Our client's galley kitchen lacked practical storage with an outdated layout that didn’t flow. They approached Matter to maximise the available storage with a more cohesive layout to suit their evolving needs in the years ahead. They allowed near free reign over design and materials, with one simple request that each are equally contemporary and functional. Our design solution combines hard-wearing Blackbutt plywood and grey Forescolor MDF for the door and drawer fronts with laminate-face plywood carcasses. As the MDF has a full colour core, we added a new handle design that cut into the face on a taper, enabling a larger finger-pull and play of light on the surface. Solid Blackbutt handles and vertical partitions are a contemporary take on traditional frame and panel doors. For a touch of indulgence, we added beautifully dramatic Faustina quartzite bench tops and splashbacks from Artedomus. All lower cupboards were replaced with drawers featuring adjustable partitions and a large pull-out Kesseböhmer pantry to ensure food is easily accessed. The oven and microwave were moved next to the stove area and raised for better accessibility. A bench top appliance nook hides away the kettle and toaster behind a custom-made Blackbutt tambour door. We also replaced a section of overhead cupboards with slatted shelving and a mirrored backing that reflects natural light to open up the tight space. Lastly, we added a pull-up bench at the end of the galley to allow our client all the surface area they need to continue to cook meals with complete ease.

Ashland Kitchen Remodel

Tate Enterprises

This smaller galley kitchen was the perfect opportunity to add some warmth to this cape cod home filled with lots of charm. In this kitchen, there is plenty of space and opportunities for this family who loves to cook together to spend some time amongst their double ovens and abundance of counter space. The cabinets are white uppers with latte colored base and a featured backsplash of hand painted tile that pulls in all of the colors of the kitchen. The beverage center is maple with a cashew stain to match the kitchen table. We added a bookcase next to the refrigerator at the back door so there is room to drop things as they walk in. The pantry area is a large wall cabinet with rollouts and a three drawer base giving plenty of room for storage even though this space may not be the biggest.

Olive Street Kitchen

Howells Architecture + Design

A clean classic kitchen renovation with modern touches and two-tone contrasts in the cabinetry. Plenty of built-ins including open shelving, a breakfast nook, and a bookcase. Photos by KuDa Photography.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Carmit Oron Interior Design

White Galley Kitchen with Hidden Toe Kick Drawers Washington DC

Reico Kitchen & Bath

Designed by Marc Jean-Michel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda, MD in collaboration with Wisdom Construction, this Washington, DC kitchen remodel features Merillat Masterpiece kitchen cabinets in the Ganon door style in a Dove White finish with Calacatta Laza engineered quartz countertops from Q by MSI. The kitchen features unique storage in a smaller galley kitchen space by utilizing the toe kick area of the cabinets to create pull out drawer storage. Those drawers are touch-sensitive...a little toe push and out (and in) they go! Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Pied à terre marseillais

Mars Avril

1920's kitchen

Winsweiler Design

Fitler Square Trinity

Kaminski + Pew

Compact galley kitchen. All appliances are under-counter. Slate tile flooring, hand-glazed ceramic tile backsplash, custom walnut cabinetry, and quartzite countertop.

Transitional Cottage Kitchen in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Forward Design Build Remodel

Isn't this textured hex tile gorgeous?

Oregon City - Craftsman - Historic Restoration and Full Remodel

Ziebart Construction

1870's Farm House Transformation

Van Cleave Architecture + Design

Reclaimed wood beams from the original farm buildings

Home Renovation

Sophie Tomaras

Photography by Capital Image

Artistic Home in London (7205)

Braam's Custom Cabinets

RV Kitchen Makeover

Joyfully Growing Blog, LLC

Parkbridge Court II

Smith & Ragsdale Interior Design

Warm wood cabinets and floors and colorful orange quartz countertops are a nice paring of materials.

Small Farmhouse Kitchen

G.W. Smith Lumber Co.

This customer got her dream modern farmhouse kitchen in Lexington, NC. Featuring Wolf Classic cabinets, Misterio quartz, white subway tile with charcoal grout, and custom made rustic pipe shelves.

Architects Krauze Alexander, Krauze Anna

Kew Gardens Galley Kitchen 2018

KitchensandClosets.com By K-One Floors, Inc.

