5 simple steps to make a galley kitchen look bigger
Galley kitchens are long and narrow with limited space on both sides. It’s can be tricky to nail the ‘working triangle’ in such a space, but there are things you can go to get the best out of this layout. Good Homes shares some clever planning tips and ideas to help create the illusion of space…
1. Opt for reflective surfaces
Reflective materials such as gloss cabinets and aluminium or mirrored splashbacks are useful for making narrow kitchens feel wider. Skylights are always helpful, and a practical addition to a single-storey rear kitchen extension. If that’s not an option, try and place mirrors opposite windows to help bounce light around the room.
Photo: Wren Kitchens
2. Seek out narrow cabinets
A savvy way to make a galley feel bigger is to deliberately reduce the depth of one of the cupboard runs. Fitting standard 600mm base cabinets down one side to house traditional appliances, then narrower 300mm-depth units on the other, helps to maximise storage space without making the room feel too cluttered. Keeping traffic flow to a minimum in a galley kitchen is vital too, so position your fridge-freezer away from the main entrance to avoid too many people congregating.
Photo: Neptune
3. Work in a breakfast bar
Galley layouts don’t naturally lend themselves to being social spaces, but it’s often possible to tuck a compact breakfast bar or table at the end of one run. Look for wall-mounted, drop-down or narrow designs perfect for informal meals or homeworking – or have one built in by leaving a gap between cabinets, as shown in this IKEA kitchen.
IKEA METOD/KALLARP high-gloss dark red-brown kitchen
4. Go for full-height cabinetry
When you’re tight on space, it makes sense to run cabinetry all the way to the ceiling. To keep things bright and airy, opt for glazed units that can help reflect the light, teamed with pale coloured cabinets to create a barely-there look.
Photo: Devol
5. Add open shelving and accessories
Swap wall-to-wall units, which can feel oppressive in a galley kitchen, for some on-trend open shelving instead. Not only will it provide some much-needed visual breathing space, it’s also a great way to add character and personality to your kitchen with pictures, plants and accessories.
Photo: Ikea