Small Galley Kitchen Layouts

Small galley kitchen layouts and floor plan ideas.

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Scale & Layout

Layout tips for a functional and designer approved kitchen.

Kitchens hold a special place as “the heart of the home” for a reason. They are the bustling hub where food is prepared, creativity flourishes, and cherished moments are shared with loved ones.

Crafting a functional and stylish small kitchen layout is essential for maximizing efficiency and creating an inviting space for cooking, entertaining, and gathering with family and friends. From the placement of appliances to the arrangement of cabinets and countertops, every element plays a vital role in shaping the overall flow and functionality of your kitchen.

While kitchen design trends and materials come and go, there are some kitchen layout principles that are tried and true. You may have heard of the “kitchen triangle” — placing your stovetop, sink, and refrigerator in a triangle formation. By arranging these three elements in a triangular formation, cooks can seamlessly navigate between tasks, making meal preparation a more efficient and enjoyable experience. This classic layout continues to stand the test of time, serving as a cornerstone of functional kitchen design.

Whether you're in the process of designing a new kitchen or looking to revamp your existing one, these are the key components to consider on your layout plan:

Appliances: Common kitchen appliances include a refrigerator, freezer, stove or cooktop, oven, vent hood, microwave, and dishwasher. If you are starting a new kitchen design from scratch, we recommend placing your appliances and sink on the plan first and building the rest of the design around them. It’s important to also take note of any electrical, water, or gas hookups you’ll need to support these appliances and indicate their placement and dimensions on the plan.
Sink: The sink is a crucial element in a kitchen, used for washing dishes, food preparation, and cleaning. It’s common to place the sink in front of a window, but this is purely a stylistic choice. If you have the space, some modern kitchens include two sinks in the kitchen plan — one for food prep closer to your stove or main worktop and the other for cleaning closer to your dishwasher or where you store dishes.
Countertops: Countertops are essential work surfaces in a kitchen. They provide space for food preparation, cooking, and other kitchen tasks. Indicate the location and dimensions of countertops on your floor plan. Standard counter depth is 24 inches, this is also the standard size for base cabinets. But if you go the custom cabinetry route, you can get creative with your counter depth and extend up to 30 inches deep.
Cabinets and Storage: In addition to your base cabinets with countertops, you can incorporate open shelving, wall cabinets, or tall pantry cabinets in your plan for additional storage space for dishes, cookware, and pantry items. The standard depth for wall cabinets is 12”. Pantry cabinet depths can vary in size depending on your layout.
Kitchen Island or Work Table: An island or work table provides additional workspace, storage, and seating options. Allow for between 24 and 48 inches of walking space around your island.
Seating: Seating areas in kitchens come in all shapes and sizes. If you have an island or work table, you may want to include stools or bench seating on one or multiple sides. If you plan to have a dining area in your kitchen, include a dining table and chairs or a breakfast nook with banquette seating. Or, take a page out of our favorite kitchen designer’s book (cough Helen Parkhust of DeVol cough) and include an accent chair or two for a more cozy seating option.
Lighting Fixtures: Proper task lighting is essential in a kitchen. Include lighting fixtures such as overhead lights, pendant lights, wall sconces, and under-cabinet lighting in your plan to ensure adequate illumination.

Remember, the specific elements and layout of a kitchen can vary depending on personal preferences, available space, and functional needs. It's important to create a floor plan that optimizes workflow, provides ample storage, and reflects your unique style. Get creative and have fun with your layouts! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Kitchen.

Read more about small galley kitchen layouts and floor plan ideas.

More about small galley kitchen layouts and floor plan ideas.

What is the best way to design a small galley kitchen layout?

Navigating the maze of spatial planning isn't just a step in your design journey—it's the secret sauce to making your space sing. Sure, it's not the glitzy, glam decorating part where colors and textures take the stage, but think of it as the unsung hero. Diving deep into planning means you're setting yourself up for a smooth ride, dodging those pesky"I wish I'd thought of that" moments. The more planning you do upfront will save you a lot of time (and money!) in the long run. Plus, having accurate measurements are key to successful furniture (read: treasure) hunting. Having your space measured to a T is like having a map where X marks the spot of your next great find.

Don't shy away from playing musical chairs with your layout. It may take a few iterations to achieve the perfect floor plan. Don't be afraid to try out different furniture arrangements. Mix, match, and move things around until it feels just right, reflecting your unique style and meeting your functional needs.

