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If you’ve ever cooked in a galley kitchen, you know how tricky it can be. You’re moving back and forth between the stove, sink, and fridge, trying not to bump into cabinets—or worse, another person! But just because it’s compact doesn’t mean it can’t be functional and beautiful.
With a few smart design tricks, you can transform your galley kitchen into a space that feels bigger, works better, and looks amazing. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation or just want some easy updates, these hacks will help you get the most out of your kitchen.
Oh, and if you’re in Vancouver and thinking about upgrading your kitchen cabinets, I’ve got some great ideas for you!
1. Optimizing Your Storage with Custom Cabinets
Storage is everything in a galley kitchen. You need space for pots, pans, dishes, and all those little kitchen gadgets you’ve collected over the years. But where do you put everything without making the kitchen feel cramped?
Go Vertical
One of my clients recently had a galley kitchen with almost no storage. The solution? Floor-to-ceiling cabinets. It gave them so much more room for storage, and because we used light-colored doors, the kitchen still felt open.
- Install tall cabinets to take advantage of vertical space.
- Use glass-front doors to make the space feel less boxy.
- Add a rolling ladder if your ceilings are high!
Make Cabinets Work Smarter
Standard cabinets often waste a lot of space. Consider custom solutions that maximize every inch:
- Pull-out pantry shelves keep everything organized and easy to reach.
- Deep drawers work better than lower cabinets (no more digging for pots!).
- Built-in organizers for cutlery, spices, and utensils help avoid clutter.
If you’re looking for kitchen cabinets in Vancouver, custom options can make a world of difference.
2. Expanding Counter Space: More Room to Work
One of the biggest complaints about galley kitchens? Not enough counter space. I totally get it. Prepping dinner feels like a juggling act when you’ve only got a few square feet to work with.
Simple Tricks to Create More Space
- Pull-out counters: A built-in cutting board or an extendable counter can instantly give you more room.
- Sink covers: A fitted cutting board over the sink doubles as prep space.
- Over-the-stove boards: Cover your burners when not in use to gain extra workspace.
Integrated Appliances = Less Clutter
Big appliances take up valuable counter space. A few swaps can free up room:
- A microwave drawer instead of a countertop microwave.
- A single-basin sink instead of a double (you’ll gain a few inches!).
3. Creating Better Flow: No More Bumping Into Things
Galley kitchens can feel tight, especially if more than one person is trying to cook. Here’s how to make yours feel bigger and function better.
Follow the Work Triangle Rule
The work triangle is the imaginary path between your stove, sink, and fridge. If these areas are too close together (or too far apart), cooking can feel frustrating. Keep them within a functional distance to make movement easier.
Avoid Big Appliances Facing Each Other
Nothing is worse than opening the fridge and blocking access to the oven or sink. If possible, stagger appliances so they don’t compete for space.
Consider Opening Up One Side
If your kitchen layout allows, removing upper cabinets on one side (or even opening the space into the dining room) can make a galley kitchen feel much larger.
4. Lighting & Color: Making It Feel Bigger
Galley kitchens can feel dark and enclosed, but the right lighting and colors can totally change that.
Best Lighting Tips for Small Kitchens
- Under-cabinet lighting: Instantly brightens work areas.
- Reflective surfaces: High-gloss cabinets and mirrored backsplashes bounce light around the room.
- Pendant lights: A great way to add style and focused lighting.
Go Light & Bright
Dark colors can make a narrow kitchen feel even smaller. I recommend white, light gray, or natural wood tones for a fresh, open feel.
Want something bold? Try two-tone cabinets! Dark lower cabinets with light uppers keep things grounded without feeling heavy.
5. Optical Illusions: Tricks to Make a Galley Kitchen Feel Bigger
Even if you can’t physically expand your kitchen, you can make it feel larger with a few simple tricks.
Use Open Shelving
Instead of upper cabinets on both sides, try open shelves on one wall. It reduces visual bulk while keeping storage accessible.
Play with Patterns
- A long, horizontal backsplash draws the eye outward, making the kitchen feel wider.
- Vertical tiles or cabinet panels create the illusion of height.
- Light-colored flooring makes the space feel open and airy.
6. Designing a Galley Kitchen with Custom Cabinetry That Works for You
At the end of the day, your kitchen should fit your lifestyle. Whether you love to cook, need a family-friendly space, or just want a beautiful, functional design, there are endless ways to customize it.
If you’re planning a renovation and looking for kitchen cabinets in Vancouver, we can help! From space-saving solutions to custom cabinetry, we design kitchens that work smarter—not just harder. For how to plan a family-friendly kitchen renovation read this article.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
If you’re thinking about a galley kitchen makeover, let’s chat! With the right layout and smart design choices, we can turn even the smallest kitchen into a dream space. Contact us today to get started!
