What do you think of when you hear the words “galley kitchen?” For me, I picture a literal galley kitchen – a small hole of a hallway on a boat. This may have been true years ago, as the original galley kitchens, but many of today’s galley kitchens bear no resemblance to a pinched little cooking corner. They are still a functional hallway layout, but they are so much more than that. Today’s galley kitchen is often stylish and spacious and a chef’s heaven.

Below are some examples of galley kitchens today that seamlessly merge the functionality of a galley layout with the aesthetic form of art. Check them out:

In this contemporary galley kitchen, clean, straight lines abound. Chunky yet minimalistic open shelving draws the eye seamlessly down through the length of the space. It is on this visual journey that we begin to notice the interesting architecture – planked ceiling over half of the kitchen and open airspace over the other half. Walls and flooring is a charcoal color, which, paired with a light neutral color palette of the cabinetry seems to expand the space overall.

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When planning a new kitchen design, there are going to be limitations that you will need to take into account before you commence. The most limiting factor for a kitchen, in most homes, is the amount of available space. If you can, move your washing machine and other laundry appliances to a utility room or a separate wash rooms. If it is practical, devote your kitchen to food preparation and entertaining only.

However, in many homes food appliances, such as a refrigerator, an oven or a hob, will have to share the space with washing appliances. In such cases, tuck your laundry area as out of the way as possible. Use cabinetry doors and fascias to hide them. Keep laundry appliances to the edges and cooking ones central. Make the oven and hob the focal point of the room’s design. Ensure you have working surfaces to either side of your hob. This will help no end when it comes to cooking. Only after this, consider your food storage and the location of the sink.

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Choosing finishes for your kitchen can be a challenge. Whether you are trying to find the perfect color, style, or design the little details are often the hardest to find. Choosing the ideal backsplash often fits into this category. From tile to mosaics to marble and solid surfacing, there is a world of backsplashes out there, how to choose? Use these helpful tips when choosing the ideal backsplash for your kitchen.

Helpful tips for choosing the perfect backsplash

What is your kitchen design style?

Metal backsplashes that use tin or metal ‘looking’ mosaics can add sparkle and a modern appeal. If you enjoy bold colors, opt for sharp contrasting color to the cabinetry or to the countertops. For bold appeal consider using materials that add reflectance or visual interest. If you prefer a subtle aesthetic, choose ceramic tile that blend with surrounding floor tiles or even countertops. Backsplashes can take up an entire wall or just extend from the top of the counter to the underside of the upper cabinets. You choose what design style fits your kitchen best.

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Pedestal tables seem to have their own unique piece of the stylistic stratosphere. They can seem delicate, they can seem grounded, they can seem immoveable. They can be rustic or modern or retro. Whatever the case may be, pedestal tables provide a fantastically unique opportunity to choose the perfect chair pairing. Whether their individual styles are the same or total opposites, pedestal tables and chic chairs were meant to be together.

This curvaceous pedestal table is bold and proud, with its dark and rather hefty pedestal component. Which is why these beautifully lined upholstered armless chairs are a perfect match. The chairs’ legs are slender and gently curved yet sturdy. Just like the emphasis on detail by the pedestal, the chairs also pull their own weight in the detail department, with their sophisticated tufting, subtle striped fabric, and low arm-sweeps. A distinguished match all-around.

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