A galley kitchen remodel with a contemporary style can create a warm, inviting space perfect for entertaining and everyday cooking.With some creativity and strategic design choices, you can transform your galley kitchen into a modern showpiece.
Choosing a Color Palette
Selecting the right color palette is key to achieving a warm contemporary look. Stick to a neutral base and add pops of color with accessories and accents.
Earth tones like cream, taupe and light brown work well as base colors in a contemporary galley kitchen. They provide a soothing, neutral backdrop that allows the design details to shine. Pair creamy whites and beiges on upper and lower cabinets for a seamless look.
Warm metallics like bronze, copper and champagne gold add a touch of glamour. Consider metallic tile backsplashes, pendant lights, cabinet hardware and fixtures. These metallic touches bring a contemporary edge.
Vibrant accent colors give the space an energetic feel. Bright pops of colors like emerald green, sapphire blue or even orange enliven the palette. Use accent colors sparingly on a colorful backsplash, island stools or artwork.
Pastels are softer contemporary options. Sage green, sky blue and blush pink are fresh options to lighten up a neutral scheme. Use pastels on lower cabinetry or incorporate them through decor items.
Cabinetry Design
Craftsman-style cabinets with clean lines provide an unfussy look perfect for contemporary spaces. Consider options like:
- Shaker-style cabinet doors with recessed flat center panels and a subtle frame for a simple, contemporary style.
- Door-less open shelving to showcase decor, cookware or glassware. Open shelving achieves an airy look.
- Frameless cabinets built without a face frame for a sleek, modern aesthetic.
- Touch latches or pulls over traditional cabinet hardware for a streamlined look.
- Two-toned cabinets using one color on uppers and a contrasting color on base cabinets. This adds a bold, dynamic visual effect.
- Laminate, veneer or thermofoil finishes like glossy white or wood grain for an ultra-contemporary vibe. Avoid ornate detailing.
Flooring Materials
The flooring establishes the foundation for the overall look of the space. For contemporary galley kitchens, hardwood floors or porcelain, ceramic or concrete tiles work especially well.
Hardwood floors with wide planks, often in a light natural wood hue, complement the minimalist style. New engineered hardwoods offer durability and easy installation.
Porcelain or ceramic tile allows you to incorporate fun contemporary patterns as floor accents. Opt for large-scale graphic motifs or geometric shapes.
Polished concrete floors are industrial-chic and pair well with stainless steel and chrome accents. The sheen provides depth and reflection.
Luxury vinyl plank mimics the look of natural wood but provides the durability and water-resistance needed in kitchens. Many planks have texture for added realism.
Carpet tiles can be installed as area rugs to create soft zones in living spaces merging with the kitchen. Choose a low-pile commercial grade carpet that can withstand spills.
Islands and Countertops
Islands anchor the space and provide additional storage and countertop workspace. Opt for a streamlined furniture-style island on casters for flexibility. Include an overhang for seating.
Quartz countertops are naturally stylish for contemporary kitchens. The solid, non-porous material resists scratches, stains and heat. Quartz requires little maintenance.
Concrete countertops offer an edgy, ultra-modern vibe. Concrete can be poured, stained and textured for one-of-a-kind surfaces. Use concrete on the island for a bold accent.
Butcher block provides warmth and complements stainless steel accents well in contemporary kitchens. Opt for an oil finish for protection. Use butcher block selectively on islands or prep tables.
Backsplashes
Creative backsplashes provide personality. Some contemporary backsplash ideas include:
- Oversize subway tiles or rectangular tiles in bright modern hues
- Handmade or mosaic glass tile designs
- Sleek marble or granite slab backsplashes
- Patterned or artistic metal tiles
- Modern geometric designs using 3D tiles
- A combination of different textures like glass, stone and metal
Lighting Elements
Proper lighting sets the tone for a warm contemporary kitchen. Combine:
- Pendant lights over islands or sinks provide both task lighting and dramatic style. Go for drum-shaped, globe or cylindrical minimalist fixtures.
- Recessed can lighting casts even ambient lighting without distracting from the clean design. Use LED bulbs.
- Under cabinet lighting illuminates task areas. Opt for slim LED strip lighting.
- Sconces flanking a decorative shelf provide a contemporary touch. Choose simple modern shapes.
- Statement chandeliers make a sophisticated style statement. Try a cascade of Edison bulb strands or modern brass orb.
