Look, making a tiny galley kitchen serve you well might seem like a big job, but it isn’t impossible. Applying the right adjustments, your narrow room will feel far more useful and even pleasant to be in. Here are 15 practical solutions to get you started.
Dramatic floral arrangement adds a bold focal point
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Instead of leaving the stovetop bare, place a wooden cutting board on top. A tall matte white vase filled with a striking arrangement of black and white flowers can sit on it. It’s an unexpected display for the kitchen counter.
Black and white diamond floor visually widens narrow spaces
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You can use a bold black and white diamond pattern on your kitchen floor. It directs your eye along the length of the room.
Sage green cabinets pair with natural wood countertops for warmth
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Sage green cabinets work well with natural wood countertops. The wood’s texture and tone provide a visible counterpoint to the painted surfaces.
Brass hardware adds a warm metallic accent to dark cabinets
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Against dark gray cabinets, add thin brass pulls. You’ll get a metallic gleam that offsets the cabinet color.
High-gloss cabinets reflect light to brighten the space
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If your galley kitchen is tight, high-gloss cabinet fronts are a good option. Their reflective surface bounces natural light throughout the room.
Exposed wooden beams add rustic architectural interest
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The ceiling gains architectural detail from exposed wooden beams. These structures break up the expanse of white overhead.
Rounded cabinet edges soften the kitchen’s linear design
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Galley kitchens are often defined by straight lines. Not every edge needs to be sharp, however. Sage green cabinets with subtly rounded edges on their doors and countertops help avoid a rigid look.
Fluted glass cabinet fronts offer a hint of what’s inside
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For upper cabinets, consider doors made of fluted or frosted glass. They let you get a peek at the contents, but keep them mostly out of sight. It’s a useful choice for narrow kitchen spaces.
Wall-mounted sconces provide focused light for open shelves
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If you need targeted light for open shelving, dark metal gooseneck sconces mounted above them are the answer. They illuminate displayed items without consuming valuable counter space.
Two-tone tile backsplash adds visual depth
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A split tile design on the backsplash has a lighter shade on top and a darker hue below. This two-tone application effectively breaks up the wall space, creating the impression of multiple planes on your kitchen wall.
Brass bar pulls create a clean, modern look
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Sleek brass bar pulls complement deep blue cabinetry with a minimalist profile. These create a streamlined appearance that optimizes the visual expanse in a narrow kitchen.
Patterned bench cushions create a cozy nook
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Bench seating is made more comfortable with custom-fit cushions. If they’re covered in a bold red and white pattern, they can really liven up a galley kitchen. This allows you to create a small dining or lounging area, even within a narrow footprint.
Chalkboard wall offers a functional message center
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A matte black chalkboard wall becomes a message board for lists and reminders.
Terracotta hex tiles add rustic warmth underfoot
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Hexagonal terracotta tiles can form the floor of your compact galley kitchen. Their warm, earthy tones are a good counterpoint to modern fixtures.
Square terracotta tiles anchor the space with earthy warmth
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Square terracotta tiles underfoot bring an earthy, warm tone to the galley kitchen, establishing a natural backdrop against sleek, modern cabinetry.
