Kitchen of the Week: A Galley Kitchen in Wine Country
Smart reorganizing, budget-friendly materials and one splurge give a food-loving California family more space, storage and efficiency
A San Francisco family craving a country getaway found a house in nearby Sonoma that seemed perfect — except for the kitchen. Kathryn Clark and her family had envisioned a weekend home where they could garden, grow their own food and cook amazing meals for friends and family. While this house had the garden and was beautiful, the 1980s narrow galley kitchen lacked the space and style they were hoping for.
Without altering the footprint, architect Amy Alper reorganized this kitchen's layout, using smart spatial planning, plenty of natural light and a mix of high- and low-budget items.
Without altering the footprint, architect Amy Alper reorganized this kitchen's layout, using smart spatial planning, plenty of natural light and a mix of high- and low-budget items.
The careful placement of appliances also made room for extra prep space on either side of the range. Using Ikea cabinetry and affordable flooring allowed most of the budget to go toward the Blue Star range.
Cabinetry: Adel, Ikea; refrigerator: Jenn Air
Cabinetry: Adel, Ikea; refrigerator: Jenn Air
Near the range, simple painted shelves held up with iron brackets visually tie into the honed black granite countertops. A magnetic knife rack saves drawer space and keeps the best knives right at hand.
Using stainless steel shelving the owners already had helped keep costs down. A new beadboard ceiling blends well with the original tongue and groove walls.
Dishwasher (integrated into cabinetry): Miele
Dishwasher (integrated into cabinetry): Miele
Alper went with 24-inch-wide drawers throughout the kitchen, adding additional storage through floor-to-ceiling cabinetry next to the fridge. Large-format porcelain floor tiles made installation faster and labor less expensive.
Flooring: Bedrosians; wall hooks: Marston, Restoration Hardware; lighting: Schoolhouse Electric; red clock: Etsy
Photography: Kathryn Clark
Flooring: Bedrosians; wall hooks: Marston, Restoration Hardware; lighting: Schoolhouse Electric; red clock: Etsy
Photography: Kathryn Clark
Countertop: honed black granite; sink: Domsjo, Ikea; faucet: Blanco; drawer pulls: Aubrey, Restoration Hardware