A galley kitchen is one of the most efficient layouts you can choose. With two parallel runs and minimal wasted movement, it’s a favourite for apartments, townhouses and renovation-led homes. Designed properly, it feels calm, bright and quietly luxurious. Eco Squared designs, supplies and installs European-style cabinetry across the Sutherland Shire & surrounds, including Sans Souci, Monterey, Blakehurst and Taren Point, creating galley kitchens that punch well above their size.

Why galley kitchens perform so well

Short workflow: sink, cooktop and fridge sit within easy reach.
Excellent storage: two full runs mean more drawers than most layouts.
Perfect for renovations: services often stay in place, reducing cost and downtime.
Ideal for small homes: no islands or corners stealing circulation space.

Key clearances (this is where most designs fail)

Between benches: aim for 1000–1100 mm for comfortable two-person use; 900 mm can work in single-cook homes.
Appliance doors: ensure oven, dishwasher and fridge doors can open without clashing.
Walk-through galleys: keep traffic to one end so prep isn’t interrupted.

Storage that makes galleys shine

Wide drawers (900–1200 mm) on both sides for pots, pans and food storage.
Inner-drawer pantries instead of tall cupboards - everything visible at a glance.
Vertical tray dividers near ovens for baking sheets and boards.
Integrated bins beside the sink for fast clean-up.
Ceiling-height overheads to maximise capacity and remove dust ledges.

Pro tip: In narrow galleys, use drawer-heavy bases and lighter overheads to keep the room feeling open.

One-wall + return vs true galley

True galley: best when both walls are usable and you want maximum storage.
One-wall + return: opens one side to living areas while keeping galley efficiency on the working wall - great for homes in Monterey or Sans Souci with open-plan living.

Appliances that suit the layout

Induction cooktops keep the space cool and safe.
Integrated dishwashers and fridges calm visual noise.
Wall ovens or compact appliance towers free bench space.
Undermount rangehoods or integrated extraction maintain clean sightlines.

Lighting that opens the room

Continuous under-cabinet LED strips on both sides for shadow-free benches.
Ceiling track or grid lighting for even ambient fill - avoid relying on one downlight.
Toe-kick LEDs for night use and a floating effect.
Keep colour temperature warm-neutral (3000–3500K) for flattering, true-to-colour light.

Finishes that make galleys feel wider

As an authorised Oppolia partner, Eco Squared specifies low-emission board options, premium melamines, matte/satin lacquers, warm woodgrains and aluminium-framed glass, all with soft-close hardware.

Design cues that work:

Light, low-sheen cabinetry on both sides.
Large-format splashbacks (glass or porcelain) to reduce grout lines.
One hero element only - timber base panels or a veined stone splashback.

Galley kitchens with dining or seating

Add a breakfast bar at one end if space allows, keeping hot zones away from stools.
Alternatively, pair the galley with a separate dining banquette or table beyond the working zone to protect flow.

Good / Better / Best planning paths

Good: True galley, wide drawers both sides, inner-drawer pantry, under-cabinet LEDs.
Better: Integrated appliances, ceiling-height storage, toe-kick lighting, slab splashback.
Best: One-wall + return with appliance tower, porcelain benchtops and splashback, scene-controlled lighting, concealed power points.

Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

Too narrow aisle → reduce base depth slightly or move a tall unit to the end.
Upper cabinets too heavy → lighten with glass fronts or open shelving at eye level.
Poor lighting → add continuous under-cabinet strips on both runs.
Traffic through the workspace → close one end or redirect circulation.

Transform Your Space with Eco Squared

Embrace the elegance and functionality of European design with Eco Squared. Our Oppolia partnership provides access to premium materials and cutting-edge manufacturing, tailored for the way Sydney lives.

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Film a quick 360° video and Text/WhatsApp 0466 119 712 (no home visit required).
Prefer email? info@eco2.com.au

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FAQs

What is a galley kitchen?
A galley kitchen has two parallel runs of cabinetry with a walkway between, creating an efficient, linear workflow.

How wide should a galley kitchen be?
Aim for 1000–1100 mm between benches; 900 mm can work for single-cook households.

Are galley kitchens good for small homes?
Yes, they maximise storage, reduce wasted movement and suit apartments and narrow floorplans.

How do I make a galley kitchen feel bigger?
Use light, low-sheen finishes, continuous under-cabinet lighting, integrated appliances and ceiling-height cabinetry.

Can I add seating to a galley kitchen?
Yes, usually at one end as a breakfast bar, keeping clear of hot and wet zones.

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