I have a galley kitchen in my apartment and always dream of cooking in a larger space where two people wouldn't constantly be bumping into each other. However, after looking at many kitchens, the designs that stand out the most in my mind are galley kitchens. I mean, my kitchen surely doesn't look like any of the kitchens in the featured photos, but I am starting to appreciate my small kitchen.
Galley kitchens (especially really narrow kitchens) give a whole new meaning to the phrase "only one cook in the kitchen." After living with my kitchen design for several years I have noticed different solutions that would make it more functional. If you are going to design a galley kitchen, there are definitely a few functional aspects to consider that may not be a concern in a larger kitchen.
Because the walkway is so narrow in this type of kitchen, opening the refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven blocks off the passageway to the rest of the kitchen. In my kitchen, I always thought "if I could just move the refrigerator to the end of the kitchen, I could continue to make dinner while my boyfriend rummages through the refrigerator for a pre-dinner snack. If two people must prepare dinner in the kitchen at the same time, it is really helpful to have sufficient counter workspace on both sides of the kitchen. If generous storage space is a priority, then utilizing the vertical space is essential.
A safety tip for cooking in (all, but especially small) kitchens: turn the saucepan handles away from you. Otherwise, you run the risk of bumping into the saucepan handle and spilling hot food on himself. I take the same precautions when leaving sharp knives on the counter. You always have to be worried about knocking something over while trying to navigate the small space.
From left to right:
1. White Galley Kitchen with Arched Architectural Ceiling Elements: Peace - that was the other name for home.
2. Traditional Kitchen with Generous Natural Light: Bryn Alexandra
3. New York Galley Kitchen: La Dolce Vita
4. The Bee Cottage Small Kitchen Makeover: House Beautiful
Images: As credited above.
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I prefer small country kitchens in an L shape with space for eating. I have a galley that is only 3' wide between the cabinets. Not cool.
I have a small galley kitchen (72sq. feet), with incredibly limited workspace. The way its split, with my stove breaking up one side of counters (leaving <20" of counter space on each side of the stove), and the sink breaking up the other side (leaving around 24" of counter space on each side) I find myself often doing most of my preparation on my ceramic cook top which is somewhere over 30". I think it would be a useful configuration so long as there was ample counterspace. I can't stand my tiny kitchen! Haha.
I have bought a house with a square kitchen with cabinets on a L shape. I hated it and put in a tiny island so that I could have a gallery style layout. While I would love a much bigger kitchen if I could style it the shape would be gallery. Maybe I should copy picture number two.....
Oh my, #2 with those windows! love!
You couldn't go wrong with any of these kitchens, but #2 is really something special.
I agree with the posters above- #2 is magical!
As the owner of one such kitchen. I dare to say that this is the most functionally designed kitchen in the world. I love my galley kitchen.
When I see these beautiful huge kitchens I think"what in the heck are they storing in all those cabinets and how it must be a pain the the a** to keep clean". When done right galley kitchens rule.
There is something about the first photo that really bothers me, but I can't quite put my finger on it...
Too many shiny surfaces in too small a space maybe? Or the cabinets are too high and towering? What is it that gives me a weird vibe???
@tahitianpearl: it's gorgeous but perhaps a little funhouse-claustrophobic?
I'm switching my existing kitchen over from a split-L to a galley kitchen, I cannot wait until this project is finished!!! (with the economy it's a very slow DIY), in my case eliminating one doorway (window will become new doorway) will make a world of difference and I'll actually be GAINING 36" additional workspace. It doesn't sound like much but it'll make the world of difference for me since it means a small baking center.
I had a tiny galley kitchen while living in Paris with my fiance. At the time, I was a student and cooked for the day in the morning, so we were never in the kitchen together. I loved having everything close to me, and had only to get a little organized.
Now that we have a son, a cat and a house, I find myself very happy with my non-galley kitchen, as I cook before each meal (mornings have become very busy). You can not have any family interaction in a galley kitchen. I wouldn't go back, even if I miss having everything within arm's reach.
I think they may stand out in part because their size and design lends itself to photographing. In person I think I will always prefer a more open and spacious design.
These pictures have firmed up my resolve to put a rug in my galley kitchen. I've never had a rug in a kitchen -- any suggestions for what works (I'm thinking an outdoor rug -- is that necessary, or do regular rugs work okay)?
I have a tiny L shape kitchen and am thinking about making it a galley. After years of striving for the biggest kitchen/house available for all the accoutremonts of the day, I bought a cottage and discovered that small is a delight from which I hope to never recover.
@eliz: I found that regular rugs work only if you rarely cook! I recommend an outdoor rug, and there are beautiful ones available now, preferably one you can take outside and scrub/hose down.
@lindaDmyers: beautifully said!
I totally agree with the other readers...#2 kitchen is stunning!! If given the choice, I prefer not to have a galley kitchen. When entertaining, everyone seems to end up in the kitchen and I hate feeling cramped. To me, the more open, the better.
HELP! When I found this post yesterday the top picture was a lovely dusty-turquoise, farmhouse kitchen. Now the picture is gone and my hopes of recreating the look are gone with it. Can someone help me out please?