How to Give a Small Galley Kitchen a Cottage Appeal

Galley kitchens are narrow, U-shaped rooms. Because of their small size, they allow you easy access to the sink, stove and refrigerator, which comprise the kitchen work triangle. But this type of kitchen has its drawbacks. Galley kitchens are often dark and cramped with upper and lower cupboards on both walls and little counter space. They may lack storage. But even with these concerns, it is possible to decorate your galley kitchen in cottage style, which lends itself to making a small kitchen look larger and more inviting while still maintaining its efficiency. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Colors

1

Choose light wall colors that reflect cottage design. Opt for the light blue, white and pale yellow found in beach style dcor or pick from the pale pinks, greens and creams associated with shabby chic decorating. Give the room punch with splashes of brighter hues in textiles and furniture.

2

Paint a small drop-leaf table white. Pull up two kitchen chairs painted in bright red for a punch of color in a small eating area.

3

Make the ceiling appear higher by painting it a light color. Consider bringing the outside in with pale sky blue or opt for the same pastel pink as the inside of a conch shell.

Windows

4

Dress the windows to encourage natural light. Choose sheer curtains in bright cottage colors like sunny yellow, bright white or grass green or hang tier curtains featuring a cottage print like calico, small checks or ticking stripe.

5

Hang a length of twine across the top of the window and attach a piece of muslin or lace to it with clothespins.

6

Forgo curtains and fashion a natural valance from grapevines.

7

Layer your curtains over bamboo shades that can be raised during the day to let in the sunshine and closed at night for privacy.

8

Create a window with a mirror, framed and decorated with an outdoor scene, designed to fool the eye and open up the space.

Floors

9

Lay wood planks. Paint them white or leave them natural to weather on their own.

10

Install tile manufactured to look worn like the floors of a vintage English cottage.

11

Choose linoleum, which is enjoying a resurgence because it is a "green" product. It would have been a common choice in a cottage kitchen.

Cupboards

12

Paint your existing cupboards white, switch out the hardware for porcelain knobs and black iron hinges.

13

Replace the cupboards with some bead-board ones. Mix in one or two with glass fronts, which will visually open the space and provide storage for dishware and glassware you want to display.

14

Store items on open shelves. Display things you use often, like mixing or wooden bowls, dry goods stored in glass Mason jars, pitchers, salt and pepper shakers sugar bowls and creamers. This keeps the counters free while adding a cottage touch.

Accessories

15

Create a small herb garden on your windowsill. It won't take up counter space and adds a natural touch.

16

Highlight your windowsill with small casual flower arrangements like single cut roses in china tea cups or single Gerbera daisies displayed in milk bottles.

17

Choose dish towels in vintage fruit and floral prints.