Galley Kitchen Plans

Costs
History
Pictures
Popular Kitchen Remodeling Topics

Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
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More Information

At one point or another, most everyone has lived in a home or apartment with a galley kitchen. This affordable layout is typically found in a long, narrow room and consists of two opposing walls with a fairly narrow space between them. If your kitchen is short on square footage, then a galley layout may be the way to go. Here’s what you need to know.

Costs

While the cost of remodeling a galley kitchen or building one from scratch will vary greatly depending on the materials and appliances used, this layout is certainly the least expensive of them all.

Pictures

Pros

Generally great for storage, as galley kitchens tend to have plenty of cabinet space.

Offers an easy workflow when it comes to cooking.

Provides all the kitchen essentials in one small space.

Cons

If open on both sides, galley kitchens can become walkways instead of a traditional cooking space.

They tend to be cramped, so are best suited for one cook functioning well within a classic kitchen triangle.

Doesn’t work well as a gathering spot for families. Eating nooks, however, can fix that.

Common Questions and Answers

What is the best layout for a galley kitchen?

If the existing room is at least 8 feet wide, it’s best to use the classic kitchen triangle. This means that the three main elements of the kitchen are placed between 4 to 9 feet apart to avoid feeling cramped. When it comes to appliances, put the sink and stove on one side of the kitchen and refrigerator on the other.

How can an excess of foot traffic be avoided with the galley kitchen plan?

If possible, don’t design a galley kitchen that is open on both sides. Install a door to avoid having guests (or children) use the kitchen as a walkway.

History

Traditionally, the term galley kitchen was used to describe the tight cooking quarters on ships. Today they are designed to echo the same efficiency that’s absolutely necessary aboard any vessel.

More Information

The biggest complaint with galley kitchens is their isolation of the lonely cook or chef. If possible, you should think about converting one wall to a half-wall, and install a countertop and barstools on the other side of the wall. Ideally, the room on the other side is the family room, dining room or other common area so you can converse easily with family members and guests.

If you’re going to open up one wall, you should put your sink and stove on the wall facing “out” and your refrigerator on the “back” wall. Make sure that sliding drawers or cabinet doors placed on opposite sides have enough space to open conveniently at the same time. If you can, place the cooking area and sink in the same line so it is easier to move hot pans to the cleaning area after you’re done with them.