Galley Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Maximise space in your kitchen no matter its size. With a functional galley style kitchen, easier meal preparation is within reach. 

What is a Galley Kitchen?  

When you think ‘galley kitchen’, do you think of one person cramped in a small kitchen on a boat? Fortunately, the galley kitchen solution for your home is not so claustrophobic. In fact, galley kitchens can be quite large. 

What characterises a galley kitchen layout is the easy working triangle between the three main appliances in your kitchen: oven, refrigerator, and sink. Usually, two appliances exist on one wall and the third is in between the two on the opposite wall.

Galley kitchen advantages

As a design option, galley kitchens are ideal for saving space and maximising efficiency. The working triangle creates a seamless flow for the chef to move easily between these three elements. And, if there’s more than one cook in the kitchen, these designated work stations can help prevent overlap.

To increase functionality, galley kitchens typically have lots of vertical storage space to maximise every centimetre of your long, straight kitchen and keep countertops free of clutter. The length of the benchtops on either side of the kitchen will depend on the size of your space.

Due to their compact design blueprint, galley kitchens are not only accessible, but also easy to clean.

Features of a galley kitchen

Linear Layout

A galley kitchen consists of two parallel countertops that face one another. This allows for efficient workflow between your fridge, sink, and oven. 

Expansive benchtops and cabinets

Functionality is key in a galley kitchen, meaning larger benchtop workspace and extensive cabinetry. Galley kitchen cabinets are usually contemporary in style.

Natural light

Give your galley kitchen an open and airy feel with windows that fill your space with sunlight. If natural light isn’t an option, spot downlighting with soft or dimmable options can provide the amount of lighting as preferred by the home master chefs!

Planning and designing your galley kitchen

Alleviate the headaches caused by kitchen renovations and choose Refresh instead. Our innovative design-and-build process provides you with a dedicated Renovation Consultant who sees your project through from start to finish.

The process begins with a no-obligation consultation session with a member of our team in your local area. At Refresh we prioritise communication that is clear and concise, which is why this Renovation Consultant will be your single point of contact for the duration of your kitchen renovation. We have an easy to use online client portal that allows you to stay informed with every step of your renovation.

Your Renovation Consultant will provide you with a trusted network of local suppliers and tradespeople to bring your galley kitchen to life. They will also serve as the project manager for your entire renovation and act as a liaison between you and the various contractors.

Building consent differs across New Zealand. Your Renovation Consultant will inform you of everything you need to know about compliance with local codes. Any formal consent processes will be handled for you. Once the project is complete and signed off, all that’s left to do is toast your new galley kitchen!

How much does a galley kitchen cost?

Because galley kitchens vary in size, they also vary in price. Factor in, too, your kitchen plan details: materials, appliances, and labour costs. A small to mid-range kitchen renovation costs approximately $20,000 - $50,000+* in New Zealand.

*Costs are shown as an indicative guide of what previous projects have cost. The price of renovating a home is increasing each year as material and labour costs rise. For an estimate / quote on your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations® specialist to find out more about our planning, design and build process.

Different galley designs

Explore some recent renovations that Refresh has worked on in New Zealand for more galley kitchen ideas:

Kitchen renovation in Palmerston North

• Transformed a U-shaped kitchen into a galley layout
• New wide island with loads of benchtop space
• Bright white, spacious cabinetry

Kitchen renovation in Lower Hutt

• Double oven
• Savvy hideaway cupboard for breakfast essentials
• Long breakfast bar

Kitchen renovation in Wellington

• New stone and wood finishes
• New skylights and windows for natural light
• Spacious island is also a breakfast bar

Kitchen renovation in Massey

• Neutral colour palette
• Ample bench space and storage
• Under-cabinet lighting

Kitchen renovation in Porirua

• Spacious yet small layout design
• Island with a sink
• Engineered stone benchtops

Ready to discuss your kitchen renovation?

Get in touch with our Refresh team today for your free, no-obligation consultation to go over your kitchen arrangement ideas and receive expert advice. We look forward to hearing from you!