Beautiful white Shaker cabinets paired with a Calacatta design quartz countertop. The white and blue #Glazzio backsplash and stainless appliances add a nice pop of color to this otherwise classic design. #Kitchens #Design #Cabinets #KitchenDesign #QuartzCountertop

Project Tiny but Luxe

Distinctive Kitchens

By incorporating smaller appliances and custom-built pieces, the space feels larger, everything fits and the newly imagined spaces feel airy and light. We installed a Lacanche Cormatin and accented the black of the range with a slab of absolutely stunning Statuario marble with dramatic gray and black veining. Our built-in 24" fridge allows the working side of the kitchen to function as if it's twice as largePhoto by Wynne Earle Photography

Small Galley Kitchen Design Ideas

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning your kitchen design. Where do you even start? Gathering some inspiration in a photo gallery is always a good starting point, as looking at different kitchen designs often brings up ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

Browse Photos of Kitchen Designs for Inspiration and Collect Your Ideas

You can browse through photos of all kinds of kitchen styles, layouts and sizes on Houzz to get started before jumping into any design software or contacting a local professional for help. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen.

1. What Makes a Good Kitchen Design, and Why is it Important?

For starters, you want to find a balance between aesthetics and function. You may have heard of the ‘kitchen work triangle’, which refers to the space between your fridge, sink and stove. You want everything within easy reach when you’re working in the kitchen and look beautiful at the same time. It’s a good idea to take note of both when browsing our photo gallery.

2. Consider Your Space to Determine Your Kitchen Layout

Firstly, consider the space you have, and the limitations that come with it. Do you have a small kitchen and need to maximise your workspace and storage? Can you allow yourself some more space and a big island with seating? Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing design? Which appliances do you already own and what are their measurements? Are there windows you need to take into consideration when planning cabinets? How do kitchen, living and dining areas connect? Depending on your space and needs, you want to use a shape that suits you. U, G, or L-shaped kitchen, with or without island or peninsula? Know your dimensions, plan cabinetry carefully and consider the placement of your appliances. You don’t want to end up with a finished design, only for your significant other to question where the fridge is supposed to go. Consider from the start where your fridge, oven, microwave and sink goes to save yourself from starting again from scratch - remember the kitchen work triangle! You also want to plan the layout of your cabinets. Maybe you’re planning for a pantry and can do with less storage space in your kitchen, so that your design can be one without upper or lower cabinets for a different look. A corner cabinet can be a smart storage solution if you want to keep the look clean and simple.

3. Decide on a Kitchen Style, But Don’t Forget Practicality

You want the style of your kitchen to reflect your personality and taste. We have curated a large array of kitchen styles here at Houzz, from traditional to contemporary to transitional and everything in between. Consider what your cooking style is for a start - Italy is known for its cuisine, so italian kitchen designs are generally popular. Also consider ergonomics - depending on how much time you spend in your kitchen, the height of your counters can make a big difference to your overall health. You also want to consider colour and finishes of cabinets, countertops and splashbacks. Which colour do you want your cupboards to be? Simple, timeless white or rather making a statement in black? Maybe rather a rustic wood? Also consider the colour of your floor - if you have dark floors, you may want to keep cabinets lighter. You could also go for an all-white look and choose black appliances for contrast. Once you know which style you fancy, don’t forget how you will be using the space. You want to keep cooking in mind, as well as how easy to clean and maintain the space will be. How many cooks do you need to accommodate? Do you have kids around? How much storage do you need? Maybe you want to go for open shelves rather than cabinets and allow for easy reach of key items you use when cooking. Again - remember the triangle! Lastly, choose lighting that both enhances the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking performance, providing light in all the right places.

4. Be Conscious of Your Budget

No matter what you plan for your kitchen design, cost is always a big factor. Be sure to plan with your budget in mind. It may make more sense to go for a modular kitchen design rather than custom build. You can save a lot of money if you get at least 3 estimates from professionals before locking in the job. And don’t forget to allow a 20% buffer for emergencies. Once you are ready to hire a pro, our directory will help you find one, no matter where you are. So whether you're looking for an Interior Designer in Melbourne or an Architect in Sydney, you can be sure to find a qualified expert for the job!