How to Make a Galley Kitchen Look Bigger

A galley kitchen, also known as a corridor kitchen, is a kitchen layout featuring cabinets and appliances lined up on two parallel walls, usually with an aisle in between. While galley kitchens maximize space, their narrow footprint can make them feel closed-in and cramped.

If you have a galley kitchen, there are several design tricks you can use to make it appear more spacious and open. With strategic changes like lighting, color schemes, storage solutions and decor choices, you can give your galley kitchen a fresh, expansive look and feel.

Get Rid of Upper Cabinets

One of the best ways to open up a galley kitchen visually is to remove some or all of the upper cabinets. Upper cabinets make the room feel more closed in. Eliminating them gives you more visible wall space and lets in more natural light.

Here are some upper cabinet removal ideas:

Remove all upper cabinets for an completely open, airy look. Make sure you have plenty of alternative storage options.
Take down just a section of uppers, like over the sink or stove, to create a focal point.
Replace some uppers with open shelves. This maintains storage while still allowing light and views.
Swap solid upper cabinet doors with glass ones. The transparent glass makes the space feel less boxed in.

Getting rid of upper cabinets dramatically transforms the look of a galley kitchen. Be sure to address storage needs in other ways if you remove uppers completely.

Install Mirrored Surfaces

Mirrored surfaces are an effective galley kitchen idea to visually double the space. The reflections create the illusion of a larger, wider room.

Strategically place mirrors to maximize the amplifying effect:

Cover the backsplash behind the sink with a mirrored tile or panels. It will reflect light and make the kitchen appear extended.
Use a mirrored backsplash on one entire wall. Place it across from windows so it reflects the light and view.
Attach a mirrored wall panel on one side to mirror the cabinetry on the other side.
Swap out existing upper cabinet doors for mirrored ones. The reflective surfaces will open up the space.

Mirrored surfaces add depth, dimension and the perception of more room. Use them judiciously to enhance galley kitchen layouts.

Opt for Light, Bright Colors

The color scheme you choose can significantly impact how large a galley kitchen feels. Lighter, brighter colors will make the space appear more open and expansive.

Some galley kitchen color ideas include:

White or off-white on the cabinets, walls and ceiling. The all-white scheme will make the kitchen feel bright and airy. Add visual interest with texture.
Soft neutral tones like beige, tan and light gray on large surfaces. Use bolder accent colors sparingly.
Pastel hues like sage green, light yellow and robin’s egg blue. Pair with white trim for crisp contrast.
White or bleached wood cabinetry for an organic yet light look. Visible wood grain keeps it from feeling sterile.

Stay away from dark, bold colors like navy, black or dark red. Stick to light backgrounds with darker accents for optimal spaciousness.

Incorporate Glass Cabinet Doors

Incorporating glass into your galley kitchen cabinets is another way to give the illusion of more space. Glass cabinet doors maintain storage while keeping the space feeling open.

Consider these uses of glass cabinets:

Swap solid upper cabinet doors for glass doors. Leave the lowers solid for working storage.
Replace existing cabinet fronts with glass paned doors. Look for ones divided into small panes.
Use glass-front cabinets for frequently accessed items like dishes or spices. Keep less attractive items behind solid doors.
Install open glass wall cabinets or shelving above the counters. These “display” areas keep things visible but tidy.

Glass cabinetry allows light to pass through and creates visibility. Just be sure to keep interiors organized so contents don’t detract from the open look.

Include Reflective Surfaces and Metallics

Incorporating reflective and metallic finishes is another galley kitchen idea that can make the space feel larger. Shiny surfaces cast light around and give the perception of more room.

Here are some ways to add reflective metallic elements:

Choose metal finishes like stainless steel, chrome or nickel for appliances, fixtures and hardware. Polished finishes nicely reflect light.
Look for backsplashes with iridescent glass tiles or metallic mosaics. These catch and reflect the light beautifully.
Use metallic finishes like brass or silver for kitchen accessories like pendant lights, bar stools or shelving brackets.
Consider adding a mirror-finish laminate to cabinet surfaces and doors. It will subtly amplify and bounce light around.
Opt for countertops with quartz or granite that have shimmery, metallic flecks in the pattern. These will catch the light.

