A galley kitchen is named after a ship’s narrow galley kitchen and is characterized by efficiency and functionality with limited space. First gaining popularity in the early 20th century when apartment living surged, the galley kitchen became a mainstay in kitchen design due to its space-saving benefits reaching the height of popularity in the 1950s.
The small galley kitchen maximized efficiency, making it ideal for small homes and urban living at the time. However, in this day and age, it can sometimes leave families feeling cramped as modern layouts have shifted to more open and spacious kitchen layouts. The good news is that you don’t have to sell your house and move to get a kitchen fits your lifestyle. Aldrich Contracting can help you transform your galley kitchen into an open and welcoming space with some changes. Consider the following ideas for enhancing efficiency and aesthetics in your gallery kitchen.
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The Kitchen Island Experience
Many feel they cannot have the coveted kitchen island in a galley kitchen because there is simply no floor space available for it. However, you can reconfigure the room to add a kitchen island or even a peninsula that reaches similar goals. Reconfiguring a space to accommodate an island often results in more room for prep, meals, family time and even storage.
Create an Open Feel with Wall Removal
By knocking down a wall that separates the kitchen and living room, you can maintain the efficient layout of a galley kitchen while opening up the design to allow for better interaction with guests. This approach not only creates a more spacious feel but also allows for the addition of a small bar area around the galley kitchen, enhancing both functionality and social engagement.
If you decide to go the full wall removal route, there are more opportunities to create a space that works for you. Often, we can take advantage of living or dining area space to incorporate things like additional cabinets or move where sinks and appliances are placed.
Reach Island Goals with Peninsula Additions
Many want kitchen islands because they create more seating for socialization and workspace. A peninsula offers many of the same benefits as a standard kitchen island. The L shape of a peninsula is easily incorporated into most galley kitchen layouts and achieves the goal of more functionality, room for socialization and storage for your current space at a great price point.
Solving for Additional Storage
Galley kitchens are typically small and a common problem to solve is storage space. Many galley kitchens in the Overland Park area have had some interesting storage additions throughout the years that other families have added to make do – some more functional than others.
If you can’t build out cabinets horizontally, why not go up? If your cabinets do not reach all the way to the top of the ceiling, this can be a great way to add storage to a galley kitchen. Higher shelves are fantastic for items you do not use often like crockpots, seasonal dishes, small appliances and more.
By scheduling a consultation and sharing your storage challenges, we can get creative to help you solve your storage problems.
Play with Color
Galley kitchens can make just about any look work. Therefore, you can opt for floor-to-ceiling tiling, an all-white kitchen, flat-panel cabinets, eye-catching colors and patterns and more. Choosing the right wall and/or tile color, along with selecting the right cabinetry look, can have an immense impact on how airy and open space feels, even one that has a small footprint.
Light colors, like white, blue or gray reflect light to make the space feel more airy and larger. This doesn’t mean everything has to be whitewashed, though, as you can embrace patterns and more through things like accent tiles, decor, lower cabinetry or even window treatments. It is important to avoid too many patterns and dark colors as this can make the space feel cramped.
Light It Up
Proper lighting can make the space feel larger and more inviting. Under-cabinet lighting is particularly effective in brightening countertops and eliminating shadows, making food preparation safer and more enjoyable. Overhead lighting, such as recessed lights or a central fixture, provides an opportunity to illuminate your space. Pendant lights can add a stylish touch and create a focal point.
Additionally, incorporating reflective surfaces, like glossy tiles and mirrors, can reflect light and create a sense of openness. By carefully planning and layering different types of lighting, you can transform a galley kitchen to be brighter and more welcoming.
Don’t Forget About The Floor
One major area that is often overlooked in a galley kitchen is the flooring. Just like the color selection we talked about, you can make the space appear larger by selecting flooring in a lighter color. The great thing about a galley kitchen is that you need less materials so costs are lower. This means that you can choose something beautiful and of immense quality to truly add to the space. If you opt for tile floors, keep patterns to a minimum and choose light-colored tiles. You want an understated floor. Let your cabinets do the talking, not your floors. By doing this, the eye will be drawn to other features in the room and not automatically judge the lack of size.
Contact us Today to Get Started
If you have a galley kitchen you would like to do more with and love the suggested tips for enhancing both the efficiency and aesthetics of your space, contact us today at Aldrich Contracting Co to learn more. Our family-owned company has over 20 years of experience serving Overland Park and the surrounding Kansas City areas. Schedule a consultation to learn more. We offer a free first consultation, so you have nothing to lose!
