Galley kitchens are efficient but can often feel tight. Interior designers share clever ways to open up these narrow spaces.
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Start with streamlined cabinetry, flat-front units in matte or satin finishes avoid visual clutter. Limit upper wall units or swap them for open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets to create depth and airiness. Maximise natural light with glazed doors, roof lights, or open shelving, and keep windows unobstructed to enhance brightness. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrored back splashes or glass-fronted cabinets, also bounce light around the space.
Consider layout tweaks: a single-wall kitchen with an island or a partial wall opening can break the tunnel effect. Integrated appliances and worktop-depth fridges reduce visual interruptions, while careful flooring choices, like long planks along the kitchen's length, draw the eye and elongate the room.
Colour matters too, soft neutrals or muted greens and blues reflect light, while darker lower cabinets add depth. Keep finishes cohesive and refined, layering warmth with natural textures like wood or stone. Finally, layered lighting, recessed, under-cabinet, and statement fixtures, ensures the space feels bright, inviting, and functional.
With these tips, even the narrowest galley kitchen can feel airy, spacious, and stylish.
Source: www.womanandhome.com