By bouncing light around, metallics and reflective surfaces create depth and the illusion of extended space. Use them sparingly for maximum effect.

Install Floating Shelves

Another way to free up visual space in a galley kitchen is to incorporate floating shelves instead of bulky cabinetry. Floating shelves keep things tidy while maintaining an open, lightweight look.

Galley kitchen floating shelf tips:

Mount them high on the wall, near the ceiling, to utilize vertical space without crowding the room.
Use them selectively over counters or appliances for frequently accessed items.
Look for streamlined, minimal designs that don’t detract from openness.
Incorporate bracket-free suspended metal rails or wire shelves for an ultra-light look.
Use floating shelves in lieu of upper cabinets. Shelving takes up less visual space.

Floating shelves work especially well in modern, minimalist galley kitchens. They maintain usable space while keeping the room open.

Extend the Floor & Wall Materials

Making galley kitchen floors and walls appear more continuous can add to the perception of spaciousness. Using consistent materials on flooring, walls and backsplashes promotes flow.

Here are some galley kitchen material ideas:

Use the same tile or wood flooring on the floor and as the backsplash. This makes walls appear farther away.
Select wall paint colors that coordinate with or match the tones in the flooring. The continuous color palette makes walls visually recede.
Opt for full-slab countertops like marble that can run seamlessly from counter to backsplash. A slab backsplash adds flow.
Choose matching wall and ceiling treatments, like tongue and groove wood planks. Continuous materials draw the eye up and make ceilings seem higher.

Repeating flooring and wall treatments minimizes visual dividers and makes a galley kitchen feel more continuous and spacious.

Include Hidden Storage Elements

While an open, minimalist look improves small galley kitchens, you still need adequate storage. Include hidden storage elements that don’t distract from the expansive aesthetic.

Smart galley kitchen storage ideas:

Opt for cabinets with roll-out trays, lazy susans and other interior organizers to maximize space.
Install drawers wherever possible, even under appliances. Drawers hold more than cabinets and keep contents accessible.
Make use of all vertical space with extra tall wall cabinets that reach the ceiling. Use them sparingly to avoid feeling boxed in.
Consider cabinet alterations like adding roll-out shelves or adjustable dividers to better use what you have.
Look for stackable storage solutions like clear containers, baskets or trays that allow double stacking inside cabinets.

With some concealed storage solutions, you can have both a streamlined look and abundant space for necessities. Prioritize organization to keep things tidy.

Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

One way to free up floor and walking space in a galley kitchen is to use furniture and features that serve more than one purpose. Multi-functional furnishings maximize efficiency.

Some galley kitchen multi-use ideas include:

An island that provides extra counter space plus integrated storage, seating and appliances.
Banquette seating with hidden storage drawers underneath. This saves on space for a freestanding table.
Counter stools that slide or fold down when not in use. Look for space-saving bar stool designs.
Small drop-down tables on hinges that can fold flush against a wall when meals are done.
Cabinetry with built-in appliances like refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers. This optimizes efficiency.

Look for every opportunity to combine furniture functions in a compact galley kitchen. Doing so keeps the space organized and multipurpose.

Incorporate Glass Walls or Interior Windows

Installing interior glass walls or windows is an impactful way to make a galley kitchen feel more open and connected to other spaces. If possible, glass partitions can dramatically improve flow.

Here are some galley kitchen glass partition ideas:

Swap a solid wall between the kitchen and dining room with a full-length glass wall. This makes the spaces feel contiguous.
Add a large cutout window into a living room shared wall. It connects the kitchen visually and light-wise.
Install a glass interior door instead of a solid wood one. Even this allows more light transmission between rooms.
For a narrow galley, have glass walls or windows at both ends. This creates the illusion of seeing straight through the kitchen.

Glass partitions integrate the kitchen with main living areas, amplifying the feeling of openness. If full glass walls aren’t feasible, even small interior windows help.

