Thanks to some clever design tricks, the galley kitchen is having a much-deserved moment, says interiors editor Nicole Gray
Give your small space some personality with colour and pattern, but keep the details simple and avoid surface clutter. For a similar pink shade try Muted Bubblegum, £42 for 2.5 litres, lick.com. Check out tiles-direct.com for similar gloss chevron floor tiles
There was a time when the galley kitchen was considered a complete no-hoper in the style stakes. Named after the narrow food-prep area on a ship, with two parallel runs of wall and base cabinets or counters on either side of a central walkway, it was deemed poky and uninspiring.
Yet as many of us are looking to downsize, every inch of space counts. And the efficiency and practicality of a galley kitchen has made it a design choice – kitchen specialist Magnet even declared it to be this year’s most sought-after style.
The key to a successful galley kitchen? Careful planning. Although clever storage is important, the goal is not to cram in as many cupboards as possible as this will result in the space looking boxy. Instead opt for open shelving to create a less enclosed feel and keep everything from plates to bowls within easy reach. If you are drawn towards wall cabinets, however, consider sliding doors for a seamless feel.
Also utilise whatever wall space you have by fitting cabinets with hooks underneath to hang pans or serving spoons, or add a slim wall rack to stash pot lids or spices. Lakeland.co.uk sells a wide selection.
Let anything left out on display do the talking. For example, colourful glasses will add visual interest without bulk and a pitcher can multifunction as a countertop vase. Elevate essential hardware such as door handles and taps into statement pieces with brass and metal fittings. These will not only add a dash of luxury to the space but reflective surfaces will also help to bounce light around.
In some small spaces, lots of hardware can feel overwhelming, in which case stick to finger pulls or push-to-open cabinets. Here bespoke cut-out handles are used on the cupboards for a fuss-free finish and appliances are integrated for a pared-back feel
Create a sense of space with light-reflecting paint
Celadon, £65 for 2.5 litres, Houseofhackney.com, Morning Light, £27 for 2.5 litres, Dulux, Homebase.co.uk, Serene Peach, £21 for 1 litre, Yescolours.com and On Mute, £25 for 1 litre, Coatpaints.com
Incorporating textured floor-to-ceiling cabinetry will create a focal point and draw the eye upwards in a compact space. Here, there’s an integrated fridge, cooking zone and sink behind the panelling. For similar kitchen counter stools try coxandcox.co.uk. For similar wooden door handles try etsy.com
However small, kitchens are the social hub of the home. To create a space you want to spend time in – and distract from its petit proportions – try painting cabinets in vibrant shades. For similar floor tiles go to bertandmay.com. Kitchen and wall light by neptune.com
Easy small-space upgrades
★ Opt for light-reflecting surfaces such as wall mirrors, stainless steel worktops and glossy tile splashbacks. These will all cleverly create the illusion of space. B&Q (diy.com) sells a wide selection.
★ Wooden cabinets will add warmth to a small space. Unstained maple, birch and bamboo are timeless and you can always paint them if you fancy a change of scenery.
★ Patterned tiles or vinyl are perfect for drawing the eye away from the narrow proportions and making the space feel bigger. Harveymaria.com sells a wide selection of vinyl options.
★ Big up the details. A colourful tap or wall hook adds a dash of fun to a practical space. Try dowsingandreynolds.com for an eye-catching selection of taps in summer shades.
Here dark cabinetry delivers a touch of glamour. The large windows provide additional light, while the pale walls brighten the room. Cabinets painted in Railings Modern Eggshell, £77 for 2.5 litres; walls painted in Peignoir Modern Emulsion (which is washable and mould resistant), £56 for 2.5 litres, both farrow-ball.com
3 of the best
These wall-mounted storage solutions cut the clutter and save space