Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: The Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen is long and narrow, but its clever configuration means that it's a highly functional space in which to cook and entertain
A nod to the traditional ship’s galley, this kitchen design runs lengthways as a long, narrow corridor. It can either have walls or cupboards on both sides, or one side could be utilised as an island bench, opening up the kitchen to the rest of the living space. When designing a galley kitchen, appliances should be installed on one side, while the clean-up and prep area is on the opposite side. It means that two people can work their gourmet magic without bumping into each other while prepping, cooking and cleaning. Here are 10 galley kitchen designs, all offering nifty configurations, style tips and – that all-time favourite – space-saving ideas.
Handle-free
In a galley kitchen, handle-free cupboards are ideal, as they tend to make the space feel even larger than it is. Here, sleek surfaces provide a seamless effect, and natural light is maximised thanks to the large windows and glass sliding doors, which help bring the outside in.
In a galley kitchen, handle-free cupboards are ideal, as they tend to make the space feel even larger than it is. Here, sleek surfaces provide a seamless effect, and natural light is maximised thanks to the large windows and glass sliding doors, which help bring the outside in.
Hide and seek
If you like to keep all your appliances close at hand, a raised edge behind the sink is a perfect solution in a galley kitchen. Not only is it handy to store the toaster, kettle and other appliances, it keeps mess out of sight from the other side of the bench.
If you like to keep all your appliances close at hand, a raised edge behind the sink is a perfect solution in a galley kitchen. Not only is it handy to store the toaster, kettle and other appliances, it keeps mess out of sight from the other side of the bench.
Beautiful built-ins
In a compact galley, every corner counts. That’s why the bar fridge is built into the island bench – a very handy appliance when soirees and dinner parties take place. It also means that the integrated fridge – at the other end of the kitchen – will never be cluttered.
In a compact galley, every corner counts. That’s why the bar fridge is built into the island bench – a very handy appliance when soirees and dinner parties take place. It also means that the integrated fridge – at the other end of the kitchen – will never be cluttered.
Off the floor
While most island benches sit on the floor, this chic kitchen has an island that’s lifted, making it feel lighter and more spacious. This chic Toorak kitchen design by Robert Mills Architects and Interior Designers in Melbourne also has floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing even more light to flow in to this slender kitchen. Polished stone flooring and surfaces bring elegance to the space, while the mirror-covered range hood adds a futuristic feel.
While most island benches sit on the floor, this chic kitchen has an island that’s lifted, making it feel lighter and more spacious. This chic Toorak kitchen design by Robert Mills Architects and Interior Designers in Melbourne also has floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing even more light to flow in to this slender kitchen. Polished stone flooring and surfaces bring elegance to the space, while the mirror-covered range hood adds a futuristic feel.
Take a seat
The joy of having a long galley kitchen is that there’s plenty of seating at the bench – this certainly creates a happy social hub. Here, the space gives a nod to classic Scandinavian style, utilising block colours that evoke icy snowcaps and midnight skies. Calacatta marble encases the large island bench, while stools add a touch of timber to the space.
The joy of having a long galley kitchen is that there’s plenty of seating at the bench – this certainly creates a happy social hub. Here, the space gives a nod to classic Scandinavian style, utilising block colours that evoke icy snowcaps and midnight skies. Calacatta marble encases the large island bench, while stools add a touch of timber to the space.
Industrial revelation
Many restaurant kitchens utilise the classic galley shape coupled with tough, durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel. The owners have embraced this style with stainless steel used as cupboard door fronts as well as the covering for the rangehood. This technique successfully reflects plenty of light into the tight space. To ensure the kitchen isn’t too clinical, timber elements and a white ceiling were introduced.
Many restaurant kitchens utilise the classic galley shape coupled with tough, durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel. The owners have embraced this style with stainless steel used as cupboard door fronts as well as the covering for the rangehood. This technique successfully reflects plenty of light into the tight space. To ensure the kitchen isn’t too clinical, timber elements and a white ceiling were introduced.
Double duty
Incorporating drawers in a galley will increase storage by a massive amount, no matter what size your kitchen. This light, airy room was designed by Melbourne Contemporary Kitchens with a wide island bench featuring storage drawers on both sides. Seating was included with the addition of a shapely dining bar – a wonderful mix of form and function.
Incorporating drawers in a galley will increase storage by a massive amount, no matter what size your kitchen. This light, airy room was designed by Melbourne Contemporary Kitchens with a wide island bench featuring storage drawers on both sides. Seating was included with the addition of a shapely dining bar – a wonderful mix of form and function.
Galley glamour
Even in a galley kitchen, dark tones can work as a star attraction. Here, opposites attract with Createc black gloss cupboards and two-pack gloss doors in ‘Enigma Red’ adding glamour to the space. For continuity, the moody Galaxy Granite benchtop was the final touch, all designed by the Brisbane firm, Enigma Interiors.
Even in a galley kitchen, dark tones can work as a star attraction. Here, opposites attract with Createc black gloss cupboards and two-pack gloss doors in ‘Enigma Red’ adding glamour to the space. For continuity, the moody Galaxy Granite benchtop was the final touch, all designed by the Brisbane firm, Enigma Interiors.
Country style
Even if you live in the middle of the city, a country-inspired zone brings warmth and serenity to the house. The glossy brick-format splashback, delicate handles and traditional cupboard doors are timeless and elegant, while parquetry flooring adds texture to this long galley kitchen.
TELL US
Are you thinking about installing a galley kitchen? What do you love most about this design? Have you cooked in a galley-style kitchen before? What are the advantages? Are there any downsides? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
Even if you live in the middle of the city, a country-inspired zone brings warmth and serenity to the house. The glossy brick-format splashback, delicate handles and traditional cupboard doors are timeless and elegant, while parquetry flooring adds texture to this long galley kitchen.
TELL US
Are you thinking about installing a galley kitchen? What do you love most about this design? Have you cooked in a galley-style kitchen before? What are the advantages? Are there any downsides? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
Lighting is a priority when designing a galley kitchen, to avoid creating a claustrophobic feel. Designed by Richard Cole Architecture, based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this galley kitchen in timber and glass provides plenty of light without skimping on storage. Open shelving above the sink has a floating effect, and to keep it balanced, the collection of glassware and kitchenware was sensitively edited.