Is the galley kitchen in fact the best kitchen layout? Designers weigh in

One of the first things you need to consider when designing or remodeling a kitchen is the layout. Not only will it be dictated by the size and shape of the room, but also by how you use your kitchen.

And with so many kitchen layout ideas to consider, it can be a difficult choice to make. But if there's one that designers go back to time and time again, it's the galley kitchen.

Practical, versatile, and timeless, can we crown it the best kitchen layout? We turn to designers to find out the appeal of the galley kitchen and find out once and for all if it's the best layout to choose.

Is the galley the best kitchen layout?

One of the most frequently used and well-known layouts, galley kitchens have many benefits. The perfect design to deploy the kitchen triangle and offer abundant opportunities for storage, it's no surprise they're considered one of the best.

'I love the intimacy of a galley kitchen and how it draws you in. With its smaller footprint it also allows for any avid cook to easily move from counter to counter as they prepare delicious dishes,' says Becca Casey, of Becca Interiors.

It's one of the most versatile layouts, working well in small kitchens, narrow spaces, and even open plan spaces where you need to create a kitchen zone that's both functional and stylish.

Unless you have a sprawling kitchen, the galley layout is usually the favored design for many reasons. But perhaps its biggest draw is its ability to be adapted for not only your space but the way you use and live in your kitchen, too.

'Small kitchens can be challenging but fun to design, you have to make use of every little spot and be clever with depths and heights,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens.

While a galley kitchen doesn't leave space for an island, there are other inventive ways to introduce seating and dining paces that aren't usually possible in other layouts.

'Staggering the depth of your worktops allows you to create small shallow areas for seating or slim cupboards. A staggered worktop is the perfect solution for a little breakfast bar, as galley kitchens rarely have enough width for a kitchen table,' Helen adds.

There's also the added benefit of the storage opportunities that galley kitchens provide, even in the smallest of spaces. Lower and upper cabinets add plenty, but there's also the option of floor-to-ceiling cabinets and open shelving.

'If you have soaring ceilings, take advantage! Design beautiful upper cabinetry or shelving to draw the eye up and to create the most function out of the space,' suggests Becca.

You can also get more creative with where you install various features and appliances – the sink, cooktop, dishwasher, and oven all have multiple places they can be added depending on the layout that makes sense for your household.

This is especially helpful in small spaces in homes where cooking and food prep is a priority. 'Consider installing your sink off to one side, so that you have plenty of counter space for dishes to be displayed during your next soirée,' adds Becca, who recommends maximizing countertop space in a galley kitchen as much as possible.

However, while there are instances where the galley kitchen works best, it's not the go-to layout for every designer. 'While galley kitchens have been a classic choice for decades, particularly in smaller urban homes and apartments, their limitations often outweigh their benefits in modern living,' says Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects.

'My favorite layout is an island layout with U or L-shaped kitchen cabinetry on the walls. The island naturally becomes the heart of the kitchen, drawing people in and encouraging interaction. Whether it’s friends gathering during a dinner party or kids doing homework while you cook, the island fosters connection and multitasking,' she explains.

While the galley isn't Natalie's favorite layout, she notes that there are instances where it can work, especially in schemes where her go-to options aren't quite right. And there are a few ways to maximize functionality.

'The key to a successful galley kitchen is making sure there is enough usable countertop space for prep. We have found that it's important to have a small appliance garage to allow for these things to be put away to ensure there is ample countertop space.'

The verdict? Galley kitchens are a popular layout for a reason. They work in a lot of spaces, particularly small ones, and cater to the tried-and-tested kitchen triangle.

However, calling it 'the best' is really a case of personal taste – and as Natalie points out, there are other layouts that can be just as effective in spaces large and small.

While we can't officially crown galley kitchens as the ultimate best layout, we can definitely say it's up there as one of the favorite choices – and a wonderful option in smaller spaces. After all, choosing the best kitchen layout for you will depend entirely on your taste and lifestyle, but it's a layout certainly worth considering.