Corridor kitchen floor plans
11 Galley Kitchen Layout Ideas & Design Tips
Design by deVOL Kitchens
A long and narrow kitchen configuration with a central walkway that has cabinetry, countertops, and appliances built along one or both walls, the galley kitchen is often found in older city apartments and historic homes. While it might feel dated and cramped to people used to open plan kitchens, the galley kitchen is a space-saving classic that appeals to those who enjoy having a self-contained room for meal prep, with the added benefit of keeping kitchen mess out of sight from the main living space.
Check out these tips for designing a comfortable and efficient layout for a galley-style kitchen, or for optimizing the one that you already have.
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01 of 11
Add Cafe-Style Seating
Design by deVOL Kitchens
Many galley kitchens have a window at the far end to let in natural light and air. If you've got the space, adding a place to sit and have a cup of coffee, or to take a load off while performing meal prep will make it more comfortable and functional. In this small galley-style kitchen in a Georgian style apartment in Bath, England, designed by deVOL Kitchens, a small cafe-style breakfast bar is built right next to the window. In a single galley kitchen, consider installing a fold-out wall-mounted table. In a larger double galley kitchen, try a small bistro table and chairs.
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02 of 11
Follow the Architecture
Design by JRS ID / Photo by Lepere Studio 
Interior designer Jessica Risko Smith of JRS ID followed the natural curve of a bank of bay windows on one side of this galley-style kitchen with custom built-in cabinetry that hugs the space's irregular curves and creates a natural home for a sink and dishwasher, while maximizing every inch of space. Open shelving high up near the ceiling provides added storage. The kitchen is accessed by a wide case opening that feeds into the adjacent dining room for ease of movement.
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03 of 11
Skip the Uppers
Design by Julian Porcino
In this spacious California galley kitchen from real estate agent and interior designer Julian Porcino, a neutral palette mixed with natural wood and industrial touches creates a streamlined look. A pair of windows, a glass double door leading to the outside, and bright white walls and ceiling paint keeps the galley kitchen feeling light and bright. Apart from a floor-to-ceiling block of cabinetry built to house the refrigerator and provide extra storage, upper cabinetry was omitted to preserve a feeling of openness.
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04 of 11
Install Open Shelving
Design by deVOL Kitchens
A cafe-style seating area by the window in this galley style kitchen designed by deVOL Kitchens is a cozy spot for meals, reading, or meal prep. The designers took advantage of the space above the bar-style counter to hang some open shelving to store everyday essentials. A glass framed picture leaning up against the wall acts as a de facto mirror, reflecting the view from the adjacent window. If you want to enhance the effect and don't need the extra storage, hang a vintage mirror above the bar instead. If you don't want to stare at yourself while you eat, hang the mirror so the bottom edge is just above eye level when seated.
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05 of 11
Incorporate Peekaboo Windows
Design by Maite Granda
Interior designer Maite Granda carved an efficient galley kitchen into a sprawling Florida home that is partially divided off from the main living space with peekaboo shelving and long, narrow windows above the sink and high up near the ceiling above the cabinets to let in natural light. If you don't have the option of installing windows in your galley kitchen, try a mirrored backsplash instead.
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06 of 11
Go Dark
Design by deVOL Kitchens
In this streamlined and contemporary double galley style kitchen designed by Sebastian Cox for deVOL Kitchens, black wood cabinetry with a Shou Sugi Ban aesthetic adds depth and contrast against the pale walls and flooring. The room's abundance of natural light keeps the dark wood from feeling heavy.
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07 of 11
Dress It in Black and White
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Amber Thrane
In this modern galley-style San Diego, CA, kitchen from interior designer Cathie Hong of Cathie Hong Interiors, black lower cabinets on both sides of the wide kitchen add a grounding element. Bright white walls, ceilings, and naked windows keep it light and bright. A simple gray tile floor, stainless steel appliances, and bronze accents complete the clean design. A single pot railing fills a blank space on the wall while providing a convenient place to hang everyday items, but you could also swap that out for a large-scale photograph or piece of art.
