Galley kitchen ideas and layouts to suit any space

Galley kitchen ideas have a unique layout that poses a unique issue – but there are so many ways to make this long, narrow shaped kitchen shine. With cabinetry on both walls, it can often look cramped and dark, but these clever design tips will give a galley kitchen a new lease of life.

Taking its name and design from the kitchens of planes and ships, galley kitchens are one of the most practical kitchen ideas.  While other styles of kitchen prioritise lifestyle elements and practicality, galley kitchen ideas prioritise efficiency and compactness.

After all, there is a reason that professional kitchens follow a similar kitchen layout with rows of cookers or hobs divided into specific stations for prepping different types of dishes. 

Despite the priority being on functionality, galley kitchens can also be beautiful spaces brimming with character. 

Galley kitchen ideas

Most commonly found in Victorian terraced houses, galley kitchens are seen in homes up and down the country.

‘A single galley kitchen is perfect for smaller spaces,’ says Lizzie Beesley, head of Design at Magnet. ‘This layout features a row of cabinets on one wall with free space on the other. Larger kitchen areas benefit from a double galley layout, which features cabinets on both sides of the room with free space on either end,’ adds Lizzie.

A double galley is not only a successful layout in narrow rooms that would struggle to accommodate U-shaped kitchen ideas, but have enough width to take two rows of units. It’s a winning format that’s popular in open-plan spaces too, with a long island providing a second leg and creating a sociable seating area and a natural boundary for the kitchen zone at the same time.

1. Add ambience with warm lighting

A galley kitchen is often naturally darker than an open plan space, for example, so why not lean into this by creating a warm and cosy design? Colour plays a huge part in this and muted tones will add so much dimension, but artificial kitchen lighting ideas are imperitive to an ambient space.

‘When planning a galley kitchen, it is worth thinking carefully about placement: tall cabinetry for appliances and storage works best at the far end to maintain a sense of flow, while prep, cooking, and washing zones should be arranged along the two parallel sides to keep the workflow seamless,’ explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

‘Lighting plays a vital role too, layered artificial lighting under shelves or wall units can create depth and prevent the space feeling enclosed.’ Wall lights will add a traditional touch while rechargeable lamps are handy from taking from table to worktop.

2. Make sure you measure

When it comes to figuring out how to plan a kitchen layout, measurements are key. For small galley-style kitchens, however, every centimetre counts. 

‘When designing your layout, always leave 40 inches of walkway space on either one or both sides of your countertop, island, or peninsula counter. This is a functionally and aesthetically effective dimension to keep in mind,’ agrees Tom Howley, founder of the eponymous kitchen brand. 

’If you have set aside the space for a walkway of around 40 inches, standard oven or fridge doors will compromise a considerable portion of that space when opened,’ explains Tom Howley. 

There are two solutions. One is to increase the walkway space to incorporate open doors and cabinets to allow a person to pass while the doors are open. The other is to embrace modern designs. 

‘Built-under draw fridges and dishwashers work brilliantly, as well as ovens with doors that slip back underneath the oven itself,’ recommends Tom Howley.

3. Go all white to open up a narrow space

Bright and airy are often the buzzwords for kitchen designs, however, this can be challenging to achieve as part of galley kitchen ideas. Thankfully, colours, glazing and deft design can help to make even the smallest kitchen feel light.  ‘A small indent in a wall is a perfect place to fit some slim shelves and when painted the same colour as the walls almost disappear,’ says Helen Parker, creative director at Devol.

‘When it comes to paint ideas for kitchen cabinets, keep colours to a minimum and try to stick to a calm and soft colour palette  to avoid things feeling busy, it’s surprising how a limited selection of colours creates a more serene and tidy feel to a room.’  White kitchen ideas are the classic choice while cream kitchen ideas are great for a warmer scheme. Opting for a mix of glazed and solid doors will help to reflect light and ensure that the cabinetry doesn’t feel as heavy.

4. Maximise space in galley kitchen by removing doors

If you’re looking to make your galley kitchen feel more like an integrated part of your home, then one of the best things you can do is remove the doors – as seen in this kitchen by Sustainable Kitchens.

Replacing the door with an open archway will help to flood the space with light and feel less claustrophobic. Doors are very space-hungry additions – requiring a large uninterrupted space to swing – however, by removing them you can start the run of cabinetry earlier and, space permitting, have a door to access a separate pantry space. 

