Galley kitchens got their name for the narrow cooking areas found below deck on ships. Because of the limited space available on ships, these kitchens tend to be optimized for work and storage areas. When it comes to kitchens in homes, many people think of the galley layout as small and confining but the opposite is true: this configuration can remarkably efficient and adaptable to different needs. Galley kitchens maximize space while providing a compact and organized place to cook.
Traditionally, a galley kitchen consists of two parallel walls of cabinets that create an elongated central area to work in. There usually isn?t a dining area in these kitchens but many people are choosing to incorporate that feature in some creative ways. Here are some great galley kitchen ideas for spaces of all sizes and styles. In this light and bright contemporary galley kitchen, the designer opted for an asymmetrical layout in order to fit an eating area and keep the kitchen from feeling too closed off from the rest of the home. Rather than having a top-and-bottom cabinet configuration on both sides of the long kitchen, one wall has a cutout which opens to the living area and accommodates a small, but convenient, eating area. The cool white and gray color scheme is warmed up with rich wood in the dining and bar furniture as well as the hardwood floor. A collection of copper canisters and brass cabinet hardware add texture and interest to the space.
[From: Sarah Sherman Samuel]
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