Three Remodeling Ideas for Galley Kitchens

A galley kitchen is a kitchen shaped as a narrow corridor, with appliances and countertops flanking each side.  As opposed to open-floor plans which are the modern style, galley kitchens are designed for small-space efficiency, perfect for one-cook situations but not much else.  One might think that the cramped style would limit the flexibility you’d have in a remodel or redesign, but that’s really not true.  The experts at Solid Surface Canada can help find great ideas to getting the most out of your galley kitchen.

Use Tricks to Make It Feel Larger

One of the main complaints about galley kitchen is that they’re on the smaller side – you’re essentially enclosed on three sides, which produces a cramped feeling.  There are tricks you can use to increase your storage space and make the kitchen feel larger, however, even if you can’t increase its actual footprint.

Extending your cabinets all the way to the ceiling can give you extra storage space, as well as give the illusion of extra height.  Lighter cabinet and countertop colors and reflective surfaces can also help create the illusion of more space, and a natural light source will make your kitchen feel brighter and more airy.

Shrink the Work Triangle

The “kitchen work triangle” concept states that the main kitchen appliances – your refrigerator, stovetop and sink – should be within a few steps of where you prep the food, forming an efficient and accessible triangle.  This works well in a galley kitchen.  If your stovetop and sink are on different sides of your kitchen, consider relocating one in a remodel; this will make clean-up more efficient and prevent clutter from spreading throughout your kitchen.

Remove a Section of Wall

Not all home renovations can include removing a wall section to open up the space, but sometimes, a compromise is possible.  For example, if one wall of your galley kitchen is next to the dining room, a doorway between the two can add extra light and a larger view to your kitchen.

Of course, the best investment you can make in your kitchen is high-quality countertops.  Solid Surface Canada offers a complete range of solid surface tops to meet all of your kitchen renovation needs.  Contact us today!