How to Design a Galley Kitchen That Works
A galley kitchen can be a space-saving solution when space is tight ... but only if you get it right
The layout of galley kitchens has come about out of necessity – two facing lines of cabinetry that make use of all vertical space is just the thing for board ship cooks contending with rolling seas and drastically limited space. Many houses face similar space constraints but it isn’t the only reason architects are designing houses with galley kitchens – anyone serious about their cooking loves this layout because it’s so practical; ducking from one side to the other to perform different tasks couldn’t be easier. Where galley kitchens fall down, however, is if more than one person needs to be in the kitchen at the same time. We talk to the experts to find out how to get galley kitchen layouts right, no matter who is traipsing through your workspace.
Two parallel lines define a galley kitchen, with vertical cabinetry maximising storage capacity. Chefs love galley kitchens, says The Kitchen Broker senior designer Brian Patterson, because “everything that is important to maximise production is close at hand.”
In a domestic setting the same concept applies “but careful design is imperative because there are more people to consider, different functions that need to be accommodated, plus different traffic-flow requirements,” Patterson says.
In this rendered example, Patterson has designed a galley kitchen with ergonomics in mind.
“A galley kitchen works best when the ‘Patterson Second Triangle’ comes into play,” he says. “The secret is to allow participation in the kitchen by others, without getting in the road of the cook.”
That’s a nice idea, but how is it achieved?
“Everyone other than the cook usually enters the kitchen to get food or drink, and to maybe sit down and consume it,” Patterson explains. “If you can achieve a layout that allows this function without crossing the cooks’ triangle, you have good ergonomic design.”
“A galley kitchen works best when the ‘Patterson Second Triangle’ comes into play,” he says. “The secret is to allow participation in the kitchen by others, without getting in the road of the cook.”
That’s a nice idea, but how is it achieved?
“Everyone other than the cook usually enters the kitchen to get food or drink, and to maybe sit down and consume it,” Patterson explains. “If you can achieve a layout that allows this function without crossing the cooks’ triangle, you have good ergonomic design.”
This is the opposite side of the rendered kitchen.
“In some cases, we need to accommodate a breakfast bar, and different storage solutions need to be put in the mix,” Patterson says. “The number one rule in our opinion is that the space needs to work smoothly, allowing a family to use the space without major collisions, and without competing for such things as bench space and use of appliances.”
“In some cases, we need to accommodate a breakfast bar, and different storage solutions need to be put in the mix,” Patterson says. “The number one rule in our opinion is that the space needs to work smoothly, allowing a family to use the space without major collisions, and without competing for such things as bench space and use of appliances.”
This is the rendered kitchen’s design on paper. The triangles are illustrated here for clarity.
“As galley kitchens usually have an entrance both ends (some don’t), it is imperative that the traffic flow needs are understood,” Patterson says. Also, the dishwasher needs to be outside the triangle for others to use without hindering good kitchen function.” You shouldn’t have to cook AND clean up everyone’s dishes, after all.
“As galley kitchens usually have an entrance both ends (some don’t), it is imperative that the traffic flow needs are understood,” Patterson says. Also, the dishwasher needs to be outside the triangle for others to use without hindering good kitchen function.” You shouldn’t have to cook AND clean up everyone’s dishes, after all.
This galley kitchen is at home in a Victorian-style Melbourne home. Although this design manages to incorporate plenty of bench space, a hidden pull-out chopping board above the dishwasher makes it easy for two people to prepare food at the same time.
TIP: Matching the colour of the cabinets to the benchtop makes for a streamlined effect and helps a galley kitchen feel less cluttered. In this case, Designs Australia director Mark Wang says the panelled and beaded drawers and cabinet doors have a 2-pack satin enamel finish in Porter’s Paint ‘Absolute White’. An ‘Alpine White’ reconstituted quantum quartz stone benchtop and ceramic splashback tiles in similar tones combine for a harmonious effect.