5. Add colour and texture will kitchen wallpaper

Wallpaper is a beautiful addition to the kitchen, however, in small spaces such as galley kitchen ideas, the design is key. 

‘Keeping to a limited colour palette will allow the walls in your space to appear taller and in turn, the room will feel bigger. Plus, it’s best to stick to ditsy prints or small-scale patterns for this same reason,’ says Jessica Clayworth, lead designer at Morris & Co. ‘Choosing nature-inspired motifs will ensure a clean aesthetic, patterns such as florals, leaves or berries can freshen up your kitchen while keeping an elegant appearance throughout.’

There are plenty of kitchen wallpaper ideas that will add character and personality to your space and are particularly well suited to vintage kitchen ideas.

6. Focus lighting on key prep spaces

Good lighting is an essential part of galley kitchen ideas – often these spaces lack windows which, without the right lighting can make the space feel dark and unappealing.

Kitchen lighting ideas come in three parts – ambient lighting and task lighting. The balance of these elements will ensure a harmonious scheme and optimum illumination. Inset ceiling lights offer focused illumination without compromising ceiling space and preventing the ceiling from feeling lower than it actually is. If you have the height, a single pendant light can create a softer backdrop to the space. 

Opt for a glass shade, rather than a solid or fabric design, to make it appear less obtrusive when off. For added task lighting, try automatic rechargeable under-cabinet lighting – such as these motion sensor under-cabinet lights on Amazon – or add clip-on lights to open shelving. 

7. Embrace glazing to increase natural light

Glazing plays a powerful role in a small room. Adding glazing in place of solid walls or ceilings helps to visually expand the space – rather than the eye stopping at the wall or ceiling, it can continue beyond. It also provides a link to the outside, bringing new colours and tones into the scheme. When used internally, glass has a reflective quality, which increases the natural light in the room, brightening and lighting the space. 

‘In this kitchen, cabinetry was designed in a wide galley layout around the glazed section of floor, which allows daylight to filter down into a new basement living room,’ explains Pia Rosling, design director at Sola Kitchens who designed this space.

8. Create the illusion of space with directional flooring

Use your directional kitchen flooring ideas to create the illusion of more space in your petite kitchen. Vertically laid rectangular tiles or wooden kitchen flooring will help a galley kitchen seem longer, while horizontally laid tile or wood will help to emphasise the width of the space. While pretty, busy floor tiles can overwhelm a small kitchen and draw an eye away from the height of the room, making it feel smaller. 

In this kitchen by SGS Designs, herringbone wooden flooring directs the eye down the length of the kitchen, visually elongating the space and drawing the eye to the patio doors and garden beyond.

9. Make the space more sociable

While not a classic galley kitchen, the galley style is finding itself becoming more prevalent as part of open-plan kitchens. 

Opting for a galley kitchen that incorporates kitchen island ideas is great if you like to be sociable, as you can cook and entertain at the same time. You’ll find that people will naturally gravitate to the central unit, especially when it’s illuminated with statement lighting.

A large, mirrored splashback is a clever design feature, as not only will it bounce light around the room, but will allow the chef to remain part of the conversation, even when they have to turn their back to their guests!

10. Choose vertical storage to make more of space

‘If you need to incorporate extra storage for your kitchen consider placing long, tall cabinets on one wall and leaving the workspace on the other side open, which should mean you don’t feel like the units are towering over you,’ says Darren Watts, Wren Kitchens design director.

‘Alternatively, extending overhead wall cabinets high up, close to the ceiling, can add extra storage space without infringing on the rest of the kitchen.’

11. Squeeze in a seating area

Don’t rule out having a seating area in a narrow galley kitchen. Often there’s space for a small dining table or a mini breakfast bar at the end of a run of units.

Choose compact, space-saving furniture that won’t take up too much floor space. A small, circular bistro-style table takes up less space than a square or rectangular design. Or consider a gateleg table that can be folded up when not in use, or a wall-mounted drop-leaf table that tucks neatly against a wall.

12. Lose cupboards for open shelving

Swap bulky wall units for a long run of open shelving on one side of a galley kitchen. Wall-to-wall units on both sides of a galley can create a ‘corridor’ effect that crowds the space and makes the kitchen feel dark and enclosed.

Position shelving just above the kitchen splash back to give a neat finish and provide a display area for decorative kitchen items. Matching splash back colour to worktops will give a sleek, uninterrupted finish that will make walls recede visually. Choose a pale light-reflective colour to enhance the sense of spaciousness.