Here are some best practices to guide you in the process of designing a small kitchen layout:

Start with functionality and purpose: Begin by outlining the primary needs in your space and desired function of the room. Sketch out a plan that breaks down the kitchen's different zones and their intended uses. Got a crowd to please? Make sure your layout can accommodate everyone’s needs. If you have existing furniture pieces you’d be upset to get rid of, make sure you account for these as well (their purpose is sentimental!) and plan around them to give them the spotlight they deserve.
Identify the focal point: Next, find your room's showstopper. The focal point could be a cozy fireplace, a window framing the perfect view, or an art piece that's all kinds of wow. Arrange the rest of the furniture around this focal point to create a harmonious kitchen flow.
Consider traffic flow: Keep in mind the natural flow of movement within the room. Ensure that there is enough space for everyone to move around comfortably without any obstructions. Leave clear pathways between furniture groupings to allow for easy navigation — 18 inches minimum between furniture pieces, 30 inches minimum for walkways.
Scale and proportion: Pay attention to the scale and proportion of the furniture pieces in relation to the size of your kitchen. Avoid overcrowding your space with oversized furniture or leaving it feeling empty with undersized pieces. Achieve a sense of balance and symmetry in the room by distributing furniture and decor elements evenly. This can be done by placing matching or similar items on opposite sides of the room.

By carefully considering the function, layout, and elements of your space, you can create a well-designed and functional small kitchen.

What is a floor plan and where do I start?

A floor plan is essentially a diagram offering a bird's-eye-view perspective of your space. Like peeking into your kitchen from above, floor plans help bridge the gap between imagination and reality so you can visualize how your space will function.

Floor plans can vary significantly in detail and style. Some may resemble blueprints, focusing strictly on delineating walls, doors, and other structural elements, while others might include detailed layouts complete with furniture and decor placements. This versatility makes floor plans an indispensable tool in architecture, real estate, and interior design, facilitating a clear understanding of a space's structure and potential functionality.

Accurate room dimensions are key when creating a floor plan. If you don’t have an existing floor plan or blueprint with dimensions (from your building inspector or landlord), you’ll need to create one. A trusty measuring tape is an indispensable tool for accurately measuring the dimensions of your kitchen. It will help you determine the length and width of walls, windows, doors, and other architectural features. There are plenty of digital measuring tape tools out there. And while you know we love our digital tools ;), nothing beats the good ‘ol analog measuring tape when it comes to getting accurate measurements of your space. The last thing you want is a too-small area rug or an assembled sofa bed that can’t fit through your front door. Trust us.

Even if you do have an existing floor plan or blueprint, it’s always a good idea to confirm the measurements (you know what they say, measure twice!). Measure every nook and cranny. Note fixtures and architectural elements like outlets, plumbing hookups, and window and door openings so you have them handy when you create your layout. Every inch (or centimeter) counts.

Once you have your measurements, the planning phase begins. Pop those measurements into Spoak’s floor plan tool and start arranging and rearranging to your heart’s desire!

How do you maximize space in a small kitchen to make the space feel bigger?

When approaching the design of a small or narrow kitchen, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to make the most of the available space by including smaller furniture pieces. This helps to avoid clutter and allows for better flow within the space. Additionally, flexible furniture solutions can be a great asset, as they allow you to easily move things around and adapt the small layout as needed. Another tip is to incorporate wall mirrors into the design. Mirrors not only enhance the visual depth of the space but also reflect light, making the small kitchen feel larger and brighter. Lastly, organization is key — especially for tiny rooms. Utilize clever storage solutions, such as hidden compartments or multi-functional furniture, to maximize storage capacity and keep the small space tidy.

Designing a small kitchen requires thoughtful planning and creativity. By implementing these tips, you can create an organized and cozy environment that makes the most of your limited square footage. Check out our free BeSpoak School course How to Design Tricky & Small Spaces for 7 pro tips on how to maximize your small spaces.

How do you optimize a galley kitchen layout?

In a galley kitchen, it's important to make the most of the available space. Consider a layout where the main work areas, such as the sink, stove, and refrigerator, are placed along a single wall or parallel walls. This creates a streamlined workflow and minimizes unnecessary movement. Here are some of our go-to design tips to help make the most of your galley kitchen space:

Utilize Vertical Space: Since galley kitchens are often limited in width, it's essential to utilize vertical space for storage. Install tall cabinets or open shelves that reach up to the ceiling to maximize storage capacity. This helps keep countertops clear and ensures that everything has its designated place.
Reflective Surfaces: To create a sense of openness and maximize natural light, consider incorporating reflective surfaces in your galley kitchen. Mirrored backsplashes, glossy cabinet finishes, or glass-fronted cabinet doors can help bounce light around the space and create the illusion of a larger kitchen.
Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in a galley kitchen, especially since it may not have access to natural light from windows. Install a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to ensure adequate illumination. Under-cabinet lighting can be particularly useful for illuminating the countertops and workspace.
Light Color Palette: To visually expand the space, opt for a light color palette in your galley kitchen. Light-colored cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes can make the kitchen feel brighter and more open. Consider using a monochromatic or neutral color scheme to create a cohesive and visually pleasing look.
Clever Storage Solutions: In a galley kitchen, every inch of storage counts. Explore clever storage solutions such as pull-out pantry cabinets, corner storage units, or hanging racks to maximize storage capacity. Utilize hooks or magnetic strips to keep frequently used utensils and tools within easy reach.

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