Three Small Kitchen Ideas to Get the Most Out of Your Galley Kitchen

While some galley kitchen designs are simply two parallel counters that offer an aisle to pass through from one room to the next, many galley kitchens have a U shape. In these designs, placing the stove as the focal point of the kitchen is a smart way to define the primary working space.

Two people can work back-to-back, prepping food then rotating to the stove for cooking. Or one person can take both sides of the stove as their prep space and pretend they're a celebrity chef. In these designs, the kitchen sink, as well as the dishwasher, refrigerator and other appliances, are placed further down the counter.

One way to get more breathing room in a galley kitchen is to open it up, and that doesn't necessarily mean knocking down walls. A passthrough window is a simpler option that can provide great function and style. Another option is to consider a lighter monochromatic color scheme that can make the kitchen feel larger.

Finally, if you can't open up the layout, try opening up the cabinetry. Open shelving is a unique way to make the kitchen feel larger, while also providing the opportunity to highlight your personal style. If you don't like the idea of having all your things on display, you could also use glass or a semi-transparent cabinet doors.