How to Design a 7X10 Kitchen

Galley Kitchen

Design your small kitchen to be efficient.

1. Draw a desired layout of your galley kitchen. Identify where the cabinetry and countertops will be. Galley kitchens typically have two long lines of cabinetry and counters with a few feet of movable space in between. Another option is to have one standard line of cabinetry and countertops with a long island on the other end. This layout provides a little more open space than a traditional galley kitchen.

2. Draw in the sink, refrigerator and stove. Include a working triangle between these three pieces so the sink, refrigerator and stove are less than 9 feet apart.

3. Choose your flooring. Large ceramic tiles make the small space appear larger. Wood floors should be installed perpendicular to the cabinets to make the space appear wider.

4. Add to your plan your cabinets and countertop design. Cabinets in lighter colors, such as white or cream, make the room appear larger. Cabinets with a vertical wood grain make the space appear longer. Install the microwave under one of the cabinets to free up essential counter space.

5. Plan the specific appliances and sink you want to use. Use apartment-sized appliances to save space, such as a 24-inch stove or refrigerator. A single bowl sink will free up more space and is probably all that you will need if you also have a dishwasher.

6. Design adornments for the walls. A light paint color makes the room lighter and brighter, important qualities for a galley kitchen that can sometimes feel stifling. Choose a backsplash in light colors or with a reflective surface, such as glass or porcelain tile. Plan to mount a mirror on the wall if you have the space.

Other Layouts

1. Draw a detailed layout. Keep in mind that the working triangle between the sink, refrigerator and stove should be no more than four feet apart.

2. Choose the type of flooring for your kitchen. Travertine floors have a light color that complements light cabinetry and makes the room appear larger.

3. Choose efficient cabinetry. Cabinetry that reaches to the ceiling adds additional storage space and makes use of the height of your kitchen without taking up all of the width. A hidden-away footstool can help you reach items out of arm's reach. Install a pull-out pantry in one of your cabinets. A slim pull-out drawer that contains utensils can take the place of a cabinet spacer.

4. Add elements of the Frankfurt kitchen. The Frankfurt kitchen was a modular kitchen design that was 13 by 7 feet. Developed in 1925, it is a very efficient design. Some elements of the design include a dish rack directly above the sink, cabinetry with hinged fronts, bins for dry goods, sliding cabinet doors, a built-in cabinet for garbage and cabinetry built around appliances.

5. Choose which countertops you want to install. Counters with reflective surfaces, such as marble or granite, will help the kitchen appear larger.

6. Match your furniture with the paint color. This will help make the design more cohesive and make it appear larger.