TIP: Matching the colour of the cabinets to the benchtop makes for a streamlined effect and helps a galley kitchen feel less cluttered. In this case, Designs Australia director Mark Wang says the panelled and beaded drawers and cabinet doors have a 2-pack satin enamel finish in Porter’s Paint ‘Absolute White’. An ‘Alpine White’ reconstituted quantum quartz stone benchtop and ceramic splashback tiles in similar tones combine for a harmonious effect.
A similar approach has been used in this sleek Melbourne kitchen. The simple colour palette makes the space feel light and open, an effect further enhanced with the help of a mirrored rangehood and no kickboards – the kitchen is almost floating on air.
More: Have No Fear: It Is Possible to Keep Your White Kitchen White
More: Have No Fear: It Is Possible to Keep Your White Kitchen White
This layout makes all points of the work triangle equally accessible – the fridge, stove and sink.
TIP: Glass-fronted wall cabinets can make a galley kitchen feel less claustrophobic, especially with interior lighting that gives the cabinets a golden glow after dark.
BONUS TIP: The aisle in a galley kitchen should measure 1.2 to 1.8 metres wide to avoid congestion.
TIP: Glass-fronted wall cabinets can make a galley kitchen feel less claustrophobic, especially with interior lighting that gives the cabinets a golden glow after dark.
BONUS TIP: The aisle in a galley kitchen should measure 1.2 to 1.8 metres wide to avoid congestion.
Pull-out storage is a wise move in a galley kitchen – the less you have to reach into the depths of cabinets to access cooking tools and supplies, the more you’ll like working in your kitchen.
TIP: Mix up solid cabinetry with shelving to make your galley kitchen feel more open and airy. Place the items you use most often on open shelving to avoid dust build-up or limit shelving displays to a few favourite items that are easy to wipe clean.
TIP: Mix up solid cabinetry with shelving to make your galley kitchen feel more open and airy. Place the items you use most often on open shelving to avoid dust build-up or limit shelving displays to a few favourite items that are easy to wipe clean.
Shaker-style cabinets in ‘Mushroom’ add character to this homey galley. French doors at one end bring in maximum light, while industrial-style pendants, Cararra marble benchtops and a subway-tile splashback gives the space an eclectic edge.
DID YOU KNOW? The term ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ came about in the 19th century with the advent of plumbed water. The early cast-iron sinks were so heavy to move, if you had to leave the house in a hurry (in case of fire, most likely) the only thing you’d have no chance of taking with you would be the kitchen sink. The weight of ceramic farmhouse sinks so popular in kitchens today puts them in the same boat!
DID YOU KNOW? The term ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ came about in the 19th century with the advent of plumbed water. The early cast-iron sinks were so heavy to move, if you had to leave the house in a hurry (in case of fire, most likely) the only thing you’d have no chance of taking with you would be the kitchen sink. The weight of ceramic farmhouse sinks so popular in kitchens today puts them in the same boat!
If natural timber cabinetry appeals for your next kitchen, just make sure you have enough natural light coming in to prevent the space feeling dark and too enclosed. When you have a water view as lovely as this house does, lots of glass is a must.
The kitchen overlooks the pool and bay at Cottage Point in Sydney.
“The house wraps around the verandah and pool like the tendrils of land wrapping around the bay,” says architect Richard Cole.
“The house wraps around the verandah and pool like the tendrils of land wrapping around the bay,” says architect Richard Cole.
If it takes removing a wall or creating a new doorway to bring more light into the kitchen, it will be well worth it.
While not open plan, as many contemporary new builds and additions are, this home’s layout allows the galley kitchen to still feel integrated into the rest of the home. A galley kitchen that works should never make the cook feel isolated.
YOUR SAY
How do you feel about galley kitchens? Love them or hate them? Share your opinion in the Comments.
MORE
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Layout for You
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: Single-Wall Kitchens
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: G-Shaped Kitchens
YOUR SAY
How do you feel about galley kitchens? Love them or hate them? Share your opinion in the Comments.
MORE
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Layout for You
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: Single-Wall Kitchens
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: G-Shaped Kitchens