Open kitchens offer a sociable, spacious feel that is ideal if you love to entertain, while galley kitchens prioritise efficiency and make the most of smaller spaces. Both styles can bring out the best in a home, depending on the needs and availability of space. 

Are you considering a kitchen remodel but are feeling torn between open kitchen design and galley kitchen layouts? It is a common dilemma for homeowners looking to balance functionality with style. 

 Open kitchen style is ideal for entertaining and enhances social connection & flow, while galley kitchens focus on efficiency, making cooking feel like a breeze in a compact layout.Each style offers unique benefits, but choosing the right fit for your home depends on your space, cooking habits, and lifestyle. Let us dive into a comparison of these two kitchen layouts, to help you find the perfect match for your needs. 

What is an Open Kitchen? 

An open kitchen is a layout where the culinary space seamlessly connects with other living areas, such as the dining room or living room – creating a unified, open floor plan. This design may include an island or peninsula that serves as a natural divider without restricting movement or visibility. Open kitchens are popular in modern homes because they promote interaction, enable easy supervision, and create a spacious, airy feel. 

History of Open Kitchens 

The open kitchen style emerged in the mid-20th century, especially in post-war America, when social dynamics and architectural preferences began shifting. Previously, kitchens were considered utility areas isolated from the primary living spaces. 

However, with families becoming more engaged in shared household activities, kitchens became social hubs. The 1960s and 70s saw architects and designers popularise open kitchens, in response to the changing family dynamics and the trend of modern spaces. 

What is a Galley Kitchen? 

Galley kitchen layouts (or corridor kitchens) are narrow, linear culinary spaces with two parallel counters or walls, forming a corridor-like space. Named after the compact, efficient kitchens found on ships, this design focuses on maximising small spaces and creating an efficient work triangle. The galley kitchen’s linear arrangement minimises unnecessary steps, making it an ideal layout for small apartments or homes with limited space. 

History of Galley Kitchens 

The concept of the galley kitchen has its roots in ship design, where space constraints required functional, compact arrangements. Adopted from the ship ‘galley’, this layout became popular in urban homes and apartments in the early 20th century as cities expanded and living spaces became smaller. With the evolution of interior design and increased demand for space-saving solutions, galley kitchens have remained popular and adapted to modern design aesthetics. 

Open Kitchen vs. Galley Kitchen: Which Layout Fits Your Space Best? 

Discover the strengths and styles of open and galley kitchens, as we dive into 7 key factors. 

Aspect	Open Kitchen	Galley Kitchen
Layout & Structure	Modern open kitchen design usually spans 15-20 feet to seamlessly transition with adjoining spaces. They benefit from an island or peninsula to define boundaries within the open plan.	Galley kitchens are 7-12 feet long with a minimum width of 4-6 feet. This arrangement allows for two parallel workstations, and creates an efficient corridor-style cooking space.
Walkway Width	Open kitchens ideally have walkways of 4-6 feet between counters and islands, to avoid crowding and facilitate movement in high-traffic areas.	A walkway width of 3-4 feet between parallel counters is recommended for comfortable movement in galley kitchens, maximising efficiency in narrower spaces.
Storage Potential & Cabinets	Open kitchens have ample space for overhead cabinets, pantry walls, or open shelving. Islands (approx. 3×6 feet) add storage with cabinets on all sides, and under-counter storage options enhance functionality.	Galley kitchens maximise vertical storage, with tall cabinets reaching the ceiling. Shallow cabinets (12-15 inches deep) on one side prevent cramping and retain storage. Custom pull-out shelves can enhance storage, without sacrificing aisle space.
Counter Space & Prep Area	Islands in modern open kitchen design provide additional countertop space (3-4 feet deep) for prep work, dining, and even appliance storage. Peninsula designs can add 6-8 feet of continuous counter.	Galley kitchens have parallel counters, each 2-3 feet deep. If space permits, counter extensions or a small movable cart (approx. 2×2 feet) can be introduced for additional prep area.
Seating & Social Interaction	An island with bar stools or a breakfast bar (28-34 inches in height) enables social interaction, allowing 2-4 people to sit comfortably in the kitchen space.	Due to space constraints, seating is limited. If needed, wall-mounted fold-down tables or a slim breakfast counter at the end of the galley can create a small dining nook.
Ventilation Needs	Open kitchens need good ventilation, with range hoods extending 24-36 inches above cooktops. Skylights or larger windows also enhance air circulation, which is essential as odours can spread across open spaces.	A range hood 24-30 inches above the stove ensures efficient ventilation. Installing an exhaust fan or windows at either end of the galley is effective for airflow in compact kitchens.
Lighting	Open kitchens benefit from layered lighting. Pendant lights over the island (approx. 30 inches above the counter) and recessed lighting provide general illumination. Task lighting under cabinets adds focused light.	Recessed lighting along the ceiling and under-cabinet lighting help brighten the narrow galley space. Mirrors or glass cabinet doors reflect light, enhancing the sense of space in these narrower layouts.

Conclusion 

Be it the open kitchen’s inviting vibe or the galley kitchen’s streamlined efficiency, each has its unique strengths to elevate your cooking and entertaining experience. With thoughtful design choices tailored to your lifestyle, you can create a kitchen space that is highly functional and a true reflection of your style & needs. 

FAQs 

1. Can I have a combination of both designs?

Yes, you can have a combination of both designs (open & galley kitchens), for the right blend of openness and efficient work zones. 

2. Can I make a galley kitchen into an open concept?

Yes, you can make a galley kitchen into an open concept, by removing a wall or adding an opening. 

3. What are some disadvantages of an open-design kitchen?

Some disadvantages of an open-design kitchen are lack of privacy, challenges in noise control, and need of frequent tidying.