Ideas for decorating a galley kitchen

Question

I have not had a galley kitchen before. I need ideas for decorating this nice kitchen. I would like to make it grand!

Pon3403125 · Answer

I liked decorating my galley with utensils and pots. The utensils were hung using an old broomstick that was cut, painted and had finish nails sticking out to hang the utensils. The pots were hung with cup hooks. Its really efficient to just grab utensils and pots off the walls when cooking.

Candace · Answer

My first thought is a long colorful area rug for the floor.  Pick one or two colors from the rug for your decorative elements for the countertop.
Keeping the counters clear is imperative in a galley kitchen.

Wanda.ll · Answer

Take those doors down first thing.Bring in some really bright color for that above the cabinets. Room needs some bright colors ( red, yellow. Turq. purple something very bright. Maybe a long solid rug to match. That floor is distracting doesn't match much in the room.Change the door knobs to they are very dated. If really want grand take knobs off putty holes and paint the cabinets a color( white, grey of some sorts or even dark brown or black) add new knobs.I would do white since area very small and narrow would apprear larger then Just my ideas on this.

Barbara Lowell · Answer

Nice layout, room looks flat. Bring in various textures. Doors and floor must go or paint the doors some bright color like red or whatever will work with your color scheme to add drama; counters could be redone by you with slate tiles or brush on concrete to update them. Even stoves can be painted these days, others have done it. Looks very efficient setup just needs cosmetics and texture and some striking towels and linens.

Liisa C · Answer

Paint the cupboards to match the stove/oven color of white or ivory (whatever the color is of the stove/oven) in gloss for easy cleaning. This will make it look clean and bright. Then a satin turquoise color on the wall, which will be a happy color. If you have money to do marble countertops (light color, or black -depending on how bold you want to go), it will make your kitchen look modern, sophisticated, chic and will be practical for clean up and cooking. Door can be satin or gloss black paint to match the stove and bring in a bit of contrast, or take it off to bring more light as one of the above contributors mentioned. Here are a few examples for a happy kitchen: http://images.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=http://thediymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Our-Vintage-Industrial-DIY-Kitchen-Our-DIY-House-24.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.pixel-hd.com/video/diy-vintage-kitchen-ideas/99983&h=1000&w=1390&tbnid=-TCIYmcER19QCM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=125&docid=8LCzOSyhmaf3jM&itg=1&usg=__jVTGgrfodU9w7cbT2KHTg98mguM=&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjt35iPqZ_KAhWJnBoKHQpnDzIQ9QEIITAA http://images.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F736x%2Ff3%2F21%2F59%2Ff32159ccbc913453a20535f55899be5d.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F321937073334677686%2F&h=344&w=540&tbnid=Xy4TwI9pnRRfkM%3A&docid=UlI23QRUImpDsM&ei=N1qSVqKLLsW8aZOJiOgG&tbm=isch&client=safari&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=457&page=1&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=0ahUKEwjigvXIqp_KAhVFXhoKHZMEAm0QrQMIKjAD http://images.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digsdigs.com%2Fphotos%2Fwhite-kitchen-with-turquoise-backsplash.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digsdigs.com%2F57-bright-and-colorful-kitchen-design-ideas%2F&h=540&w=405&tbnid=SFHP9TLhJwCTRM%3A&docid=lyyGGVwSIyJvBM&ei=4ViSVvOlO8SQaOrWvJgJ&tbm=isch&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=473&page=1&start=0&ndsp=23&ved=0ahUKEwizmvilqZ_KAhVECBoKHWorD5MQrQMIMzAG http://images.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digsdigs.com%2Fphotos%2Fwhite-kitchen-with-turquoise-backsplash.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digsdigs.com%2F57-bright-and-colorful-kitchen-design-ideas%2F&h=540&w=405&tbnid=SFHP9TLhJwCTRM%3A&docid=lyyGGVwSIyJvBM&ei=4ViSVvOlO8SQaOrWvJgJ&tbm=isch&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=473&page=1&start=0&ndsp=23&ved=0ahUKEwizmvilqZ_KAhVECBoKHWorD5MQrQMIMzAG

Monica Talley · Answer

Your cabinets appear to be in good condition. I think your floor and counter tops need to be updated. A linear tiled floor would offer visual interest. Take down the galley swing doors. There are diy countertop paints it you are handy but will take you a long time to accomplish. A backsplash behind the stove and sink would also help to bring color and texture to the eye.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

If your budget allows I would take the door down to open the area up. I would also remove the scallop edging unless that is your taste,Maybe paint the cabinets a whitewash look to go with the floor and appliances.Then a touch of bright color.Towels and assorted accessories you feel you can use.

