Galley Kitchen: A Smart Solution for Small Spaces
Having a small space for the kitchen is often a reason to sell your home, or not to purchase a particular home. However, what you need to think about is whether or not this small kitchen is a galley kitchen. If it is, you are in luck, as a galley kitchen design has many benefits that are unknown to most homeowners. Here, you will discover not only what makes a galley kitchen a galley kitchen, but what some of the many benefits are. Having this knowledge will help you make the decision to keep your home with its small kitchen, or purchase your dream home even though the kitchen is smaller than you would prefer.
What is a galley kitchen?
There are some unique features of a galley kitchen that make it what it is. Essentially, a galley kitchen design is a small space used for cooking and preparing meals. At this point, you are probably thinking that any small kitchen is a galley kitchen. However, that is not the case. In order to be considered a galley kitchen, the space must consist of two walls that create a sort of ‘hallway’ space. One each of the walls you will find all of the appliances, such as the stove and the refrigerator, as well as the kitchen sink and the dishwasher.
In addition, all of the countertop space and storage space in a galley kitchen is along these two walls. You will have a center aisle, what was earlier referred to as a hallway, that is open with no obstructions in the pathway, such as an island. In most instances, you will find a galley kitchen design in smaller apartments and smaller homes. However, due to the many benefits of galley designed kitchens, they are popping up more and more in larger homes where the homeowners are not concerned with having a large open kitchen.
What are the benefits of a galley kitchen design?
You are probably wonder how a kitchen this small, without an island can be beneficial. Well, it is time you found out, as there are several benefits to this design. First, a galley kitchen provides you with a space that requires little walking to get things accomplished. Because all of the appliances, storage, and counter space are all within a few steps of each other, you are not required to do a great deal of walking to get items you need while preparing for a small family dinner or a large gathering. Everything is essentially within an arm’s reach.
Secondly, you will find that even in a kitchen this size, storage space and usable counter space is easy to find. In fact, many designers find that the amount of storage and counter space in a galley kitchen design is comparable to that of a large kitchen. In fact, most galley kitchens are placed at the end of an outside wall, which often allows room for a large pantry at one end of the ‘hallway’ like space. This pantry provides additional storage that is often needed in a smaller kitchen, but yet still keeps everything within a few steps of the cooking and food prep areas.
Furthermore, because the space is compact, homeowners find that galley style kitchens are easier and much quicker to clean up. This allows you to have more time to spend with your family and friends who have come to enjoy the delicious meal you have just prepared.
Another benefit many people do not think about when it comes to a galley kitchen is its small size. While most people what a large kitchen, there are others who need more space in their home for other purposes. This could include the addition of an office, a baby’s room, or an extra bedroom or bathroom. While it may not sound ideal, taking a large kitchen and turning it into a galley kitchen could free up the space you are looking for without compromising the abilities of your kitchen, the space, or the efficient workflow.
One thing many homeowners are concerned about when designing a galley kitchen is making the room feel larger than it is – the illusion of more space. This can easily be accomplished in the colors and materials you choose to complete the design. For instance, you want to avoid dark counters and cabinets, and bring in ample amounts of light. If possible, put the kitchen along an outside wall, so that you can add a window over the sink to allow natural light to come in. Choose light colored neutral tones for the color palette, including the granite countertops, and add pops of bright color. All of these tips will help make this beneficial small space seem larger than it really is.
As you have discovered, there truly are many benefits to a galley kitchen design. Now, all you need to do is sit down and figure out what you are going to do with all the space you will have left over from creating an efficient, storage-packed space in your home.
