Tips on How to Make a Galley Kitchen Look Bigger

Longing for a kitchen that inspires culinary creativity? Galley kitchens, known for their efficiency, can sometimes feel restrictive. But don’t despair! By implementing some clever design tricks, you can effortlessly transform your galley kitchen into a haven for both cooking and entertaining. In this article, we’ll explore a range of space-maximizing solutions to create a kitchen that feels both functional and inviting.

To maximize the best galley kitchen inspiration, just look outside the two walls

Making your galley kitchen bigger

The key to making your galley kitchen inspiration successful is all about maximizing the available square footage. But when you’ve optimized every inch and still need more space, the question becomes: how do you make a galley kitchen bigger?

Demolishing the entire kitchen and its surrounding walls is not always a realistic option. Bringing down walls partially provides some openness while not eliminating all walls which are important for storage. Another way to expand a galley kitchen layout is by allowing the kitchen to extend into nearby living spaces. See how the five Sweeten renovations below snuck in a little more outside their two walls.

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A countertop extension perfect for parties

Instead of taking down walls to open things up, Joel and Eric worked with their designers to build a wraparound kitchen countertop to join the kitchen and nearby dining room. The one-piece counter is perfect for hosting parties: it provides a spot for pouring drinks and serving buffet-style dinners without leaving the kitchen. As a bonus, the extended storage helps mitigate the build-up of clutter.

Simple solution: a pass-through

Gina and Andrew’s kitchen was closed off from the rest of their apartment. As a layout, being closed off isn’t always undesired. However, the couple wanted to move beyond their dark galley kitchen, which also had an awkward layout. Their plans required moving a load-bearing wall. Therefore, architectural drawings needed to be submitted for approval. It was worth it for their Sweeten contractor to build a two-seat breakfast bar (and fit a stackable washer and dryer). The pass-through gave a new dimension to the galley layout. It also created a welcomed social aspect between the kitchen and dining area.

A patio comes inside

Laura and Tim were ready to trade in their “old and grungy” kitchen in their 1929 brick townhouse.  They remodeled their galley kitchen and kept the layout—with one major change. They enclosed an outdoor patio at the back of the kitchen that had a drafty door which was also poorly located. The new plan was to envelop the patio into the cook space and the adjacent dining area. What started as a kitchen remodel turned into a full-blown extension project. A skylight in the new enclosure brought in a stream of natural light.

Galley kitchen inspiration: Turn the corner

Shifting the location of a nearby closet allowed Melissa and Blake to enlarge the galley kitchen into the living room. This created space for more cabinets, a wine rack, and counter space. Their Sweeten contractor removed a second closet also outside the kitchen and built a bar counter with seating in its place. By “turning the corners” off the galley, the couple gained a lot more kitchen space.

Separating the dining area from the kitchen

Moving the eating nook outside of the kitchen allowed Lisa and Chris to extend their cabinets along the back wall. The sink and stove remained in the same locations. However, the fridge was relocated allowing the opposite wall to have a long continuous countertop. A part of the wall was partially removed to create a large, eat-in peninsula. The extremely cramped galley kitchen now felt more open and organized.

Additional tips

1. Optimize storage:

• Maximize vertical space: Utilize tall cabinets and shelves to store items that are not used frequently.
• Install corner cabinets: Corner cabinets can provide additional storage space without taking up too much floor space.
• Use pull-out drawers and shelves: Pull-out drawers and shelves make it easier to access items in deep cabinets.
• Utilize open shelving: Open shelving can add a sense of openness and make the kitchen feel less cluttered.

2. Improve lighting:

• Install under-cabinet lighting: Under-cabinet lighting can brighten up your workspace and create a more inviting atmosphere.
• Consider recessed lighting: Recessed lighting can provide even illumination throughout the kitchen.
• Use natural light: If possible, install windows or skylights to let in natural light.

3. Create a sense of space:

• Use light colors: Light colors can make a small space feel larger.
• Minimize clutter: Keep countertops and surfaces clear of clutter to create a sense of spaciousness.
• Use mirrors: Mirrors can reflect light and make a space feel larger.

By implementing these creative design solutions, you can transform your galley kitchen into a functional and inviting space that reflects your personal style. Remember, even the smallest kitchens can be maximized with a little ingenuity and planning. So, don’t let the constraints of your galley kitchen hold you back.

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