Decorating & Design
This Narrow Galley Kitchen Makes The Most Of Every Square Inch
Published on April 23, 2020
Large islands are practically synonymous with modern kitchen design these days, but designer MaryLynne Meschino thought outside of the box for this hardworking, 170-square-foot space. “The kitchen is only 11 feet wide, so an island wasn’t practical — plus the clients wanted to be able to move freely from one side of the kitchen to the other,” says the designer. She placed the prep, cook and wash zones on the wall not visible from the dining table, and designed a bar zone with open shelving, a place to serve drinks and party food and the large wine fridge. Scroll down to find out how this family of avid cooks got their dream kitchen!
MaryLynne’s clients opted for pale wood to give their new kitchen a hit of warmth. “Besides maximum functionality, I wanted to create an attractive sight line from the dining area,” she says. Stackable barstools are stored in a utility cabinet and pulled out for a quick bite at the bar.
MaryLynne hung art to brighten up the bar niche and make the kitchen feel more like a living space. “Open shelves can be styled with framed art and small sculptures to help personalize the kitchen and take it beyond everyday function,” she says.
High-end appliances, like this six-burner Wolf gas rangetop, were a must.
A narrow wood bookcase contrasts the dark panel-front fridge.
Painting the double doors the same blue-grey as the cabinets draws the eye through to the outdoors. “I wanted to break up the floor area with a punch of lively color and, from a practical standpoint, the rug gives the floor some protection since the kitchen is the main passageway from the living area to the back deck,” says MaryLynne.
Simple Caesarstone Fresh Concrete countertops and a white tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern keep the focus on the unique two-tone cabinets. “My clients requested dark cabinets, but they were also drawn to rustic elements, so I interspersed the dark paint finish with light wood for contrast and visual relief,” she says.
Donna Griffith
House & Home April 2020
MaryLynne Meschino, Allegro Interiors