15 Galley kitchens that will make you want to downsize
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Loading... - Layanah Ngon
- 12 Aug 2022
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It's not up for debate: There’s more to a great kitchen than the delicious, mouth-watering meals you make in it. As one of the most frequented areas—if not, the most—of your home, your kitchen deserves to look just as good as the rest of your home. However, before you choose an eye-catching backsplash, illuminating light fixtures, or the perfect shade of paint, you’ll need to think about your kitchen’s layout.
When it comes to kitchen layouts, the galley style often gets a bad reputation for being constricting and cramped. But, in reality? A galley kitchen is full of inspiration—you just need to know where to look. To help, we’ve culled the archives and asked the professionals how to make the most of the galley kitchen. Whether your style is traditional or contemporary, or your project low-lift or a full-blown, there’s something below for every space.
WHAT IS A GALLEY KITCHEN?
Though galley kitchens traditionally refer to cooking spaces in planes, trains, and boats, they have been reimagined for residential spaces too. "[They] have always solved the question of how to house a kitchen in a small dwelling, so they are still desirable and popular in urban settings where we live in smaller footprints," explains Sarah Sargeant, principal of New York-based firm Cochineal Design. Unlike other kitchen layouts—which often have freestanding appliances—galley styles have their ovens, dishwashers, fridges, and microwaves built into the design so they don’t compromise on counter space.
Galley kitchens are ideal for small spaces, but they do run the risk of feeling a bit claustrophobic. Fortunately, Sargeant has a suitable solution. “We love to use a mix of upper cabinets and open shelves to break up the monotony,” she shares. “There are many ways to jazz a galley kitchen up, you just have to think beyond white cabinets and subway tile!”
Go ahead, keep scrolling for the very best galley kitchen ideas to create a culinary space that’s equal parts stylish and savory.
1
PAIR WITH A POP OF COLOR
When it comes to your galley kitchen, a little bit of color goes a long, long way. In this apartment, Cochineal Design painted the cabinet in Farrow & Ball's Preference Red, which creates plenty of contrast with the marble countertops and backsplash. Rounding out the look are Smeg appliances and vintage Peter Celsing sconces, courtesy of 1stDibs.
2
MIX AND MATCH
For a more whimsical approach to the galley kitchen, take a cue from Jean Louis Deniot, who doubled down on a blue and white palette in this home. From the checkered tiles to the custom, color-blocked cabinets, this galley kitchen is eye-catching without being overwhelming.
3
DESIGN AN IN-DINING EXPERIENCE
Just because a galley kitchen has limited square footage doesn't mean it can’t be a multi-purpose space. In his apartment, Dimorestudio's Emiliano Salci placed a petite bistro table and chairs by the window, making the kitchen an even more high-trafficked room. Dinner with a view? Yes, please.
4
A MARBLE MARVEL
Speaking of marble, why not cover your entire kitchen in the precious material? In this pad, designer Hugo Toro punctuated the Brèche de Médicis marble kitchen with custom red lacquer from Redfield & Dattner, offering a happy medium between luxury and livable.
5
BUILD A BREAKFAST NOOK
For a more permanent take on the idea, commit to the look with a full-fledged breakfast nook—just as Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet did in this apartment. The kitchen table and chairs—both designed by Pierre Jeanneret—offer a well-appointed space to kick back, relax, and enjoy a delicious dish. Read More...
