I'm gearing up for a kitchen renovation and having a tough time deciding how extensive to make the changes. I'm considering sticking with the galley style but plan to widen it a bit. My main concern is that I currently have cabinets on just one side, and I'm worried that adding cabinets on both sides might make the space feel cramped. We looked into moving the kitchen to the living room or sunroom, but both options felt too costly for the benefits they would bring. I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has kept their galley kitchen after renovations—were you pleased with the outcome?
3 Answers
I really love galley kitchens because they’re super efficient. I have my sink, dishwasher, and stove all along one side, with a peninsula for prep and extra storage. It’s perfect for multitasking and keeps everything within reach. I actually renovated to make mine a galley layout, and it has really improved my cooking experience!
Sounds like you made some great choices! A separate workspace is a game changer in smaller kitchens.
I think opening up that wall above the bar and adding an island could really help! It would let you create more social space and keep things open instead of feeling trapped in a narrow kitchen. Plus, it gives you more storage options. Just imagine bar stools on the kitchen side where people can gather without being in the way!
Totally agree! That awkward wall could become a great hangout spot if you do it right.
Yeah, I get the open concept appeal, but not everyone likes it! It really depends on how you use your kitchen.
Your plan seems solid! Just make sure to measure everything carefully so that when doors open, there's still enough room to move around. Your current layout looks pretty cramped, so any changes should make it feel more spacious. I’ve seen galley kitchens work really well for multiple cooks, especially if everyone keeps an eye on where they are!
Right! The flow is key—it's all about making sure everyone knows where to be during meal prep.
And it helps if you can have a few people working around each other without getting in the way!

Do you have any pictures of your setup? I'd love to see how you organized it!