How to Design a Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen is a straight room with only one entry. There is counter space and cabinetry on both sides, separated by an aisle at least 36 inches wide. The layout is efficient and functional and creates a work triangle--the area from the sink to the stove to the refrigerator and back. If you have limited space, a long narrow room and a three-foot aisle, you can have a galley kitchen. You can take your preliminary design ideas to a kitchen designer or manufacturer to get help on standard cabinet sizes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Galley-Style Kitchen
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Take measurements of your existing space. If you are attempting to add cabinetry to your existing layout, you must know whether it is possible. Although a galley-style kitchen typically has one entrance with cabinetry on both sides of an aisle, it can be U-shaped when there is space.
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2
Sketch your kitchen so that you have something to take to the cabinet maker. A galley-style kitchen is essentially a hallway. Standard base cabinets (the lower cabinets) have a depth of 25 inches. With cabinets on each side and an aisle width of 36 inches, the depth of the space ideally should be 86 inches. The aisle can be narrower, but remember, you need to be able to fully open the oven door.
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3
Use the scale ruler to create a scaled drawing of the space. A scaled ruler is made so that, for example, a quarter of an inch is equal to a foot. Your drawing will be a miniature footprint of your actual kitchen.
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4
Locate the plumbing, gas line and all electrical outlets. Mark these on your drawing. Locate any areas that will need special accommodations, such as windows, doors and heaters. If you want to have any of these changed, relocated or removed, enlist the help of a professional.
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5
Figure your kitchen working triangle. The sink, stove or cook top and refrigerator should be approximately 36 inches apart from one other in a triangular configuration.
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Take these measurements to a local cabinet manufacturer. There you will be able to select cabinet style, color and wood species. There are standard sizes of cabinets, but depending on the layout of your space and architectural details such as windows and doors, some custom sizing may be necessary. There should be 18 inches on each side of the stove for taking pots off the stove and turning pot handles away from the cooking area.
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Choose a cabinet style and color that appeal to your personal style. A galley kitchen is not a design style, it is the layout of the kitchen. Your galley kitchen can be whatever decorative style you choose, such as Tuscan, country, traditional or contemporary. The cabinet style will dictate the style of your kitchen.
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Choose the rest of your kitchen details, such as appliances, countertop and backsplash. Since galley kitchens are narrow, select appliances that will fit well into the space and will open easily. If your space is dark, incorporate overhead lighting and under-cabinet lighting.
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9
Consider using glass-front upper cabinets or open shelving to create a feeling of openness and spaciousness.
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10
Be creative with your galley kitchen. It may seem small, but this style is functional and workable. Peruse kitchen magazines and cut out pictures of your favorites.
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