Creating the Illusion of Space in a Galley Kitchen

Are you trying to figure out how to open up a long and narrow galley kitchen? Even when galley kitchen layouts exceed the actual square footage of the average kitchen, they often feel small and closed in. If changing the footprint of the space isn’t option, it may seem like your choices are limited. But, take heart – a few well-chosen changes can create the illusion of space in your galley kitchen. Let me show you how.

• How About a Door?

If you can’t open up the long side walls in your galley kitchen, look to the end of the space to open it up. You may not gain any floor space, but you will gain the illusion of space when you open up the end wall of your kitchen with a door. The best possible solution would be a double glass door leading to an open and airy outdoor space. But, even if you can only open up the end to another room in the house, you’ll still get the visual benefit.

• Shift the Range to the End

Similar to opening up the end space is making the far wall of your galley kitchen a focal point instead of a visual dead end. Place your range on the end wall instead of on a long, narrow wall. Then make sure to get drop-dead gorgeous range hood to make the area a show stopper.

• Put in a Pantry

You can actually gain visual and a little bit of floor space by changing the configuration of your cabinets. Instead of running cabinets and countertops down both sides of your space, install a narrow floor-to-ceiling pantry down one side of the room. This space-saving arrangement will provide tons of storage and give you back an entire linear foot of floor space. It also means you can afford remove the upper cabinets from the other side of the room – which will give you the illusion of even more space. Blow out that end wall with a double entry glass door and you won’t believe show big your galley kitchen will look.

• Let There be Light

It doesn’t matter which room you’re working with – the more light you bring in, the more open and airy it will look. Galley kitchens can also benefit from lots of light in them. Install a row of overhead lights, light the inside of your upper cabinets and put lights on the bottom of those cabinets to light up your countertops. You’ll love want more light will do for the space.

• White Cabinets with Glass Doors

Yes, white makes everything look bigger. So why not use it to your benefit in a galley kitchen? Then take it up another notch by installing glass doors on the upper cabinets to open up the space even more.

Check out the pictures and the inspiration for this article in the Galley Kitchen ideabook on Houzz. You’ll find ways to fall in love with your long, narrow kitchen by using ideas from top designers and decorators.

Enjoy more home decor ideas from Terry Mulligan:

10 Tips to Take Your Next Decorating Project Over the Top
Fabulous Choices for Decorating with Throw Pillows
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