Small Galley Kitchen Makeover

Before: The dated units made the small space feel overly fussy and old fashioned. The dark colours on the walls also didn't make the most of the natural light. The kitchen needed a whole new look and approach.

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Previous Makeover :C-Shaped Kitchen Makeover

Before

After

After: A small extension, a Velux window and glossy white units turned this gloomy kitchen into a bright, inviting room.

Adding Space With An Extension
A small extension was added to the back of the original kitchen and was fitted with French doors and a Velux window to maximise the feeling of space and light.

Choose Light-Reflecting Glossy Units
Wanting to keep the space light and bright, glossy white kitchen units were chosen and teamed with walnut worktops and flooring to prevent the room from feeling too cool. For more inspiration, see our white kitchens design ideas gallery.

Find Storage That Works
In long, slim kitchens, you shouldn’t squeeze in too many wall units or your room will start to feel closed in. The layout of this kitchen couldn’t really be changed, so lift-up box units on just one of the walls provides extra storage space without crowding the room. For more ideas, see our kitchen storage ideas gallery.

Add A Breakfast Bar
Instead of having a table and chairs in the room, the walnut worktop at the end of the run of units was extended to create a practical breakfast bar. This provides a useful seating area without cluttering the room.

Find Stylish Details
The unit handles picking up on the square design on the tap. They aren’t from the original kitchen range, but are from Ikea.

Invest In A Stand Out Fridge
The bright blue fridge freezer adds a splash of bold colour to the room. It’s quite a statement but could be swapped out if the room was ever drastically changed – and it gives the small space lots of personality.

Consider A Period Sink
The Belfast sink was kept in the same position beneath the stained-glass window to save money on the replumbing of the room. The mix of old and new styles of the tap, sink and window works well.

Fit Practical Splashbacks
To maintain the look of the white walls, clear glass splashbacks were cut by a local glazier to fit behind the cooker and sink. The glass looks sleek and is easy to clean using soapy water.

Hide The Washing Machine
To keep the look streamlined, the washing machine and dishwasher are integrated into the units.

Where To Buy
Monza gloss white kitchen units; walnut solid wood worktop; breakfast bar legs; Carron Phoenix Waterford sink; Sophie mixer tap, all Homebase. Metrik handles, Ikea. Electrolux EKC6047X cooker, Ashbee & Wood. Smeg fridge freezer, Appliances Direct. JLWF301 wine cooler, John Lewis. Whirlpool AMW405/IX built in microwave, Comet. Walnut effect laminate flooring, Wickes. Light, Next Home.