When space is at a premium, it can be difficult to determine the best way to design the rooms in your home to make the most of that space. This can especially be seen in galley kitchens. If you’re designing or remodeling a galley kitchen, then here are some tips to help you maximize the space and aesthetic appeal of the room.
What is a galley kitchen?
A galley kitchen is a long, narrow kitchen, typically with kitchen countertops and appliances on either side of the space, parallel to each other. The central ‘corridor’ between the two rows of counters is usually the only space you have to move around in. Galley kitchens are so-called due to their similarity to the layout of kitchens on ships, known as galleys.
Design tips to help you utilize a galley kitchen
Whether you’re worried about having enough storage space in your galley kitchen or about making it look comfortable and stylish, we’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your kitchen.
Bring in natural light
If you have a small, narrow kitchen, the last thing you also want it to be is dark. Natural light can make the room look and feel more spacious, so having a window should be a top priority if it’s possible. If you have a door to the backyard at the end of your galley kitchen, then opting for a part-glass door will let in some nice, natural light.
Mirrored backsplash
Mirrors can also make a space look more open and expansive by reflecting light. While the kitchen isn’t somewhere you’d naturally expect to see a mirror, your backsplash is somewhere you can incorporate it seamlessly. A mirrored backsplash can go well in either a modern or more traditional style kitchen.
Add a serving hatch
Having multiple people going in and out of the kitchen to help make and serve dinner can be a pain in a narrow kitchen. You can solve this problem by adding a hatch or even an open space in the wall connecting with the dining/living area. This allows you to pass dishes from the kitchen through to the people in the other room, making it a team effort without getting in each other’s way. Having an open space on one wall will also open up the room and make it feel more spacious and less claustrophobic.
Simple countertop edges
Any kind of countertop material can look great in a galley kitchen, including natural stone like marble and granite countertops. You should, however, be selective with the kind of edge profile you have on your stone countertops. An intricate or decorative edge almost imposes on the room by drawing the eye to it. Simpler, more minimalist edges like straight or bullnose edges are the better choice.
If you need granite or marble countertops for your kitchen remodel, then contact Amanzi Granite for our high-quality countertops and installation around Kernersville, Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, NC.
