The galley is a popular kitchen layout, offering a high proportion of storage and work surfaces, considering the small amount of floor space. Professional chefs have been making the most out of storage space in tiny galley kitchens for years.
The most important thing to remember when designing galley kitchen storage is to aim to minimise clutter, otherwise a galley can quickly feel messy and claustrophobic. The kitchen storage ideas need to keep worktops clutter-free. So let’s power through our top six galley kitchen storage ideas — serious game-changers for any size kitchen.
1. Look up to save space
Look up to the kitchen ceiling and there’s a wealth of unused space. If your kitchen cupboards are full, consider utilising the storage space above them. You can slide baskets or storage boxes on top of the cabinets so you can keep things neatly and safely away, without fear of anything dropping. This is a great location to store things you don’t use that often, such as small appliances.
You can also utilise hanging storage in your kitchen. Hang your most attractive pots and pans on a pan rack. Or you can install a hanging open cube shelf, which is suspended securely from the ceiling with stylish metal chains. Some are designed with stem holders so you can hang your wine glasses. Other hanging cube shelves just have a simple shelf where you can place plants for a stunning look. Alternatively, you can get a suspended shelf bespoke-made, hung with industrial pipework, doubling up to provide lighting with light bulbs underneath.
2. Don’t forget the window sill
If you have a window in your galley kitchen, you can use the shelf for storage to free up your work surfaces. With a window often located above the kitchen sink, you can add some sink caddies to the shelf with your washing-up liquid and brushes. Or you can add a box with your most-used cleaning supplies. Alternatively, you can use the window sill as a bookshelf to keep your cookbooks on. Just be aware that anything you put on this shelf may fade in the sun.
Another way to free up your work surfaces around the kitchen sink is to install an instant hot water tap in the sink so that you can finally retire your old kettle. And if you have a smelly food caddy taking up space, replace it with a food waste disposer. You need to make your kitchen sink area work hard — utilise the whole area.
3. Organise with storage racks
There are so many storage racks on the market to help organise your kitchen. Adjustable two-tier racks can store your herbs and spices, or sponges and brushes if it’s near to the sink.
Also, look out for under-cupboard storage racks. Some are made to be located near to the sink, with a built-in drainer for cups and glasses.
There are also some stylish wall racks. You can buy rustic wood wall shelves with hanging buckets and hooks (which can also be easily made from slats of wood if you’re a dab hand at DIY).
Just make sure the items that you have on display in storage racks are attractive. Hang your best mugs and display your glossiest cook books.
4. Scatter small shelves on empty wall space
It’s not just suspended shelving that can be of use in a galley kitchen. People forget how handy and stylish small shelves can be. If you have a small area of wall, a mini-shelf can fit, not only providing a place for odds and ends, but also looking good. Tiny shelves placed across a wall are on-trend so there are loads to choose from: natural wooden cane, hexagonal, wire frame, statement macrame, leather strap, round…take your pick!
5. Try hanging utensils
Utensils often end up in a drawer, which is such an awkward location as they tend to catch on the drawer and jam it (grrr…). To free up this space, and prevent utensil-induced drawer irritation, consider hanging your utensils. An often-unused space is just above the worktop. Install some shelving here and simply add hooks along the bottom to hang your utensils so they’re within easy reach.
6. Invest in a rolling trolley
In a small galley kitchen, there will always be occasions when you’re preparing food for an event or party and you’ll run out of space. This is where an 'overspill’ trolley at one end of your kitchen units provides extra counter space. Many trolleys will neatly fold away when not in use.
For more galley kitchen design ideas, we have all the advice you’ll need to make the most of your kitchen, even in a smaller space.
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How to remodel a galley style kitchen
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Galley Kitchen Design Ideas
At Insinkerator, our galley kitchen design ideas will help you to make the most of your kitchen, no matter the size. View our inspiration pages for more.