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08 of 11
Keep It Light
Design by deVOL Kitchens
While having adequate storage is always a bonus, there is no need to add more than you need, which will only encourage you to accumulate more stuff that you probably don't need. In this generously proportioned galley kitchen design by deVOL Kitchens, appliances, cabinetry, and countertops are confined to one wall, leaving space for a large dining table and chairs on the other. The glass table has a light profile that keeps the focus on the garden view.
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09 of 11
Add an Interior Window
Design by deVOL Kitchens
In this galley kitchen design by deVOL Kitchens, an atelier-style interior window with black metal framing over the sink allows natural light from the entryway on the other side to stream in and creates a sense of openness both in the kitchen and in the adjacent hallway. The interior window also reflects the natural light streaming in from the large window at the far end of the kitchen, making the relatively small and contained space feel more expansive.
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10 of 11
Preserve Original Features
Design by Julian Porcino
This adobe-style home and Los Angeles historical landmark built in 1922 from estate agent and interior designer Julian Porcino features a carefully updated galley-style kitchen that maintains the original character of the home. Copper pendant lighting, a hammered copper farmhouse sink, and black stone countertops complement and keep the focus on original architectural details like warm dark stained beams and window casings. The kitchen island accommodates the oven and stovetop, while bar seating creates an updated feel.
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11 of 11
Use a Soft Palette
Design by deVOL Kitchens
In this galley kitchen designed by deVOL Kitchens, a large cased opening allows natural light from the adjacent room to flow in. To maximize space, the designers ran cabinetry and a built-in hood vent all the way up to the ceiling. A soft palette of off white, mint green, and natural wood keeps it feeling light and airy.
12 kitchen layouts that maximize space |
If you are after galley kitchen ideas and inspiration, then you've come to the right place.
So much has changed in the way in which we design and use our kitchens over the last decade or so, but there is something reassuring in how the galley kitchen has adapted to the new-found sense of space in more contemporary kitchen ideas , and has thrived.
Galley kitchen ideas – turn this narrow layout into a dream space
Named after a ship’s kitchen, galley kitchens were originally associated with simplicity and tight spaces – there’s not much room for superfluous detail on the average ship. But the reason that galley kitchen layouts work is that they are ergonomically sound – it's easy to place everything so it is to hand.
1. Use galley kitchen layouts in an open plan kitchen
(Image credit: Future / Darren Cheung)
Open plan kitchens and spacious islands are partly to blame for wall units falling out of fashion – when you’ve got oodles of space to play with, it’s easy to see why you would want to keep the look open and save reaching overhead.
But wall units will always have a valid place in small kitchens and narrow rooms, where you can make the most of the height and still have usable worksurface.
Popular options include lift up doors and tall, sleek, flat-fronted doors in a striking material. But if you are really not a fan, consider open shelving or perhaps cubby holes if you need to make use of more height.
If you really want to make a statement in a galley kitchen, paint your units in an entirely different color to the rest of the room to make them sing out.
2. Create a modern interpretation of the galley kitchen
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
In recent years, a third galley kitchen scenario has evolved, incorporating the galley layout into more modern kitchen ideas .
'Modern galley kitchens can be part of a much larger space, featuring a wall-hugging galley run with a long island running parallel, separating a living or dining area beyond,' explains Paul O’Brien, director of Kitchens International.
Although following the double galley footprint, it feels different as it is a lighter, more open and more sociable space.
3. Declutter with the right storage
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Good kitchen storage ideas are perhaps the most important element to consider when planning a galley kitchen.
Choose a scheme that includes plenty of storage, and if wall units aren’t possible in all areas, go for an abundance of floor units with drawers.
Also, natural light is key in helping to create space, so if possible include a window and door in your galley kitchen. A neutral color scheme in all areas will help to give the feeling of space.
Simple kitchen color schemes don't have to mean all-white designs though. Here, a tonal palette of subtle blues, grays and taupes blend beautifully to create a stylish gray kitchen .
