Galley Kitchen Redesign Tips

Galley kitchens—with parallel runs of units creating a corridor layout—are common in Victorian and Edwardian London properties. Whilst compact, these efficient layouts can be highly functional with smart design. This guide shares professional tips for redesigning galley kitchens to maximise storage, workflow, and style in North London homes.

Advantages of Galley Layouts

Galley kitchens offer surprising benefits:

• Efficient work triangle: sink, hob, fridge close together
• Everything within easy reach
• Maximum storage in minimal space
• Less walking during food preparation
• Can fit in narrow spaces (1.2m width possible)
• Professional chef-style efficiency

Optimal Dimensions

Ideal Width: 2-2.4m between facing units provides comfortable working space. Minimum 1.2m allows one person to work, 1.5m+ allows two people to pass comfortably.

Length: 3-6m typical for residential galleys. Longer kitchens risk becoming corridors.

Unit Depth: Standard 600mm deep base units both sides. Can use 500mm units one side in very narrow spaces (1.5m width).

Layout Design Strategies

Zoning: Divide galley into logical zones:

• Preparation zone: sink, dishwasher, bins, prep surfaces
• Cooking zone: hob, oven, extraction, spices/oils storage
• Storage zone: fridge, pantry, dry goods
• Serving zone: near dining area if applicable

Work Triangle: Position sink, hob, fridge to minimise movement. Classic triangle within galley's linear format.

Symmetrical or Asymmetrical:

• Symmetrical: units same depth both sides, balanced appearance
• Asymmetrical: shallow units one side (300-400mm) creates more circulation space, less storage

Maximising Storage

Full-Height Units: Floor-to-ceiling storage maximises capacity. Tall units for pantry, ovens, fridge-freezers.

Corner Solutions: If galley has corners, use carousel units or magic corners to access awkward spaces efficiently.

Drawer Units: Deep drawers more accessible than cupboards with shelves. Can store pans, dishes, cutlery, food—all easier to reach.

Wall Storage: Maximise wall space with:

• Wall units full length (or open shelving for airier feel)
• Magnetic knife strips
• Hanging rails for utensils
• Spice racks on cabinet doors
• Pegboards for frequently-used items

Plinth Drawers: Utilise kickboard space with shallow drawers for flat items like trays, baking sheets.

Creating Visual Space

Light Colours: White, cream, light grey make galleys feel open. Dark colours create tunnel effect. Save bold colours for small accents.

Reflective Surfaces: Gloss finishes, glass splashbacks, mirrors reflect light. Stainless steel appliances add shine.

Open Shelving: Replacing some wall units with open shelves creates airiness. Display attractive items, store everyday essentials.

Glass Cabinet Doors: Glass-fronted wall units feel less solid than opaque doors. Create depth while displaying contents.

Minimal Upper Cabinets: Consider no wall units one side, creating more open feel. Requires sufficient base storage to compensate.

Lighting Solutions

Task Lighting: Essential in galleys where walls can block natural light:

• Under-cabinet LED strips illuminate work surfaces
• Over-hob spotlight for cooking area
• Plinth lighting adds ambient glow

Ceiling Lighting: Recessed downlights along center line provide even illumination. 3-5 lights depending on length.

Feature Lighting: Pendant over small breakfast bar or at end of galley adds style without obstructing.

Flooring Choices

Continuous Flooring: Same floor throughout kitchen and adjacent areas makes space feel larger.

Direction Matters: Run floor planks lengthwise down galley to emphasise length and draw eye through space.

Light Colours: Pale wood, light tiles, concrete-effect keep floor bright and spacious-feeling.

Appliance Selection

Slim Appliances: Compact models save space:

• 450mm wide dishwashers vs standard 600mm
• Narrow fridge-freezers (545-550mm vs 600mm+)
• Slimline range cookers if full-width range desired

Integrated Appliances: Built-in appliances behind cabinet doors create streamlined appearance. Particularly effective for fridges, dishwashers, ovens.

Space-Saving Options:

• Combination microwave-ovens
• Induction hobs (no protruding knobs)
• Single bowl sinks with drainer boards
• Washer-dryers if laundry in kitchen

Breakfast Bar or Dining

Peninsula End: If galley opens to room, peninsula with overhang creates breakfast bar. Seating for 2-3 people possible.

Narrow Bar Along One Side: 300-400mm deep counter with stools creates informal dining without blocking galley.

Fold-Down Table: Wall-mounted drop-leaf table folds away when not needed.

Ventilation and Extraction

Galleys can trap cooking odors:

• Powerful extraction hood essential (min 600 m³/hr)
• Ducted extraction better than recirculating
• Window at end of galley for natural ventilation
• Downdraft extractors if ceiling extraction impossible

Cost Guide

Budget Galley Kitchen: £6,000-£10,000

• Flat-pack units
• Laminate worktops
• Standard appliances
• Basic finishes

Mid-Range: £10,000-£20,000

• Quality fitted units
• Quartz or good laminate worktops
• Integrated appliances
• Under-cabinet lighting

Premium: £20,000-£40,000+

• Bespoke cabinetry
• Stone worktops
• Premium appliances (Miele, Gaggenau)
• Designer finishes