Galley kitchens derived their name from the long, narrow kitchens that were typically found on trains, planes and ships. With two straight runs on both sides, this corridor style room typically has a sink on one side and a range on the other. Although you can pack all of your kitchen essentials into a galley kitchen, most contemporary designers (who favor open floor plans) say galley kitchens almost always feel crowded and claustrophobic.
Do you have a galley kitchen? Starting to doubt whether you can achieve the spacious look you desire? Don’t worry, there are plenty of design tips and tricks that can help make your room seem larger. From adding a coat of fresh paint to buying new floors in San Diego, there are many ways to enhance the space of galley kitchens without tearing down walls! In fact, with the right renovations, galley kitchens can be just as stylish as larger spaces, while offering total functionality and efficiency.
One of the easiest ways to make a galley kitchen appear larger is by adding a light paint color to the walls. A soft white, beige or very light grey are tones that provide a neutral backdrop for almost any color scheme and won’t make it seem as if the walls are closing in on the rest of the space. Also, paint your ceiling a few shades lighter than the color you picked for the wall. This helps create a “loftier” feeling and will trick the eye into thinking you’ve raised the low ceiling and added additional space.
Next, you’ll want to focus on your floors. If you are interested in installing hardwood floors, be sure that the planks are placed vertically to extend the length of your kitchen. Floor planks that are installed from wall to wall can make the space look smaller, almost disjointed or chopped up. Also, pick a lighter shade of wood that matches the walls and your cabinetry for a light and airy appearance. For homeowners who would prefer a hard surface tile, be sure to stay away from patterned options as these can visually shrink a room. Select a large-scale floor tile (which are currently the go-to flooring option for new construction), as these will make the space feel much more expansive than a small mosaic. Click here to view tile flooring options for your San Diego home.
Finally, be particular about your appliances and décor. Many people think that appliances are one-size-fits all, however this is far from true. Today, there are more sizes than we can count for sinks, refrigerators, ovens and microwaves. That said, jumbo-size appliances can truly overpower a galley kitchen. Measure appliances before making a final purchase and make sure you select ones that are in scale with the overall size of your kitchen. When installing, integrate them into the kitchen walls and cabinetry to provide a seamless look. By doing so, the eye can travel from one side of the kitchen to the other without interruption, creating the long and lengthy visual you desire.
Love this post? Know someone that has a galley kitchen that could use a complete overhaul? Get social with us and share your newfound knowledge via Twitter or Facebook. And as the specialists in hardwood, tile, carpet and laminate flooring in San Diego, you can also contact us directly at 760-945-0010 for any of your flooring questions!
-
3 mins