Tricia Lenwell · Answer

I agree with most of the comments already said. Definitely need to do something about the ivory/almond very-dated design countertops and stove hood. Lose the hardware on the cabinets and funky them up. . And definitely get rid of the bar room doors. I am presently redoing my kitchen and feeling out the possibilities of 'galleying' the present partial galley. For the moment, I am hanging things on the boring cabinet doors both for easy access and some character plus a feel for where I want things to be. Since it is something you can experiment with as well. I wouldn't make a jump into something until you have ascertained what your color loves are , The kitchen is somewhere you want to feel good in as well as have a practical workspace . I was planning to attach a picture of mine but walked in the room and said 'Oh geez..........maybe not..... obviously the maid didn't show up during the night................

Louis Lieberman · Answer

i redid our galley kitchen last summer- the wall over the counter i used tiles that look like brickwork

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I also forgot to mention the counter tops which you can buy spray paint for.It would be the most inexpensive way for an update with out the construction.

Dfm · Answer

I would start with the counter tops and floor, if you can't afford to change out the floor, take your paint colors from it...paint the counter tops grey, and the walls the spiced vanilla color. it should make the place a bit more cohesive. ditch the saloon doors. they arn't adding a thing to the kitchen except -I'm a 70's update!

this kitchen reminds me very much of my foster grandparents 1960's build, from the color of the wood to the cabinets shape and handles.....may be do a bit of research on 60's kitchens and give the 60's an ultra modern twist?

Jacalyn · Answer

Definitely get rid of the doors!!! And I agree with what has been said, above - paint the cabinets, change the countertops, if you can afford them.  Depending on what your budget will allow, a sea glass backsplash in your favorite colors would be pretty.  You might want a couple of the upper cabinet doors to have glass in them to display pretty dishes or serving pieces.  Have fun and post after pictures!

Dia2944656 · Answer

I think you have the makings of a great retro-style kitchen here with very little changes needed. I'd paint the doors a lovely forget-me not blue, keep the pale yellow worktop - it's lovely and slim and with the on-trend upstand will look fab with blue doors. The cooker as it stands goes brilliantly in my mind's eye. I'd remove the swing doors (or paint them, that might work).Change the floor to plain white vinyl (or tiles) and paint the walls white as well. Change the handles to plain stainless steel D handles. Tie the scheme together with blue kettle, toaster etc, and yellow in tea towels, jug, butter dish etc and bring in a splash of red on the wall with a nice retro wall clock. Remove that wavy bit of wood above the sink (that makes it dated, not retro) and I think the overall effect will be fabulous.

B. Enne · Answer

Eveything looks like it is in good, clean shape! If you are not going retro, vintage or country, I too would remove the scalloped valance and doors. As others have said, update with paint (or stain) and new hardware. It really will make a huge difference.

Cathy · Answer

This is difficult not knowing your budget, I bought a house with same style and colors 30 years ago. Did the paint, different pictures, rugs, accessories etc to brighten it. 5 years ago I took on the big stuff. All the cabinets refaced with off white light antique glaze, back splash a blue/gray copper glass design( diy from HD) counter tops a light brown granite Ceramic floor tile 18' laid on diagonal. looks like yours goes beyond into next room too. New SS appliances and modern faucet. The final part that makes it 'grand' is the chandelier in the center of the ceiling. Bought it at Lowes canopies shine up to ceiling so provides good lighting.

