13 Small Galley Kitchen Ideas That Work for Little Layouts

Neutral Galley Kitchen

black white kitchen modern minimalist butcher block counter range — Edmund Barr

This galley kitchen looks perfectly streamlined thanks to white counter-to-ceiling tile that coordinate with white cabinetry. The tiles brighten the small space to make it look bigger. Choosing a tile with some sheen helps add depth and dimension to a galley kitchen. Open shelves match the butcher-block countertops for a cohesive look.

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Small Galley Kitchen Storage

white subway tile kitchen with wood open shelves — Brie Williams

The use of open shelving in a galley kitchen keeps all your essentials just an arm's reach away. The key is to keep the shelves as uncluttered as possible and utilize base cabinetry for bulky items like pots, pans, and small appliances. A picture rail along this small galley kitchen wall showcases art and displays mugs and measuring tools.

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Timeless Galley Kitchen

white cabinets kitchen with brass hardware — Adam Albright

A neutral color palette prevents small galley kitchens from feeling cramped. Here, brass cabinet hardware, natural textures, and warm hardwood floors prevent an all-white kitchen from falling flat. A mix of drawers and cabinets provide tucked-away storage to keep clutter hidden.

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Midcentury Galley Kitchen

blue vertical subway tiles kitchen with wood cabinets — Edmund Barr

This midcentury kitchen is brimming with style thanks to blue tiled walls, open shelves, flat-paneled cabinets, and modern range hood. Stone countertops and bright white accessories stand out against the colorful backsplash and rich wood cabinets. A colorful runner down the center of the kitchen is both practical and adds pattern.

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Small Colorful Kitchen

pink kitchen with white cabinets and gold accents — Stacy Goldberg

You don't have to forgo color just because you're working with a small kitchen layout. This narrow galley kitchen pops with walls painted a pastel pink, and a shiny gray tile backsplash. A brass pendant light fixture draws the eye up to expand the space. If you're looking for galley kitchen ideas on a budget, some paint and new hardware (plus a vintage rug for pattern) will give your space an instant makeover.

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Galley Kitchen Finishes

high contrast modern kitchen with small dog — Dane Tashima

It's hard to choose a favorite feature in this small galley kitchen, between the ornate stove, focal light fixture, herringbone floors, and rich navy cabinetry. A mix of metals (brass hardware; stainless-steel on the range; and matte black on fixtures) adds high style. Understated upper cabinets let other aspects of this modern, sophisticated kitchen shine.

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Galley Kitchen Wine Storage

white kitchen with stainless steel fridge — John Granen

While galley kitchens can feel cramped, this one is anything but. The light and airy space features clever wine storage above the fridge, a farmhouse sink, and a glass-paneled door that lets light in. Large cabinet doors at the end of the room provide plenty of pantry storage and room for countertop appliances.

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Open Floor Plan Galley Kitchen

blue kitchen cabinets with dark wood beams — Michael Partenio

This eat-in galley kitchen has enough room for a farmhouse table, and it makes clever use of space with a wall of cabinets and hanging pot storage. Herringbone flooring paired with a modern light fixture add pattern and interest. Floor-to-ceiling subway tiles add a bit of sparkle and elevate the look of the small space.

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Galley Kitchen Design Ideas

white kitchen cabinets with black pulls and handles — John Bessler

Every design element in this traditional galley kitchen is intentional and thoughtful. Stacked appliances make the most of vertical space, and upper cabinets with glass doors help the space look airy. A black-and-white runner coordinates with white cabinets, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, and dark tile grout.

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Minimalist Galley Kitchen

blue kitchen cabinets with white countertops — John Granen

When in doubt, keep the walls of a galley kitchen white to help make the space look bigger and brighter. The walls of this kitchen feature delicate mosaic tile for added texture and dark base cabinets ground the space with plenty of storage.

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Galley Kitchen with Skylights

mid century style kitchen with wood cabinets — David Land

This midcentury galley kitchen is bathed in warm sunshine thanks to two prominent skylights. A half wall that connects to the living area or dining room can make a small galley kitchen feel more spacious, no matter how narrow.

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Galley Kitchen Lighting

white kitchen cabinets with white subway tile backsplash — James Yochum

A focal light fixture can elevate any space. This silver pendant trio pops against a white beadboard ceiling and pulls together the stove and polished nickel hardware. While white is always a good choice in a small kitchen, a pop or metallic helps to break up neutral surfaces.

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Small Galley Kitchen Pantry

tan kitchen cabinets with glass shelves and pantry — Ed Gohlich

You can still fit a spacious pantry into a small galley kitchen layout. This modern design features frosted glass pantry doors, beige cabinets, and glass open shelves, which are just barely detectable above the sink. Sliding doors next to the countertops tuck away small appliances, like a toaster and coffee supplies.

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