When it comes to which renovation gives you the most bang for your buck, the kitchen still reigns supreme. In fact, a kitchen remodel boasts a whopping 92% return on your investment. Whether you’re short on space or are looking to make the most out of a new kitchen design, this round-up has everything you need to know about galley kitchen remodel ideas.
From workflow to utility, the classic galley kitchen doesn’t need to be small and dated. Modern galley kitchens are full of storage, counter space, and function when done correctly.
Let’s jump in and see how you can transform your kitchen with a galley layout.
1. Go Light and Bright With Your Kitchen Renovation
A galley kitchen got its name from the galley of a ship. These workhorse spaces featured a traditionally narrow kitchen that maximized function. In homes, this popular layout makes the most of small spaces.
In a small galley kitchen, you don’t have to skimp on beautiful design. Create the feeling of a bright and fresh space with light colors or wood tones and plenty of light. Whether it’s natural light or great kitchen lighting, the brighter the kitchen the larger it will feel.
Use larger windows and plenty of lighting fixtures to make a small space feel brighter and more open. Chose paint and cabinet colors in your remodel that make the space feel bright and airy.
2. Fix a Bad Kitchen Layout
When you’re re-doing a kitchen, you never want to keep a bad layout. Now is the time to make something more functional. Even when you’re limited on space, you can still switch or remove kitchen pieces to make the flow better.
Whether it’s moving a fridge that opens into a doorway or adding prep space near a stove, now is the time to fix things. Even keeping a galley kitchen as a galley, there is always room to make a kitchen more functional.
3. Create a Single Galley Kitchen
If space is tight or if you’re looking for the ultimate open concept, it’s important to note that a galley kitchen can also have a single row of cabinets. Instead of two rows close together, you can also opt for a single galley.
With a single row of cabinets, you can have a large table or island on the other side. This puts all the main components on one side giving you plenty of prep or dining space on the other. A single galley kitchen is useful in a small apartment, a basement, or in a long kitchen space that can accommodate a lot of cabinets all along one wall.
4. Maximize Additional Eating Space in a Narrow Kitchen
In a narrow kitchen, eating space isn’t always an option. This is where you can lean counter space to double as a breakfast bar, for example. If you’re able to fit an island in a narrow kitchen, this is great for additional prep space when you need it and dining when it’s not in use.
5. Pull From Other Rooms in Your Kitchen Design
If your kitchen has an adjacent dining or living room with open space, this is a great opportunity to pull from these rooms. Use additional space in the living room, for example, for booth seating, a dining space, or to create an open-concept layout.
If you have a closed-off kitchen, don’t limit yourself to those four walls. Look past the kitchen and into a living or dining room space to give yourself more room. Our professional kitchen designers will help determine where you can use extra space.
6. Use a Galley Kitchen Design in an Open Layout
If you have one large open space in a new construction or in your current home, this is a great opportunity to use a galley layout. A galley layout helps to break up the space and puts all the essentials within reach.
With a galley kitchen, you make the most of having all your appliances and sinks at arm’s length. A galley kitchen is great for a working triangle. The working triangle consists of the refrigerator, the sink, and your cooktop.
7. Go Vertical With Storage
If space is limited, you don’t want to underestimate vertical storage. Use vertical storage for items you don’t need every day. This is great for slow cookers, blenders, or bread machines, for example, that you may not need on the counter every day.
You can also use vertical storage to put extra plates or serving platters that you only need a few times a year. This frees up extra space down below and on your counters.
8. Create a Pantry
If you don’t currently have a pantry in your smaller galley kitchen, create one when you remodel. Use an adjacent laundry room, coat closet, or nook in another room. Use space elsewhere to give yourself much-needed storage.
9. Think Multi-Purpose to Maximize Space
In a smaller kitchen, you want to give yourself multi-purpose spaces when needed. Use a kitchen counter to double as a breakfast bar, for example. Or add a rolling cart with storage.
You can also utilize bench seating to fit more storage underneath. The same goes for adding cabinets to a kitchen island, for example. Give yourself plenty of hidden storage and multi-purpose areas to make the most of a small space.
10. Use Open Storage
If your kitchen is maxed out on cabinets, open shelving is another fun option. You can add these to a blank wall or an area where traditional cabinets would appear bulky. This is great for a bar area or when you have pretty items to display.
You can also use open storage near a dining area and keep everyday plates on shelves. These are quick to grab and put away after use. Open shelves also make for pretty feature walls.
Call Us About Galley Kitchen Remodel Ideas Today
If you’re looking for more galley kitchen remodel ideas, you’ve come to the right place. From full renovations to facelifts, we have local Minnesota experts to help with all your kitchen projects. Let us help create the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
For more information, fill out the contact form here to get in touch with one of your kitchen design pros. We’re with you every step of the way.