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How to Remodel a Galley Kitchen
Get all the info you need on galley kitchen remodeling, and prepare to add an efficient and functional design to your kitchen space.
Gold and Black Stainless Accents for a Tiny Kitchen in Pink, White and Gray
A stunning marble counter and subtle gray backsplash joins white Shaker-style cabinetry and black stainless appliances. The range hood surround is painted in the wall color — a delicate pink, and a cute midcentury globe light in frosted glass and gold is a lovely accompaniment to the gold cabinet pulls. This adorable kitchen sacrifices no style because of its small size
Photo by: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Galley kitchen remodeling can be a great way to take a kitchen space that's already efficient and functional and add elements that increase both its utility and attractiveness.
20 Gorgeous Galley Kitchen Remodel Ideas
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Galley Kitchen Benefits
In general, galley kitchens are smaller spaces, which can be a great benefit to anyone involved in cooking or food preparation. The famous "work triangle," which co-locates the refrigerator, stove and sink, offers maximum efficiency with minimal steps between the various components. The tradeoff is that sometimes the space can feel cramped, dark and not terribly welcoming to guests. A galley kitchen remodel can address all of these concerns via some simple tweaks, many of which can be achieved on a budget or even without raising a single hammer.
Things to Consider
One of the elements you'll definitely want to consider in a galley kitchen remodel is the addition of space and storage. Always a key concern, especially for smaller galley kitchens, space, storage and surface area can be added via a kitchen island, peninsula or other storage options like countertop containers or pantry storage.
If you're considering adding a kitchen island to your galley kitchen remodel, you may be able to do so without any construction required. Portable kitchen islands are widely available, and they can be a great option for galley kitchens that are small enough to require a more flexible design. They can add the same types of storage as a permanent island, featuring drawers, cabinets and pull-out elements that will allow for cookware and other supplies to be secreted away. The countertop of a kitchen island can be used for cooking preparation or as additional bar-type seating for guests.
DIY Kitchen Island Ideas
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More costly and complicated—but also potentially more efficient—is a permanent kitchen island. The benefit here is that you can add functional kitchen features like a stove, sink or refrigerator to the island, completing or adding efficiency to your existing work triangle configuration. You'll need plumbing and electrical hookups if you're going for a full-featured island, as well as the budget to support the installation. However, this can be a great option for a larger galley kitchen remodel.
Similarly, a galley kitchen remodel can often involve the addition of a kitchen peninsula. Whereas a kitchen island can sometimes be cumbersome in galley kitchens—especially a smaller one—a peninsula may give you the added storage and functionality you want, with a more out-of-the way design. Generally, a kitchen peninsula will connect to one wall of a galley kitchen design, creating an "L" shape and offering all the potential benefits of a kitchen island in a more open design scheme.
Cabinet Ideas and Options
Since a galley kitchen is typically a small space, consider adding ceiling height upper cabinets to ensure maximum storage. On the other hand, if you would rather your space be more open and airy, consider floating shelves. This option will allow you to still have room for storage, but without the added weight of full cabinetry.
26 Open Shelving Ideas for Your Kitchen
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Color Choices
In a galley kitchen the options for color selections are endless. You can select subdued and sleek finishes, like flat-panel cabinets and minimal decor, or go for a more eye-catching space with unique color and pattern selections. An interesting tile or colorful cabinets can really bring your galley kitchen remodel up a notch.
