40 Gorgeous Galley Kitchens That Don't Skimp on Style
It's possible to maximize a small layout.
By definition, a galley kitchen is a long (often narrow) aisle with cabinets and appliances on both sides. There might be a door or window at the end of the walkway, or an entryway to the dining room. The kitchen setup tends to get a bad rap, often criticized for being crowded and claustrophobic. In reality, most designers find galley kitchens to be efficient, accessible and great for storage.
While the galley kitchen layout originates from ships and aircrafts, where it was essential to maximize every inch of cooking space, they're popular in residential spaces today. If you're working with limited square footage, a galley kitchen can be a great way to make the most of it — and, there's no need to sacrifice beautiful kitchen design.
This roundup of stunning galley kitchens proves small kitchens can be just as functional and fashionable as large design schemes. Hint: Shades of bright white, reflective surfaces and natural light will create the illusion of more space — but don't forget to layer in geometric patterns, open shelving and pops of vibrant color.
Lean Into Natural Wood
Warm up your kitchen with natural grain and stain, which pairs beautifully with stone countertops and brass hardware. Hommeboys Interiors goes for a cooler-tone oak flooring and triple-bleached walnut cabinetry.
Photo by: Adam Potts
Introduce Contrast With Black Cabinets
Moody black cabinets are the perfect complement to bright white walls in this vintage-inspired kitchen. To complete the look, Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors brings in a distressed runner rug and floating shelves filled with collected decor.
Photo by: Greg Riegler
Find the Right Shade of Cream
For cabinets and walls, design firm Ponton Interiors goes for a cream paint — the neutral shade feels warm, inviting and airy. An oval-shaped window at the end of the space adds interest and allows more natural light in.
Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography
Make a Statement With Blue
Ranging from light to dark, blue kitchen cabinets are a popular choice in 2025 — even in small spaces. Take note from Kristin Kostamo-McNeil of Anne Rae Design and try a black tile backsplash and gold fixtures.
Photo by: Jenny Siegwart
Add Oomph With Colorful Floor Tiles
Create visual interest in a small room with eye-catching tiles, like this hexagon pattern. In a charming interior by Four Brothers Design + Build, teal flooring creates a clear divide from the adjacent dining room.
Photo by: Steve Hershberger
Let Classic Colors Shine
In a sunny galley kitchen, you can't go wrong with bright white cabinetry. Try painting a few lower cabinets black for contrast, then tie everything together with black and white marble countertops, just as BHDM Design does here.
Photo by: Adam Kane Macchia
Install a Bookshelf
Build a bookshelf at the end of your galley kitchen for extra storage. It's a great place to store glasses and dishes, plus display cookbooks and trendy decor. Here, Teass\Warren Architects settles on dark wood to create contrast against the white cabinetry.
Photo by: Frazier Springfield Photography
Divide Space With a Glass Partition
A half-wall topped with a glass partition ensures a seamless flow from the kitchen to the dining room in this cozy bungalow designed by Four Brothers Design + Build. This galley kitchen is larger than average with a pantry and designated coffee bar.
Photo by: Steve Hershberger
Create Warmth With Textured Wood
Over the last year, more designers — including Karasawa Interior Studio — are leaning toward warm interiors and natural wood cabinetry. This sunny space feels cozy, approachable and inviting.
Photo by: ©Kelley Kish Photography
Maximize Wall Space
Turn walls into storage space — think tiered shelving for dishes, hanging racks for pots and pans and a magnetic knife holder. In a compact layout like this one, every inch matters!
Read more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Experiment With Pops of Color
Here, Studio Munroe infuses bold color with decorative accents that aren't necessarily permanent. Things like runner rugs, Roman shades and a tile backsplash can be swapped out if your style changes in a few years.
Photo by: Thomas Kuoh
Embrace a Light Wood Grain
This modern kitchen, designed by Cassia Wyner, has mostly light wood cabinetry — but glossy white upper cabinets brighten up the space. For a streamlined look, hide the fridge behind the cabinets, too.
Photo by: Lara Kimmerer
Turn a Narrow Room Into a Butler's Pantry
The galley design layout is great for kitchens, but even more functional in a butler's pantry, which is an ideal place for storage and food prep. Here, Bakes & Kropp packs a lot into a tiny space, including a prep sink and small stovetop.
Try Two-Tone Cabinets
Don't limit yourself to one cabinet finish — especially if you want something with more personality, like a wood grain. Hint: White upper cabinets might create the illusion of a larger space.
Install Lights Under the Cabinets
Overhead lighting (think pendants, recessed lighting and flush mounts) is key, but under-cabinet lights illuminate your prep station. It'll make things like chopping and reading recipes easier in your galley kitchen.
Go Glam With a High-Gloss Finish
This sun-filled kitchen is defined by glossy blue cabinets, and a geometric backsplash on one side. The high-gloss paint reflects lights, making the room feel brighter and more spacious.
Show Off Industrial Style
From the exposed wood ceiling and black trim to the gray tile floor, this small galley layout showcases a chic industrial vibe. There's also black shelves above the cabinets to maximize vertical space.
Draw on Nature's Color Palette
From the sage green cabinets and jute runner to the light wood panels on the ceiling, Brooke Dailey Design celebrates the beauty of nature in this timeless galley kitchen.
Photo by: Polina Pigulevsky Photography
Rely on a Pastel Shade
Bring color into your home with a subtle shade. These pale blue cabinets look light and bright, yet add a dose of personality to a modern galley kitchen.
Skip the Cabinet Hardware
For a modern and minimalist style, ditch clunky cabinet hardware. A lack of handles or knobs can make a narrow space feel cleaner and less cluttered. Instead, let cabinet doors (like this soft wood grain) be your focal point.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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