galley kitchen

Perfect for tight quarters, this one- or two-wall kitchen layout makes the most of limited space with a compact work triangle that puts everything within easy reach of the cook.

A galley kitchen may be small, but there’s reason to celebrate. Its efficient design helps the cook take fewer steps when preparing meals. In two-wall designs, place two points of the work triangle (see shaded area on the floor plan) on one wall and the third point on the other. In many cases, it works best to put the sink and refrigerator on the same wall and the cooktop opposite. In single-wall layouts, center the sink between the refrigerator and cooktop; allow ample counter space on either side of the sink for food prep and cleanup.

Improve traffic flow with a wide aisle—at least 4 feet—if more than one person is working at the same time. Help your kitchen work harder by consolidating counter space near appliances used most often. Maximize storage potential with upper cabinets that reach to the ceiling, a pullout pantry tower, or satellite storage in an adjacent room.

To help a galley kitchen feel larger, use light wood tones and paint colors. Open shelving, glass-front cabinet doors, and large exterior windows also reduce that boxed-in feeling.

 

Tucked away in the corner, a cooktop and hood handle cooking duties with sleek, contemporary style. Cabinets with an open toe-kick help to visually expand the room.

Sleek style can give a small kitchen fresh allure. Slab-front cabinets with a faux zebrawood laminate and horizontal graining keep the eye moving.