20 Galley Kitchen Ideas That Make the Most of This Design Concept

Use Light Colors

While some designers might want to retire the all-white kitchen, white mixed with other light tones will always be in style for smaller kitchens as a way to open them up. In this bright galley kitchen, designed by interior designer Gaelle Dudley of GLDESIGN, white oak wood is paired with crisp white walls and quartz countertops, delicately accented with soft hues and metallic details. "It makes the kitchen easy to clean, and it stays light and bright," she says.

Add Interest with a Unique Archway

A unique archway can frame a galley kitchen beautifully while elevating the overall design. Here, a slightly peaked archway framed by fresh plants makes this tucked-away space feel extra inviting.

Make a Statement With Backsplash

A statement-making backsplash instantly adds personality and texture to your galley kitchen. In this design by Deborah Berke Partners, a sophisticated gray and white marble backsplash, which is the same material used for the countertops, serves as an interesting focal point without looking too busy.

Add a Floating Table

A floating table is a smart alternative to the usual (and more permanent) kitchen island. "Our clients really wanted a less formal dining space in the kitchen to accommodate a more modern lifestyle, and instead of opting for the more popularly chosen island and stools, we leaned into the galley kitchen idea to keep the space more open," says interior designer Megan Prime of JAM. "We lined the wall opposite the sink and range with a built-in bench and small floating table, perfect for a couple of chairs to be pulled in as needed."

Incorporate Plenty of Natural Light

Adding natural light via windows cam make galley kitchens feel bigger, as seen in this space by iSPY Home Design. Consider where you might be able to add a window (or two!)—maybe above the sink, on the side wall, or even as a skylight.

Use Pale Wood Tones

For Scandi or mid-century modern vibes, opt for sleek lines, minimal décor, and layers of pale wood tones. "We were able to make the space feel quite sizable and luxe with the use of light-colored wood and white marble," says Prime.

Infuse a Pop of Color

Traditional design meets a hint of whimsy in this galley kitchen design by Block Renovation. "By mixing neutral cabinets with a pop of color on the walls, we were able to achieve two things: provide an unexpected twist but also maintain a certain degree of flexibility," says Octavio Estrada, the company's senior architectural designer. "Choosing a fun wall paint color allows you the freedom to update the color scheme over time as your design sensibilities shift between different styles or trends.”

Incorporate Eclectic Details

If a minimalist aesthetic or pale wood tones don't mesh with your style, that's perfectly OK. Permit yourself to embrace color and texture, like in this playful galley kitchen by Cortney Bishop Design.

“We wanted this kitchen to be the heart of the home, so we really took the time to select meaningful materials for it," Bishop says. "The eclectic, old-world feel we created made the kitchen not only visually intriguing but a cool and comfortable space that makes you want to spend a lot of time there.”

A black and white marble floor complements medium gray countertops, earthy tile backsplash, sage green cabinetry, and funky pendant lighting.

Lean Into a Theme

If you're not quite sure which direction to take your galley kitchen, pick a theme and then lean into it. This coastal aesthetic space by design studio Hoedemaker Pfeiffer combines pale wood cabinetry, cream-colored shiplap walls, and earthy wood tones throughout.

Lay a Runner

Rugs really do anchor a space, which is especially true in galley kitchens. They provide a dose of contrast and character, providing a soft place for working feet to land.

Go For High Contrast

Light, soft tones help a space feel brighter and bigger, but if you're craving more drama for your galley kitchen, then consider a high-contrast color scheme. In this gorgeous design by Brad Ramsey Interiors, dark black lower cabinetry complements the white tile backsplash and uppers.

Mix Classic and Contempary Details

This galley kitchen fuses both classic and contemporary elements. "Matte white backsplash subway tile and white grout achieve a clean and minimalist feel, classic white shaker cabinetry adorned with colorful round wooden knobs introduce a timeless playfulness, and chunky wooden floating shelves seamlessly bridge the gap between classic and modern," says Asia Ligas of Block Renovation.

Pick a Bold Color Palette

There are no hard and fast rules you must follow when designing your galley kitchen. Charisma spills out of this bold red galley kitchen by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer.

Reconsider Your Cabinetry

Cabinetry naturally takes up space, which is something you may be fighting for in your galley kitchen. If you have enough storage, consider removing a few upper cabinets to regain some of that square footage and instantly make your space feel roomier, as illustrated in this airy kitchen by iSPY Home Design.

Knock Out Half a Wall

If you've got the footprint of a galley kitchen but want more of an open layout, you've always got the option to do a little demolition. A half wall was removed in this galley kitchen design by Joshua Smith Inc, which created a view into the rest of the home along with bar seating.

Add Tile

Kitchen tile can transform an otherwise neutral area into an elegant, interesting cooking space. That's the case in this galley kitchen, which opts for a white-on-white look, but adds black-and-white patterned tiles for a bit of fun.

Keep It Clean

Color is big in kitchens nowadays, but you don't always have to go wall-to-wall with vibrant greens and yellows—especially in smaller galley kitchens. This project is a great example of subtlety at work, prioritizing natural light, a soft color palette, and elegant décor, which makes the room feel bigger and brighter.

Add a Chalkboard

We all lose track of our to-do's when cooking and preparing meals, whether that's a grocery list, a recipe, or what to bring to work in the morning. That's doubly true of a smaller space like a galley kitchen, where it's easier to misplace a serving spoon or chef's knife. A chalkboard like this one will help keep every task top of mind.

Use Soothing Colors

A kitchen can be a hectic place, so your color palette should be soft, soothing, and unobtrusive. In a galley kitchen, we recommend something like a subtle purple or a light green—the former is on beautiful display in this elegant cooking space.

Hang Some Art

Yes, you can hang artwork in your kitchen too—so long as it's framed and protected from any food debris. A big, classical painting like this one is a great option, or you can add a gallery wall if you're more the collecting sort.