Tips For Remodeling a Galley Kitchen
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
If your galley kitchen is showing signs of age, then it might be time to remodel. This type of kitchen design - with the cabinets, appliances and sink on two opposite walls - can be a challenge, however. Here's how to approach remodeling a galley kitchen.
Other options are:
A galley kitchen has its own charm, but can present difficulties when it comes time to remodel. By maximizing your space and getting a little creative, you can turn an outdated galley kitchen into a more functional and appealing space.
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About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
Set Kitchen Remodeling Goals
Before shopping for kitchen cabinets or appliances, ask yourself what you want to accomplish. What do you like and dislike about your current kitchen design? Are you longing for:- More storage space?
- Room for a bigger oven?
- More natural light?
Maximize Kitchen Cabinet Space
One trick to making the most of a galley kitchen is to use your cabinet space efficiently. If your ceiling is tall enough, consider adding 42-inch high wall cabinets instead of the standard 36-inch cabinets. In some cases, this means eliminating the soffit near the ceiling and rerouting ductwork. Also consider:- Adding light wood cabinets, such as maple or ash. These woods blend with current design trends in flooring and are less grainy than oak.
- Adding extra cabinet drawers for storing larger cooking utensils.
Other options are:
- Adding Lazy Susans and other storage units inside the cabinets.
- Adding horizontal shelves in cabinets.
- Using built-in spice racks and cookie sheet dividers.
Make Most of Your Kitchen Triangle
The kitchen triangle is an important feature in any kitchen design. The triangle refers to the way the kitchen sink, refrigerator and oven are arranged. Because these three areas are key to meal preparation, they should be aligned in close proximity to one another. If you have an older kitchen or feel your layout is not efficient, consider tweaking the triangle layout. You shouldn't have to:- Walk too far from the stove to the sink.
- Reach across the oven to get to the dishwasher.
- Walk anywhere to get from the sink to dishwasher - they should be side by side.
Add Light With Replacement Windows
If your galley kitchen needs more light, try adding a replacement window that helps open the space. This not only brings in more natural light, but can also make the room more energy efficient. Plus, today's replacement windows are easier to open and clean than ever before.A galley kitchen has its own charm, but can present difficulties when it comes time to remodel. By maximizing your space and getting a little creative, you can turn an outdated galley kitchen into a more functional and appealing space.
Sources:
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
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