4. Keep it open and bright
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
Galley kitchens have a tendency to look small and cluttered, but there is one way to negate this issue.
Give small kitchen layouts the illusion of space by going for shelves rather than wall units.
Keep them the same color as the rest of the cabinetry below for a seamless look, and have fun displaying colorful glass bottles, storage containers and too-pretty-to-hide-away teapots.
5. Trick the eye with light, color and minimal cabinetry
(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)
A galley kitchen layout is particularly suited to more compact spaces, as it ensures you have the worksurfaces and appliances you need while still providing essential storage for small kitchens .
The trick is to make the space work for you – make it look bigger by using light colors and reflective surfaces.
'Try not to have tall units on both sides in double galley kitchens, as it will become overbearing,' advises Tim Higham of Higham Furniture. 'If possible, try to avoid wall cabinets on one side, opting for open shelving where feasible. This will help to make the space feel larger.'
6. Work a narrow room
(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)
To make the most of a tall, narrow kitchen, use a mixture of wall cabinets, open shelving, base cabinets and drawers to vary your design and keep the outlook as open as possible.
Make sure you have enough room to move around the kitchen easily without bumping into other people; check there is enough space between opposite runs of units to open drawers, cupboards and appliances, and if it’s a bit of a squeeze consider reduced depth cabinets.
And last, but certainly not least, it’s essential to get the lighting right, especially in a narrow room. This really has to be planned at the start of the project.
Overhead natural light is always a bonus – if you are planning a kitchen extension, think about where you can position skylights.
(Image credit: Future / Alistair Nicholls)
A single run is kitchen design as its most essential.
If you only have a single run – one row – of cabinets, worktop space may be limited, so it makes sense to create different zones for food preparation, serving and cleaning up, often divided by the key points of hob, sink and refrigerator.
Whatever the size of your room, try to keep the mix of colors and/or textures to two or possibly three – that includes the walls, floor and ceilings as well as the cabinets.
It is cheaper to change the walls five years on than it will be to buy and install new cabinets – so if you’re not sure, neutral kitchen cabinet colors may be the best option.
8. Work a galley layout into a large kitchen
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
The galley layout can work just wonderfully in a large kitchen.
The presence of two runs of units provides an architectural frame to a dining table or kitchen island in the centre, while in open plan areas an island or run of units provides the cut-off between living and cooking zones.
Introduce a small dining area into galley kitchens by opting for a compact dining table, which can be pushed against an unused wall.
9. Light up small galley kitchens
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Kitchen lighting ideas can make or break both the aesthetics and function of a galley kitchen.
'Keep galley kitchens as uncomplicated as possible – a simple layout and cleverly placed lighting will completely reinvent the space,' says Naomi Dean, furniture and showroom designer at Harvey Jones.
'Opt for worktop spot-lights, that will not only brighten your workspace but will illuminate the rest of the area. This will instantly brighten your kitchen and add the effect of more space.'
10. Opt for handleless cabinetry
(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)
To make the most of available space without overwhelming a compact open plan room, consider a kitchen with handleless doors. Technological advances in push-open and close doors means that it has become possible to dispense with handles in both wall and base cabinets.
Stone or wood floors are also a practical solution for galley kitchens that will help to create a layered, texturized effect.
11. Keep cabinets at eye-level
(Image credit: Alexandria Hall)
Keeping walls cabinet-free at eye-level can make a galley kitchen appear wider. It’s also more comfortable to use kitchen countertops without cabinets looming above, so you won’t waste an inch of prep space. Position any tall storage required, e.g. fridge-freezers or larders, at the entrance to the room and you’ll naturally look past them.
‘We deliberately avoided upper cabinetry to avoid closing in the airiness of the room. It also gives the original ceiling cornicing and architraves more breathing space,’ explains designer Jack Trench. ‘The base units are deeper than standard to maximize storage and counter space.’
12. Freshen up your color scheme
(Image credit: Paul Craig)
‘Using pale colors in a long, narrow kitchen is a great way to open up the room and helps to reflect and diffuse the available natural light,’ says Mark Mills, managing director of Mereway.
