Galley Kitchen Design Ideas Featuring Quartz Countertops

A galley kitchen can still be beautiful and functional. From galleys to tiny homes and tiny kitchens, these five small kitchen design tips have you covered.
five galley kitchen design tips
1. use space-saving solutions: scaling appliances and multi-function fixtures
Optimize your galley kitchen with space-saving solutions like scaling appliances and incorporating multi-function fixtures. A standard 30- to 36-inch-wide oven and cooktop area can often take up much-needed countertop space. Look for conveniently sized 20- to 24-inch-wide ovens and stoves that can slide into the tightest areas. Some options also offer side-opening doors for maximum flexibility.

This galley kitchen from Vern Yip features efficient appliances and hardworking Cambria Darlington™ countertops.
Look for dishwashers that save space. Some are the size of a standard cabinet and come with all the wash cycles and features you need. Look for slim refrigerator models like this retro-style mint green Smeg for a style that’s to scale.

A mint Smeg fridge, gray Cambria Carrick™ countertops, and floor-to-ceiling storage to optimize every inch of this small kitchen.
Eliminate bulky storage needs by selecting a sink with an integrated cutting board or colander. (Take a look at Kohler for some stylish options.)

A sink with an integrated cutting board pairs with easy-to-clean Cambria Skara Brae™ countertops for a sleek prep station in this loft kitchen.
2. Embrace color in your galley kitchen
Bright hues can infuse energy and bounce light around a room. Consider a light backsplash paired with darker cabinetry or countertops to open up the kitchen.
Discover the charm of small galley kitchens that beautifully integrate shades of blue and gray in their countertops and cabinets.

Galley kitchen by Normandy Remodeling with blue-gray Cambria Parys™ countertops.

Traveling tiny home kitchen by Movable Roots featuring Cambria Ella™ countertops.
Explore more blue kitchen ideas to suit any space.
Upper and lower cabinetry can vary in color, material, and style. This two-toned kitchen draws the eye upward with its marble-like Torquay quartz countertop and backsplash, and white upper cabinets to contrast sage green cabinetry.

Two-tone white and sage green cabinets pair with Torquay™ countertops and backsplash in Jaclyn Johnson’s Cali-chic kitchen.
Gather more green kitchen ideas for your perfect palette.
Don’t forget about plants and greenery for a fresh pop of color, as in this tiny home kitchen renovation by Tiny Canal Cottage featuring Weybourne Matte countertops.

Renovated tiny home kitchen featuring Cambria Weybourne Matte™.
3. elevate your galley kitchen with smart storage solutions
Use smart storage solutions to elevate your galley kitchen style. Open shelving can showcase eye-catching dishware and décor, while expanses of a wall can highlight a dazzling backsplash. Explore quartz backsplashes and tile backsplash ideas.

This cheery green kitchen from The Happy Tudor features Ella quartz countertops and artfully styled floating shelves.

Carrick quartz countertops paired with Mercury Mosaics subway tile and open shelving.
Look for alternative storage spaces, such as placing baskets or containers on top of your cabinets.
4. Use countertops as dining space
Maximize your galley kitchen’s functionality by using countertops as versatile dining spaces. You don’t need an island to achieve this—a peninsula layout or modified galley works well.

An open Torquay waterfall-edge peninsula is the perfect breakfast spot in this small kitchen. Space by Motiani Design. Photo by Tessa Neustadt.
A typical galley kitchen layout features a narrow walkway with cabinets and appliances lining opposite walls. Offering efficiency and utility, it’s perfect for the practical homeowner who separates cooking from socializing. A modified galley layout provides an open feel and option for added dining space.

An open galley layout offers dining bar functionality in this tiny home kitchen featuring Torquay quartz countertops.
To open up the space, consider replacing one of the runs with a parallel island allowing for flexibility, as in this galley kitchen renovation from Casey Knips. Check with a trusted contractor to see if it’s feasible for your home.

Modified galley kitchen renovation featuring Cambria Newport™ countertops and breakfast nook.
5. Let the light into your galley kitchen
Enhance your galley kitchen’s ambiance by maximizing natural light. Make your spaces bright and practical with a mix of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting is the general lighting in a room diffused to create a certain mood or ambiance. Task lighting illuminates your kitchen’s work surfaces while accent lighting highlights certain items, such as a kitchen cabinet or shelf.

A mix of light fixtures offer functional beauty in this small kitchen renovation featuring Ella Matte™ countertops.
Show off your small-space style
Ready to plan your small kitchen remodel or update? Bring your vision to life by crafting a moodboard of your selections. Order a sample of your favorite Cambria quartz design for your perfect countertop fit.
Share your kitchen project with us on social media using the hashtag #MyCambria. We can’t wait to see your small-space style!
Please call 1-866-CAMBRIA (1-866-226-2742) to confirm design availability.