Galley Kitchens can be updated with careful attention to design, lighting, and color.
In galley kitchens, appliances and counters are spaced along walls with limited floor space between, in the shape of a long, narrow room. There is usually no eating area included; at most, you may find a counter with chairs attached or located in the adjacent room. Decorating galley kitchens requires using color, light, and spatial arrangement to trick the eye into thinking the area is larger than it really is.
Open Up Cabinets
Cabinets, and plenty of them, are a necessary feature of any kitchen, but they do take up a great deal of visual space. The best way to counteract that visual closeness is by opening them up with glass fronts. This allows the eye to move into the interior of the cabinet, giving the appearance of more space. Cabinets should also be painted in light colors to give the feeling of spaciousness. Rolling tracks on cabinet interiors make storage of kitchen implements neater and easier. Kitchen utensils and equipment should stored off of counters as much as possible, to allow for more work space.
Match Appliances
Appliances should be matched and built in as tightly as possible to provide a feeling of uniformity and openness. Dark-colored appliances are a bad match for galley kitchens because they create a feeling of closeness in a limited space.
Refine Your Lighting
If you are lucky enough to have a window in your galley kitchen, make use of the natural light. You may wish to leave the window with no curtain at all or simply a sheer valance for a finished look. Avoid heavy fabrics or dark colors which only close off the window. If there is no window in your galley kitchen, spend extra time and money choosing light fixtures. Full spectrum light sources may enhance color and spatial perception in the area, according to the Lighting Research Center. You can even create a faux window with an old window frame, a curtain and hidden lighting.
Make Walls Interesting
If you don't have natural light, a mural for the galley kitchen wall will give an interesting view and something guests can look at when eating at the counter. Choose light colors and airy designs instead of any print that feels cluttered or busy. Scenes of the outdoors are popular to create open space and a welcoming feel. If you have a prominent wall, use it as a focal point for artwork, collectibles or unusual objects, but keep it clean and simple. You can also open up space by using mirrors or mirror tiles to fool the eye, according to IvillageDecorating.com.
Use Flooring to Expand Space
Extend your dining room flooring into the galley kitchen area to create a feeling of expanded space. A warm, light wood floor is a good choice for both types of areas and will add richness to the kitchen.
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