Blues with yellow or grey undertones are ideal; red undertones will take you towards purple, which is more moody than upbeat. Think sky blue, duck egg and soft teal. Polished countertops and kitchen backsplashes ideas, again in pale tones, also boast light-reflecting powers. Make the flooring your darkest choice and go for a warm white on walls and ceiling. This graduation from dark to light is an established way to square-up elongated rooms.
What can I do with a galley kitchen?
Perhaps you're thinking, what can I do with a gallery kitchen? Well, galley kitchen ideas are designed to be both compact and ultra-efficient, maximizing every inch of space for both storage and preparation. Named after the space-efficient ship's kitchen, this popular linear layout is designed to work with ergonomic ease.
Professional kitchens also follow a similar linear plan, with lines of ranges or hobs divided into specific stations for the preparation of different types of dishes.
Where there is room for a parallel run of units – a double galley – you can introduce the classic work triangle, arranging the key task zones of fridge, cooker and sink in this pattern to cut down on the footwork between them.
This is not only successful in narrow rooms that have enough width to take two rows of units, its exactly the format that is so popular in open plan spaces, with a long island providing the second leg, often creating a sociable casual seating area and a natural boundary for the kitchen space at the same time.
How do you maximize a galley kitchen?
To maximize galley kitchens you simply need smart ideas. A good kitchen designer will be able to come up with solutions for the trickiest of spaces but if you feel you want to explore the room’s potential further, and are perhaps considering structural work, it is worth consulting an interior designer or architect.
In double galley kitchens, storage ‘walls’ or ‘banks’ are a great solution for both open plan and closed schemes, by giving over the whole wall to a combination of storage and appliances.
Storage can be organised in pull-out larders or increasingly popular pantry ideas – both have narrow shelving which makes products easily visible.
A mix of both drawers and cupboards can serve you well in any kitchen, and can be designed in such a way that any handles and all the cabinetry lines align.
Drawers are great for pots, pans, chinaware and ingredients, as you can pack a lot into the space and still access it easily. Fitting drawers under the hob also puts the maximum range of utensils, dishes and ingredients such as herbs to hand.
Cupboards excel at hiding larger pieces of kit, including food mixers and perhaps even a trusty countertop microwave.
rules, documents, design - INMYROOM
Repair in practice
In small apartments, moving the kitchen allows you to free up an extra room. A common solution is the kitchen in the living room. But today another scheme is gaining popularity - moving the kitchen to the hallway
For the inhabitants of small spaces, the decision to move the kitchen to the corridor seems tempting. Especially if you combine the corridor with the living room - then you get a spacious public area. At first glance, moving the kitchen is easy: a couple of cabinets, a stove and a refrigerator will fit into any space. But it is important to remember that not in every apartment such a move is possible.
Rules and regulations
1.
Relocation is allowed if:- The wall between the living room (living room) and the corridor is not load-bearing.
- Under your corridor, into which you are going to move the sink and stove, there is no living room of the neighbors below (this condition is met in almost all cases: in typical houses, the same corridors are located under the corridors).
- The area of the new kitchen according to the project is at least 5 square meters and the room is provided with insolation.
- When the kitchen is moved to the hallway attached to the living room, the extract from the stove passes through the ventilation duct of the former kitchen. The sewer pipe can go to any nearby riser.
- If your apartment is located on the ground floor, you can move the kitchen to any place - you have no neighbors from below, which means that your redevelopment will not create potential problems or threats for anyone.
2. Transfer is difficult if:
- The gasified kitchen needs to be moved. It is practically impossible to coordinate the transfer of gas, since it cannot be far removed from the main pipe. Therefore, if you want to place the kitchen in the corridor, you will have to equip it with an electric stove - this in most cases is associated with the need to increase the power to at least 7 kW.
- If you want to place a living room on the site of the former kitchen, and you have neighbors on the floor above, the project will not be approved. By law, the room under the kitchen should not be residential. But to arrange an office or dressing room in the former kitchen space is quite realistic.
