Everything you need to know about designing a galley kitchen
It’s often referred to as the heart of the home, so when designing a kitchen, it’s important to make sure your space is functional and welcoming. It’s a spot to cook up a comforting family meal, but also to entertain friends as you prepare. And, while the style and layout of the kitchen has changed over decades, the galley kitchen remains popular today. Here are some tips to help design an on-trend but functional galley kitchen space for any home.
What is a galley kitchen?
Galley kitchens are designed with a bench and/or cabinetry on either side of a small walkway. The layout means you have double the bench space and can prepare and cook in different spots.
Many galley kitchens are also designed so that one side of the bench overlooks a lounge or dining space while the other is against a window or wall. This means you can stay part of the conversation or watch over the kids while cooking or preparing food.
How should I set up my galley kitchen?
Whether you’re designing your own galley kitchen or renovating an existing one, think about what you use most when cooking. Do you want a sink in the middle of your bench so you can watch TV while you wash the dishes? Or would you prefer it’s on the opposite side of your space so you can stash them out of sight?
The placement of your appliances will also impact your kitchen’s functionality so consider where works best for you to access a microwave, like the NEFF compact microwave oven, or stovetop. If you’re wanting to maximise even more space, stacking appliances or investing in hybrid options, like the NEFF oven with steam function, is a smart move.
What if I have a smaller/bigger space?
It doesn’t matter if you’re in an apartment or a large country house, the functional layout of a galley kitchen means they can be tailored to suit your area. Even in a smaller space, the practicality of having two separated zones means you can prepare and make a mess on one side, while using the other to entertain.
If you have a larger area, consider extending your galley kitchen into the pantry, outdoor space or sitting area.
Homeowners with a single-wall kitchen can also transform their space into a galley kitchen by using furniture, a trolley or a simple butcher’s island.
How do I add my own style?
Defining your personal style in a kitchen is a balancing act between style and substance: looks are one thing, but you don’t want to impact its ability to function. Choosing finishes with flare can add character to the space and bring your own personality in, while products like the NEFF induction cooktop are designed to work in with your aesthetic, not take away from it. Functions like FlexInduction, that allow you to position different sized pans anywhere on your cooktop, or Power Move, that lets you divide your cooktop into three heat zones – each with a different power level, so you can easily move a pot between intense heat at the front, simmering in the middle and a low, keep-warm temperature at the back – add extra precision to your cooking, too.
If you’re going for a Hamptons look, add cupboards that tie in with that style. If you want to create a more industrial feel, accentuate your look with black taps or exposed pipes. Or if you want to cement yourself as the ultimate chef, top-of-the-range products like the NEFF connected appliances range will ensure you look the expert.
Bright or textured splashback tiles, colourful kitchenware and decorative ornaments or vases can also help add a pop of fun to your kitchen. NEFF’s stainless steel oven range will perfectly complement any colour palette.
How do I make the most of my space?
- Reduce clutter: To stop your kitchen from feeling overcrowded, think about ways in which you can reduce the visual clutter of your space. This might mean opting for integrated appliances that blend in with your cupboards, such as the NEFF fully integrated dishwasher or integrated rangehood. Both appliances are still just as functional, but not as obvious to look at.
- Be smart with your appliance choices: Investing in quality appliances can help maximise both your space and time. Hybrid appliances like NEFF’s vented induction cooktop eliminate the need for a bulky rangehood, while our range of appliances with Home Connect smart technology let you to turn things on at the touch of a button.
- Have separate sides for cooking and cleaning: Positioning things like your stove and sink on opposing sides of the bench allows you to create designated zones for cooking and cleaning or entertaining. This means you can cook up a storm on one side, while moving your used dishes out of the way and to the other.
You can attend a free NEFF demonstration near you to learn more about the full range of NEFF products and see these in person for yourself to best understand how they can bring your dream kitchen to life.
About NEFF
NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.
Learn more about NEFF here.