Appliances and Hardware
Clean-lined stainless steel appliances fit right into modern minimalist kitchens. However, you can also incorporate warmth through choices like:
- Classic farmhouse-style sinks with an apron-front design and wide basin
- Vintage-style refrigerators with curved architectural detailing
- Two-toned ranges combining a stainless cooktop with colored oven below
- Bronze or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures for lighting and plumbing
Floor Plan Ideas
Galley kitchens work especially well for contemporary style. Some floor plan tips:
- Keep the layout clean and streamlined with no visual clutter.
- Use pocket doors or sliding barn doors at entrances to save space.
- Integrate open shelving or glass cabinet doors to prevent a closed-in feeling.
- Include a spacious workspace next to or across from the sink.
- Allow at least 48 inches for traffic lanes between cabinets and islands.
- Position appliances in the optimal triangle workflow pattern.
- Accentuate linear sight lines with continuous flooring materials.
Decor Accents
Decor elements introduce color, texture and creativity. Ideas include:
Textiles – Use touches of soft textiles such as window valances, stool cushions or a rug for comfort.
Artwork – Hang original artwork for splashes of color. Black and white photography also suits the aesthetic.
Plants – Potted succulents, orchids or herbs add an inviting natural element. Shelving offers display space.
Colored glassware – Glassware in deep gem tones (ruby red, emerald) make beverages pop. Open shelving and glass-door cabinets provide visibility.
Sculptural lighting – Suspended wire bulbs or a burst of colorful pendant globes make art.
Baskets – Woven baskets add warmth. Use for produce storage or collectibles.
Design Details
It’s the details that elevate a contemporary galley kitchen. Consider adding:
- Shelving above the sink windows to display plants, dishes or decor
- Radiant heated floors for luxurious comfort underfoot
- Dimmer controls on lights to set the perfect ambiance
- Extra-deep storage drawers to neatly organize cooking tools
- Soft-closing mechanisms on drawers and doors to prevent slamming
- Charging stations or outlets on islands for convenience
- garbage/recycling center pull-outs to simplify cleaning up
- Smart home technology for voice-activated lighting, audio and temperature control
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about designing a contemporary galley kitchen remodel:
What are the most important elements to focus on?
Lighting design and cabinetry choices make the biggest impact. Create ambiance with layers of light sources and choose cabinets with clean, simple styling.
What mistakes should I avoid?
Don’t make the space feel cramped. Allow for proper circulation room. Also avoid overly ornate detailing that distracts from the contemporary aesthetic.
How much does a galley kitchen remodel cost?
Costs average $20,000-$40,000 depending on materials, appliances, plumbing upgrades and more. High-end remodels can reach $60,000+.
Should I knock down walls to make it open-concept?
Not necessarily. The galley layout really suits the contemporary style. Islands and peninsulas still allow engaging spaces.
What contemporary color schemes work well?
Whites and neutrals accented with metals and pops of colors like emerald or navy. Two-toned cabinetry also brings modern drama.
What kind of lighting works best?
Opt for recessed LED lighting, undercabinet lighting and pendant fixtures for ambiance.
How do I add warmth to a contemporary space?
Use touches of wood accents, textured rugs, soft upholstered stools, artwork and greenery to give the sleek space a welcoming vibe.
Where should I splurge in my remodel?
Invest in high-end appliances, sinks, faucets and lighting fixtures. These functional elements get used daily.
Conclusion
Remodeling a galley kitchen with a fresh contemporary style results in a space that is both stylish and highly functional. The streamlined look maximizes the efficient galley footprint while warm metallic, wood and eco-inspired accents lend a welcoming vibe. Strategic material selections and a stellar lighting plan complete the warm contemporary transformation. With smart spatial planning and a few unique details, your new galley kitchen makes entertaining a joy and fuels your inner chef every day.
So in summary:
- Stick to a neutral color palette and add pops of color with accessories and accents like vibrant backsplashes or pastel cabinetry.
- Choose clean-lined cabinetry with Shaker, frameless or doorless designs for a streamlined look.
- Pick durable, modern flooring materials like porcelain tile, concrete or luxury vinyl plank.
- Incorporate a sleek furniture-style island on casters for flexibility.
- Select quartz or concrete countertops for low maintenance durability.
- Use creative contemporary backsplash tile designs as an artistic focal point.
- Illuminate with pendant lights, recessed cans, undercabinet LED strips and sconces.
- Contrast classic elements like farmhouse sinks with stainless appliances for warmth.
- Keep galley floor plans streamlined with pocket doors and glass-fronted cabinets.
- Make savvy material choices and include special details like shelving and dimmer switches.
- Use artwork, textiles, greenery and pops of color in accessories to lend a welcoming vibe.
With strategic remodeling choices, a contemporary galley kitchen can be both dramatic and warmly inviting for everyday life.
