Open Shelving and Alternative Storage
Less traditional storage solutions add functionality:
- Wall-mounted pot rack above the cooktop
- Wine storage cubbies in the island
- Open shelving for cookbooks and barware
- Hanging utensil rails along the backsplash
Combining closed cabinetry with open, specialized storage gives this petite kitchen abundant space for cooking and serving needs.
Galley Kitchen Island Ideas
The kitchen island is a space-saving multitasker – additional prep space, casual dining, entertaining hub. Here are some great galley kitchen island ideas:
- Built-in wine fridge or beverage cooler
- Pop-up electrical outlets for convenience
- Appliance garages to tuck away stand mixers, blenders, etc
- Pull-out garbage and recycling bins
- Upper-level open shelving for cookbooks, dishes, or glassware
- Slide-out spice racks or trays
- Seating space for 2-4 bar stools or chairs
- Upper-level open shelving for cookbooks, dishes, or glassware
Since the island isn’t backed up to a wall, both sides can be customized for storage, seating, or appliances. This flexibility allows compact galley kitchens to really maximize the island footprint.
Galley Kitchen Flooring Ideas
Flooring can make or break a petite galley kitchen’s look and function. Durable, low-maintenance options are best for high traffic areas. Some top options include:
Wood Look Plank Flooring – Mimics wood for warmth without the upkeep. Works with all design aesthetics.
Concrete Flooring – Industrial chic on a budget. Stands up to spills and drops.
Sheet Vinyl – Low cost, super durable and water-resistant. Easy to clean.
Stone or Porcelain Tile – Provides visual interest. Comes in matte finishes to prevent slipping.
Linoleum – Budget-friendly retro option making a comeback. Wears well and is naturally antibacterial.
Cork – Provides cushioning for standing. Moisture-resistant and antimicrobial.
Opt for neutral tones to keep the space light and airy. Add a decorative rug by the sink for comfort. For this kitchen, a classic white oak vinyl plank flooring suits the airy wine country style.
Maximizing Natural Light in a Galley Kitchen
Access to natural light can be limited in galley kitchens. Here are some tips to maximize daylight:
- Strategic mirror placement – Mirrors reflect and amplify incoming light. Place across from windows.
- Glass cabinet doors – Swap some solid doors for glass-front cabinets or open shelving.
- Pale color palette – Lighter cabinetry, counters, backsplashes, and floors help bounce light around.
- Skylights – Excellent addition if feasible with the structure and budget.
- Light tubes – Bring light in through ductwork from roof. Costs less than skylights.
- Extra windows – Narrow vertical windows, glass block accents, or pass-through windows borrow light from other rooms.
- Task lighting – Under cabinets, accent, and overhead lighting prevent a dark vibe even in low light.
With some creativity, even a kitchen in the center of a home can feel bright and airy. Proper lighting design alleviates many small galley kitchen woes.
Stylish Backsplash Ideas for Galley Kitchens
This kitchen uses a classic white marble subway tile backsplash to make the space feel light and spacious. Additional chic, galley-friendly backsplash options include:
- Delft-inspired blue and white ceramic tile
- Moroccan fish scale tiles or zellige
- Stainless steel tile or tin backsplash for contemporary vibe
- Bold geometric designs, especially elongating vertical patterns
- Classic black and white checkered tile
- Mirror tiles to optically enlarge the space
- Painted or faux-tin backsplash for budget version
Keep the patterns streamlined and colors light. Set larger tiles on the diagonal rather than straight horizontal lines to elongate a narrow galley. The backsplash presents a great chance to incorporate visual interest and dimensions.
Furnishing a Galley Kitchen
Furnishings need to suit the intimate scale of galley kitchens. Some space-saving ideas include:
Bar Stools at Island
- Opt for counter or bar height rather than chairs
- Swivel functionality allows easy ins and outs
- Backless or low-back designs preserve the view and natural light
Multi-purpose Island Furniture
- Storage benches offer seating and concealed storage
- Custom built-in banquette with pull-out table saves room of free-standing pieces
Compact Table and Chairs
- Bistro table with two stools tucks against a wall when not in use
- Expandable table allows extension for company
- Cafe chairs take up less space than standard dining chairs
Other Galley Kitchen Furnishing Tips
- Shelving rather than bulky cabinets wherever possible
- Window benches with storage built into the bay window area
- Multi-tiered carts that slide under counters when not needed
- Serving buffet cart that can rolled in and out
Choosing furniture in proportion to the petite galley kitchen footprint helps maximize usable space. Prioritize multi-functional, portable pieces over bulky furnishings.
Clutter-Busting Tips for Galley Kitchens
Galley kitchens can quickly feel messy and crowded without diligent organization. Useful solutions include:
- Purge regularly – Be ruthless. If it’s not essential, it likely needs to go.
- Divide and conquer – Give every item a designated storage spot. Use trays and bins to corral like items.
- Reduce surface clutter – Get things off the counters. Install hanging rails, extra shelving, and slide-out cabinet inserts.
- Clean as you go