- It is not allowed to place the kitchen under the toilet or bathroom of the upper apartment. Also, you can not make an exit from the kitchen to the bathroom. Therefore, simply attaching the kitchen to the corridor by demolishing the partition will not work - you will need to isolate the toilet and bathroom.
- If the wall between the corridor and the kitchen (or the corridor and the living room) is load-bearing, and the opening needs to be enlarged according to insolation standards, you will have to spend money on the help of specialists to calculate the supports and strengthen the opening. Be careful: there are special restrictions on openings for houses above 17 floors.
How to approve the project
You will not be able to agree on the transfer on your own - in any case, you will need the help of a competent organization. By law, any change in the location of the kitchen space requires the preparation of a technical project, which can only be carried out by architectural companies that have membership in the SRO (self-regulatory organization).
Based on the available drawings, sketches, measurements, initial data on the house, architectural companies prepare a special "Project for the reconstruction of the apartment." Together with the title documents, the BTI plan and the technical opinion from the author of the house project, this project must be submitted to the housing inspection.
Interior solutions when relocated
The kitchen, moved to the corridor, automatically becomes part of the public space - even if it does not join the living room, its purpose is no longer limited to working functionality. If your family and guests find themselves in the kitchen right away, think about how to create a relaxing and at the same time dynamic atmosphere in it for communication and relaxation.
1. The proximity of the front door carries with it the echoes of the metropolis, prompts the choice of objects and textures from the exterior. Use brickwork or trendy concrete, photographs of city streets and industrial-inspired lamps.
2. Combine brutal motifs in wall decoration and decor with the warmth of wood and colorful patterns of ceramics - these traditional materials always give comfort and set you up for relaxation.
3. Usually moving a kitchen into a corridor means a very compact arrangement of space. Use the L-shaped layout of the headset, which is easy to “complete” with a bar counter - even if the sofa, TV and dining table do not fit in the room, you will create a corner for communication right at the “hot shop”.
4. Choose built-in appliances — hide all the necessary appliances behind identical facades. Let the color of the kitchen differ slightly from the color of the walls - so the room will seem larger.
5. If there is a seating or dining area in the space, make it stand out with color and light. A bright sofa with bright pillows or a beautiful chandelier above the table will divert attention from the kitchen and allow you to successfully zone even the smallest space.
The editors would like to thank Olga Kondratova's design studio for their help in preparing the publication.
pros and cons, 34 photos, design ideas
Can it be transferred?
Despite the occurrence of some difficulties and minor shortcomings, it is possible to combine two dissimilar areas ergonomically and simulate a comfortable and aesthetic layout.
In the case of a gasified kitchen, the combination with the corridor will be quite difficult. Considering all safety requirements, a room with gas appliances should be insulated with tight partitions or a door.
Open arches and doorways are also not allowed. Redevelopment with complete or partial destruction of the wall can only be approved if there is no gasified or living space on the ground floor under the combined kitchen. On the top floor above the combined kitchen and corridor space there should not be a bathroom or a bathroom.
Due to the absence of a window, the corridor should be equipped with glass doors or transparent partitions through which daylight will penetrate.
The photo shows the design of the kitchen combined with the corridor, made in bright colors.
Pros and cons of transfer
Advantages and disadvantages of combining.
for | Vs |
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The area of the apartment is used more rationally. The vacated space can be occupied by a living room or another living room. | Due to the spread of odors, a heavy-duty hood is required. |
After combining the kitchen with the corridor, by dismantling all interior partitions, you can get a large open space. | Only practical and fumes-resistant materials are selected for interior decoration. |
It is appropriate to combine the kitchen area in the spacious hallway with the living room and thus create a functional studio design.
| The noise from the cooking process penetrates into adjacent rooms. This may require wall cladding with special soundproofing panels. |
The absence of a partition between the area with the front door and the kitchen allows dust and street dirt to easily enter the room. |
How to agree?