13. Stretch space with a tiled splash back

Add width to galley kitchen ideas by choosing longline kitchen splashback ideas that help to stretch the space visually. Herringbone format wall tiles create lines that draw the eye outwards and along, making the splash back feel longer and wider. Choose pale tiles in a glossy finish that will reflect light and further extend the feeling of spaciousness.

14. Incorporate a plate rack

Wall-to-wall cabinets on both sides of a galley kitchen can make it feel dark and crowded if you’re not careful. Break up a long expanse of wall units by adding a run of feature shelving. Wooden plate racks above a sink area add contrast against grey units and give a handy spot to dry crockery.

15. Look up to create height

Pale colours and light-reflecting finishes will make a narrow, galley kitchen feel bigger, by bouncing light around the space. But this doesn’t mean that darker colours have to be ruled out completely. Using a darker colour on base units gives the layout definition, and adding a lighter colour on top units draws the eye upwards and makes the kitchen feel naturally brighter and more open.

‘Be a rule breaker and go for darker tones, such as navy or charcoal, in your layout,’ says Tori Summers Director of Design, Product & Innovation at Howdens. ‘These hues deliver maximum impact, no matter what square footage you have, making them great for creating a striking design. Balance dark tones by opting for lighter colours on other features, like counters and floors.’

16. Add wow with a statement splash back

‘While too much detail can be overpowering, incorporating a feature wall or a patterned backsplash is a great way to add depth to a galley kitchen,’ says Darren Watts, Wren Kitchens Design Director. ‘Consider placing coloured tiles along the space between your worktop and your cupboards.’

‘Alternatively, hanging a mirror or bold piece of artwork on the end wall is a great way to show off your personality in your kitchen, and tie your theme from one side to the other.’

17. Keep appliances out of sight

A thoughtful kitchen appliance layout is key to any good design, especially a narrow galley kitchen. Keeping appliances hidden away out of sight will help make your galley kitchen ideas feel more sleek and streamlined. A mix of different doors, finishes and control panels can feel chaotic in a very tight space, so integrating them in kitchen cabinets or concealing in a cupboard will give a flush finish and uninterrupted look.

Save space at the end of a run of units in a galley kitchen by stacking a tumble drier on top of a washing machine. Stacking kits let you stack one appliance on top of the other and include a central pull-out shelf to make sorting clothes easier.

18. Mirror your design

Galley kitchen ideas work just as well in country schemes as modern ones. This quaint kitchen space is bright and fresh with neutral walls and cabinetry, but rustic additions inspired by shabby chic decorating ideas, like a butler sink and open dresser-style shelving, give the space typical farmhouse charm.

Vintage kitchen ideas like wooden hooks and wicker storage are pretty yet practical storage solutions that will keep clutter down and make it easier to cook.

FAQs

How do I make my galley kitchen more functional?

Long, skinny and with limited space on both sides, get the best out of a galley kitchen by arranging the ‘work triangle’ of hob, sink and fridge with two working areas on one side of the kitchen and the third on the other, roughly centred between the two.

Avoid too many tall cabinets in a galley kitchen as they can overpower the space and make the kitchen feel dark and crowded. Instead of placing them haphazardly, position any tall cabinets at one end of a galley run with tall items like the fridge and freezer close by for a cohesive look.

What colours look best in a galley kitchen?

While the general consensus is often that lighter shades should be used in narrow, dark spaces, deeper colours can help to create a sense of warmth.

‘Finish is another big consideration. Lighter kitchen colours such as soft sages, pale greys or off-whites respond beautifully to warm metals like burnished brass or dark brass, which add depth and character without overwhelming,’ explains Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel.

‘On the other hand, if you opt for deeper cabinetry tones such as navy or charcoal, brushed nickel or a matt black finish can add sharpness and contrast. The key is to let the hardware punctuate the joinery, almost like jewellery, making it small but defining.’

Are galley kitchens making a comeback?

Yes, galley kitchens are making a comeback. 

Galley kitchens were at their most popular in the early 20th century when the kitchen was the woman’s domain, with the style slowly going out of style as kitchens become the heart of the home with families cooking together and hosting guests from the engine room. However, in recent years, the galley kitchen has been returning under a new guise – as part of an open-plan kitchen space. Rather than cabinetry being against two walls, here, one line of cabinetry will be half-height providing a view into the open plan space beyond, while keeping the kitchen area distinct.