Question: I love to cook, but the galley kitchen in my townhouse is so small. What can I do?

Here are some ideas for organizing a galley kitchen

By Keith Brown

Making the most of small rooms in a home can be a daunting task, especially if the small room you are speaking of room is your kitchen. Many condos and townhomes feature galley kitchens–the word used for a ship’s kitchen, which is extremely tight on space. However, learning how to design and organize a functional galley kitchen can turn even the tiniest area into a pleasant place where you can enjoy cooking.

Organizing Your Galley KitchenThe first step towards creating a functional galley kitchen is to organize the cooking appliances and tools it holds. For instance, cabinet space should be used as efficiently as possible. Items that are used infrequently should be placed in the back of the cabinets, while items that are used often should be conveniently arranged just behind the cabinet doors.

Make Use of Vertical Space

Create additional elbow room in a galley kitchen by making good use of all the area’s vertical space. A ceiling-mounted rack for the storage of pots and pans is a great way to accomplish this goal. For galley kitchens that do not have soffits, use the space between the ceiling and the top of the kitchen cabinets to store cookware and decorative bowls and platters you use less often. Or you or cabinets that extend to the ceiling.

Arrange Appliances Wisely

Small appliances should be installed under the counter in a galley kitchen as this maximizes counter top space. Almost all small appliances can be bought as under-the-counter units including can openers, microwaves and coffee makers.

Although it is not uncommon for the refrigerator in a galley kitchen to be placed by itself at the end of the room, another way to make the kitchen functional is to arrange major appliances in a triangle that includes the sink as one of its three points. This allows the cook to take items from the refrigerator to the sink area and then to the oven with ease. You can also consider buying a counter-depth refrigerator to preserve that precious aisle space!

Consider Adding a Cart

Another simple and effective way to make the most of the space in a galley kitchen is to invest in an inexpensive small cart on wheels. This is especially beneficial if the stove area has limited counter space. Then you can wheel the cart around while you are cooking. If it has a butcher blog top, all the better! When the task is complete, the cart can be rolled to an inconspicuous place for storage.

Maximize Light

Dark colors should be avoided when decorating or redecorating a galley kitchen as dark colors will make the room appear even smaller.

Dressing up kitchen windows with curtains may be tempting, but consider blinds or Roman shades. In my opinion they work well in a galley kitchen because they allow in maximum light. Although challenging to work in at times, galley kitchens that are arranged using the aforementioned tips can be enjoyable places to cook in.

About the Author:

Keith Brown works for
Case Design/Remodeling in Williamsburg, Va.
They are experts at all kinds of home renovation projects including http://www.casewilliamsburg.com/kitchens/

KEITH BROWN
5810-F Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
(757) 220-9046