Moving the kitchen to the hallway in a odnushka is not only about rearranging pieces of furniture. For such a redevelopment, an appropriate permit is required in order to move the gas pipeline, water supply, sewerage and ventilation.
Changing the location of communications requires agreement with the competent authority. Subject to legal regulations, you should contact the architectural company and prepare a technical project. After receiving special documents with all the drawings, sketches, measurements, initial data on the house and the BTI plan, the project is submitted to the housing inspection.
The photo shows a narrow corridor combined with a straight kitchen.
Planning options
The equipment of the kitchen area in the corridor is popular both in small-sized and modern new buildings, private houses or summer cottages. Thanks to this unusual solution, it turns out to increase the free space and provide comfortable living.
Linear layout available. In this case, it is required to maintain an equal distance between the areas where the stove, sink and refrigerator are located. The passage between the kitchen set and the wall should be at least 120 centimeters.
The photo shows a two-row layout of a walk-through kitchen connected to a corridor.
To move the kitchen into the hallway, the space must be very compact. To do this, choose an L-shaped layout, which may include a bar counter.
The two-row layout allows you to place more household appliances in the room and create a spacious work area.
Walk-through kitchen arrangement
Options for arranging a kitchen with an entrance hall.
Location of kitchen furniture, appliances and plumbing
A long corridor involves the placement of kitchen furniture, plumbing and other equipment on one side. Here you can also install a small dining table or a transforming model, which will unfold only during meals, and when folded will not take up much space and will not interfere with movement in the room.
In the kitchen-entrance hall, which has a non-standard shape, they prefer to place furniture with closed facades. Thanks to the internal filling, hidden by sliding or hinged doors, it will be possible to protect the dishes from dirt and achieve a practical design.
The photo shows an example of a spacious kitchen that opens into a corridor.
The best solution is a straight or corner set. These models contribute to the organization of a convenient working triangle with a sink, stove and refrigerator.
In the hallway, you can make a mini-kitchen equipped with hinged doors. In this design, it looks like a regular wardrobe.
The kitchen niche stands out for its excellent functional characteristics. It provides a convenient place for cooking and saves usable space in the hallway.
Proper organization of lighting
It is necessary to equip a backlight above the work surface and install several sockets nearby for the use of single lamps and other lamps. With a sufficient amount of lighting with the ability to adjust, the kitchen in the hallway will take on a comfortable and cozy look.
The corridor is mainly equipped with pendants or spotlights, the cooking area is decorated with wall sconces, and an elegant chandelier is placed in the dining segment.
The photo shows the interior of a corridor with a kitchen in a niche equipped with spotlights.
The kitchen in the hallway should have uniform lighting to expand the space. In a narrow room, you should not install one central chandelier, as it will visually reduce the room. It is better to decorate the ceiling around the perimeter with the help of spotlights or hang several sconces on the walls.
The photo shows ceiling spots in the design of a narrow corridor with a kitchen.
Extractor hood and other communications
A decisive factor in the redevelopment of the kitchen in the hallway is the need to run water to the sink or dishwasher, as well as the installation of sewer outlets for domestic wastewater.
Installation work with water pipes is practically not difficult. Communications are laid under the ceiling and floor covering or pipes are laid in special recesses in the wall plane.
This kitchen area requires an extractor fan to keep the room free of odors while cooking. Proper location of the exhaust duct attached to the ventilation duct will help prevent smoke and excessive humidity in the room.
Kitchen Design Ideas
Different finishes can be used to zone the room. The hallway can be decorated with materials in muted colors, and the kitchen space in a brighter and lighter palette. Thus, the room will visually look much more spacious. It is appropriate to tile the floor surface in the kitchen, and laminate in the corridor.
A multi-level stretch or suspended ceiling with a built-in lighting system will help to visually delimit the space.
If there is a dining area, it can be highlighted in a different color. Bright accents distract attention and are great for zoning even the smallest room.
It is appropriate to arrange a spacious kitchen-hallway with the help of original textiles, paintings, panels, open shelves with accessories and small kitchen utensils, as well as pick up decorations that will match a certain style decision.