How to Decorate a Galley Kitchen
Galley kitchens are shaped like a rectangle, with cabinets on both sides. If you live in a small apartment or an older home, you probably have a galley kitchen. Galley kitchens tend to be fairly small. With a little organization and decorating, you won't mind cooking in your small galley kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Make everything functional. If you leave appliances such as toasters or mixers on the counter, make them look like sculptures. Choose appliances with sleek metal, or a fun color like pink or orange. These functional items add instant decoration.
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Maximize vertical space. Hang a pot rack for extra storage. Install cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling for additional storage space.
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Choose small appliances. Look for appliances that are specifically made for rentals or condos. These functional fridges and stoves will save you a few precious inches.
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Use high-end materials. Since the space is small, it will cost less to add flourishes like marble or granite counter tops or floors.
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Create a pass-through. Depending on the architecture of your home, you may be able to take out a wall in your galley kitchen to open up the space. Turn the pass-through into an island. Place bar stools on the other side of the pass-through. This is efficient because galley kitchens rarely include breakfast nooks or kitchen islands. The negative side is that you'll lose the upper cabinets. Make sure that you can afford to do without the extra storage space. Your guests will be able to congregate in larger rooms without isolating you in the kitchen.
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Bring in light. Replace your fluorescent lighting. Change out your back door with a French door. Add under-cabinet lights to create fresh, cheery space.
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Tips & Warnings
Light paint colors, like ivory cabinets, may make your galley kitchen seem bigger.
Resources
- Photo Credit Nancy Hugo CKD
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Comments
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Get paint out of the tips section and on the front page! Paint is inexpensive and quick -- your #1 pal for any room makeover. Toss some buttercup yellow trim on those dark kitchen cabinets. Raise the ceiling with a high-gloss white. And decorate the floor and cabinet doors with an interesting pattern that will keep your eyes moving around instead of fixed on those monster cabinets.
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very helpful. :)
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love doing galley kitchens! I have had a few myself. Best to make the cabinetry righ up to the ceiling and don;t be afraid it will close in the room...you can handle that with under counter lights and cabinet finish! imc: INterior design services....856.269.0707.
