When we moved to our forever home in 2021, the only room that was totally renovated was the kitchen. It was in dire need of an update. The cupboards had seen better days. There was limited storage space for our range of herbs, spices and sauces. Only one burner on the cooker worked. At first, we struggled to find a builder for the renovation because it’s a small galley kitchen. Eventually, a mate helped us out by fitting us in between another job. After the new appliances and cupboards were fitted, hubby used large marble effect titles to tile the floor. We chose a day to night blind from Order Blinds in a bright yellow match our colour scheme. Once the renovation was complete, we still battled for space in the kitchen. Now, two plus years on, we’ve found additional clever galley kitchen storage!
What’s A Galley Kitchen
Galley kitchens are usually long and sometimes quite narrow. The term “galley” actually refers to kitchens on ships, planes, and trains, where the elongated spaces necessitate hallway-like floor plans. Apparently, they are usually in small houses. I’ve noticed that 1930’s semi-detached houses like ours tend to have a galley kitchen. Although, some homeowners get rid of the dividing wall between the kitchen and living room to create an open plan ground floor.
I love our galley kitchen because it backs onto the patio and garden. On warm days, I enjoy watching the birds hunt for food as I too go about my work.
Planning Our Galley Kitchen Renovation
Before renovating our galley kitchen, we went to B&Q to view their kitchen range. We selected white country style fittings including a deep ceramic sink. Hubby sat with one of their customer service personnel to arrange the kitchen layout digitally. We ordered the essentials and avoided installing anything on the wall opposite the cooker and cupboards. In essence, we had one wall that was a blank canvas. It was a practical and financial pause for one year.
We are a tall family, so we wanted to get used to the kitchen and how we moved around in it before committing to additional fittings. All the better for avoiding clutter or potential bumped heads.
Additionally, although 1930’s semis are known to allow more natural light than an Edwardian, our kitchen got dim at times. Our kitchen window looks out onto the side of our neighbours house. Therefore, we needed to be careful to select fittings that would not rob us of beloved natural light.
Galley Kitchen Storage
We access the kitchen from the hall through the dining room or from outside via the patio. The first item we purchased since the renovation was a ladder shelf. We found it in a charity shop and paid £30. Couple years ago ladder shelves were sold new for over £140. It was a lucky find and its country style helped the space transition from kitchen to dining room.
Secondaly, we were able to increase our galley kitchen storage space by adding a shelf over the kitchen window. The same wall with the cupboards, sink and cooker. After the shelf, we returned to IKEA looking for alternative wall storages solutions that didn’t take up too much space.
Thirdly, we agreed on black HULTRAP rails and accessories for them like the HULTARP mesh container for condiments and the kitchen roll holder, along with hooks. Faux potted plants and clip on decorative clips helped to create a spring vibe in the kitchen.
TIP: Over the doorway and on the wall open shelving will work if your have a wrap around galley or if the kitchen is has a wide galley.
Do you have a galley kitchen? What type of galley kitchen storage do you have? Drop your comments below and share tips clever galley kitchen storage.
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