Optimize Task Lighting

With minimal natural light, galley kitchens rely heavily on artificial lighting. Carefully placed task lighting can make the space feel bright, lively and more expansive.

Tips for galley kitchen lighting:

Use abundant recessed can lighting in the ceiling. Space evenly for consistent overhead illumination.
Under-cabinet lighting visibility opens up dark spaces between your eye and the ceiling.
Incorporate pendant lights over islands and counters to direct light right where needed most.
Add accent lighting inside glass cabinets to spotlight contents. This makes them feel more like open shelves.
Use mirrors and reflective surfaces to cast lighting further into the room.

Proper task lighting transforms murky galley kitchens into well-lit, inviting spaces. Light makes small rooms feel more open than any other single element.

Add Architectural Interest

While galley kitchen functionality takes priority, adding some architectural elements can make the space feel less boring and boxy.

Some ways to create visual interest:

Install an eye-catching tile backsplash. Opt for glass, stone or designs with character and texture.
Add molding touches like tall baseboards, crown molding and trim around cabinets. Molding accentuates height.
Use glass bricks, porthole windows or transom windows instead of solid walls when possible. These add dimension.
Consider open shelving with decorative brackets to break up cabinet monotony. Brackets embellish the room’s shape.
Upgrade standard drop ceilings with coffered, tray, or tongue and groove wood ceilings. This instantly adds elegance.

Even in modest galley kitchens, small architectural details make a difference in aesthetics and appeal. Don’t overlook opportunities to add ornate touches. They expand the sense of space by engaging the eye.

Remove Unnecessary Structures

Sometimes the best approach is subtraction. Removing any unnecessary visual barriers or bulk can instantly make a galley kitchen feel cleaner and more open.

Here are structures to consider removing:

Walls between the kitchen and adjacent room to improve flow
A peninsula that obstructs walking space
Bulky island overcrowding the floorplan
One bank of upper cabinets that isn’t needed for storage
Non-load-bearing interior walls that limit light transmission
Doors that swing into main aisles
Soffits that drop the ceiling height

Even small demolitions like removing a door or opening up a wall will vastly improve the openness of a cramped galley kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Galley Kitchens Look Bigger

How do you maximize space in a narrow galley kitchen?

Use floating shelves instead of upper cabinets
Opt for glass fronts on wall and base cabinets
Include multi-functional island with storage and seating
Use pendant lights to open up visual space
Extend the flooring into the backsplash area
Remove any unnecessary walls or barriers

What color makes a small kitchen look bigger?

Lighter, brighter colors like white, off-white, light gray, or soft pastels will make a small galley kitchen look more open and spacious. Dark or bold colors have the opposite effect and can make the kitchen feel closed in.

How do you open up a long narrow kitchen?

Eliminate upper cabinets completely or partially
Add a long window along one wall, or interior window into adjacent room
Use the same floor and wall materials to blend spaces
Include glass partitions or doors at the ends
Optimize lighting, especially recessed ceiling lights
Remove any bulky peninsulas or unnecessary walls

How do you make a skinny kitchen functional?

Use drawers and rollout shelves in existing cabinets
Add stackable storage solutions
Incorporate multi-functional furnishings like banquettes
Make use of vertical space with very tall cabinets
Include narrow-profile carts and shelving units
Opt for smaller or compact appliances

What are some space-saving ideas for tiny kitchens?

Built-in or extendable dining tables and chairs
Fold-down counters and chopping boards
Pegboard walls to hang frequently used items
Floating shelves instead of upper cabinets
Drawer inserts for specialized storage
Pull-out spice racks and vertical shelving

Conclusion

While galley kitchens present some design challenges, there are many ways to make them feel more open and expansive. Strategic lighting choices, reflective surfaces, glass elements, optimized storage, and removing unnecessary structures are all effective approaches. With creativity, even the smallest galley kitchen can take on an airier, roomier aesthetic. Test out some of these galley kitchen enlargement tips for a happier, more functional cooking space.