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Galley Kitchen Remodeling

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In general, galley kitchens are found in smaller spaces, which can be a great benefit to anyone involved in cooking or food preparation when space is an issue. In galley kitchen design, the "workflow triangle," which co-locates the refrigerator, stove and sink, offers maximum efficiency with minimal steps between the various components. However, sometimes the space can feel cramped, dark, and not terribly welcoming to guests. The good news is that remodeling your galley kitchen can address these concerns via some simple tweaks, many of which can be achieved on a budget.

Remodeling your existing galley kitchen can add efficiency and functionality to your cooking space. For kitchen spaces that are already efficient and functional, a galley remodel can also add elements that increase both its utility and attractiveness. By following a few simple guidelines, you can make your smaller galley kitchen space seem larger and improve the overall workflow at the same time!

One of the elements you'll definitely want to consider in a galley kitchen remodel is the addition of space and storage. In smaller kitchens, storage space is always a concern. Space, storage, and surface area can be added via a kitchen island, peninsula, or other storage options like built-in countertop containers and/or a pantry.

If you're considering adding a kitchen island to your galley kitchen remodel, you may be able to do so without any construction required. Prefab portable kitchen islands are a great option for galley kitchens in that they are small enough to accommodate a more flexible design. They can add the same types of storage as a permanent island, featuring drawers, cabinets and pull out elements that will allow for cookware and other supplies to be stowed away. The countertop of a kitchen island can be used for cooking preparation or as additional bar-type seating for guests.

A more costly and complicated option is a permanent kitchen island. The benefit here is that you can add functional kitchen features like a stove, sink, or refrigerator to the island, completing or adding efficiency to your existing workflow triangle configuration. You'll need plumbing and electrical hookups if you're going for a full-featured island, as well as the budget to support the installation. However, this can be a great option for a larger galley kitchen remodel.

If the addition of an island is not an option, you may be able to incorporate a kitchen peninsula. While a kitchen island can sometimes be cumbersome in smaller galley kitchens, a peninsula may give you the added storage and functionality you want, with a more out-of-the-way design. Generally, a kitchen peninsula will connect to one wall of a galley kitchen design, creating an "L" shape and offering all the potential benefits of a kitchen island in a more open design scheme.

Aside from adding an island or peninsula, there are plenty of tricks that can help you expand the appearance of depth, height, and width in your kitchen. One option is to have the floorboards run lengthwise, to create the illusion of a longer kitchen space. This concept can also work if you plan to include a backsplash in your remodel design. By arranging the tiles in an opposite pattern to the floorboards' orientation, you can create the illusion of depth in the space.

Another consideration when planning your remodel is to remove appliances entirely from your countertop, hiding them in cabinets or behind paneling that mimics the look of your cabinet design. Clear lines of sight can give the impression of a larger space, whereas multiple appliances arrayed throughout the space can make it seem cluttered.

As a side note, if you're planning on replacing your cabinets, you'll want to choose new cabinets which are as simple and unadorned as possible - intricate designs can give the impression of a crowded space.

Finally, consider adding efficient storage options like a Lazy Susan, built-in cabinet door organizers, and tall pantry storage in your design. This will help ensure that everything you have to store is close at hand but organized efficiently behind closed doors.

Remodeling your galley kitchen can transform a dark, cramped workspace into an efficient, functional and productive space. If you're considering an upgrade or remodel to your current galley kitchen, be sure to call the experts at MDV Remodeling for a fast,free estimate!

*image courtesy of Thinkstock/Getty Images
 
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