The Redesign Habit · Answer

Without knowing what style you would like, I agree with the others as far as removing old hardware from cabinets and painting them (or you could re-stain them a nice rich color). If you paint them, you could always go white, which is really timeless and classic. Whatever color you choose to do with them, make sure you clean them really good first and use a good primer if you are painting them. Painting them white would allow you to use any other colors in the space that you love. You can buy appliance paint and paint out your exhaust hood to a nice white to match your other appliances. Maybe then do a nice dark paint on your countertops. I have painted out several outdated countertops and they hold up fine if you seal them well and are careful. You can literally redo them for around 20.00. Here is the tutorial on how to do it. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/kitchen-counter-makeover-9744120 It looks like there is some gray in your floor. Maybe you could do a nice soft gray on your walls to help your floors blend in and make your cabinets stand out. I'd remove those swinging doors at the end of your kitchen. Finally depending on what your accent colors are throughout the rest of your home, pick a nice color to bring some 'wow' into the kitchen.

Jen · Answer

Had one and now have a BIGGER one and I miss my galley kitchen! In the process of re-doing ours right now. I say chalk paint and redo the floors...paint is a great cheap fix..in less your rich and get start over!!

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Love a galley. Assume you're just looking at decor right now. Some good suggestions have been made. Depending on your budget and tolerance level for minor renos, I have always torn out bulkheads to visually expand the space - the result is amazing. I then use the cab tops for display - an artificial vine in a squat vase to soften straight lines, etc. , etc. (Waxed paper can be put on top of the cabs and then replaced when grimy.) I would remove - or straighten - the scalloped valence and hang a nice piece of artwork above the sink. (A mirror would be nice but would reflect your range hood.) I'd re-orient the handles on the upper cabs to up-down leaving only 1 hole to disguise if not painting. The cafe doors might be a bit of a nuisance but perhaps were installed to cut the sight line into the kitchen. Some colour would perk up your kitchen but which ones depends on whether you're going to paint the cabs, etc.

Kathy Bitzan · Answer

great ideas, you could add some lighting under the cabinets and perhaps try to paint your counter tops. There are the rage now.

Debi53 · Answer

Someone else might have already said this, (I have read several but not all of the other suggestions.) but please cut the scallop off of the trim above the sink. I had the same scallop. Cutting it off straight immediately updates the style of your kitchen. The other comments I read all had great ideas.

Kayo Frazier · Answer

Here's my 2 cents...1 ~ Take the saloon doors off. 2 ~ For the walls I would do them in your favorite color, but keep it a very light color. 3 ~ I would take the scroll piece above the sink out. 4 ~ I would paint the upper cabinets white & the lower cabinets as light as Revere Pewter HC-172 or as dark as Chelsea Grey HC-168 by Benjamin Moore. with a black line detail on the decorative trim. 5 ~ Then change the hardware to something black. 6 ~ Change the floors to something like this...https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093409606294/

Dian · Answer

I have almost the same layout, & I love it! Think convenience ~ Add a shelf (or 2) above the sink. You decide the depth from what will be placed there. I have an open shelf for daily used dishes & glasses. Add pretty hooks for coffee cups below the cabinets.

Snapoutofit · Answer

My first house had a kitchen like this. If you changed the fridge to one with double doors it would be easier to open and get around it. Find a colorful carpet runner and add that to the floor and remove those doors

Sharon Henry · Answer

2 shelves above the sink!  never thought of it!  good idea.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

you want to make it grand but you haven't given us any idea as to your budget or design style. I think a little more info would help us all into giving you ideas. I mean, making it grand would mean a lot of new EVERYTHING! If you want to make it grand without spending over 100 bucks, well, now that's something entirely different. See? So help us out and tell everyone what you want and how much you can afford.

Sharon Henry · Answer

I would like to just spruce it up a little. Maybe when I am in it, I can see what I would like. I don't have a budget yet as the timeline has not been set. A little soon to start asking but I just wanted some input!

Peggy Henderson · Answer

A big job, but offers big rewards for the time invested.....paint the cabinets! Also,replace handles, and install them straight, rather than slanted. Replace the counter tops and remove the swinging doors. And lastly, paint all appliances the same color. You will certainly add value to your home and will enjoy the refreshed new kitchen! Good luck.

Cindi · Answer

Ditto......everything Peggy said. I've had a galley kitchen almost everywhere I've lived, since most places were apartments. They're not as spacious, but everything is within reach, so once you get use to it, you might just like it.

Liliana Wells · Answer

If you decide to paint your counter tops see http://www.gianigranite.com.

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