When you’re choosing your kitchen layout, if ‘space-saving’ and ‘efficiency’ is at the top of your priority list, you might want to consider the parallel or ‘galley’ kitchen. One of the most well-known and oldest kitchen layouts, the parallel kitchen is still a popular choice among cooking professionals, or simply home cooks who are all about functionality. In other words, the parallel kitchen is for those who take the business of cooking seriously!
What is a Parallel Kitchen?
A parallel kitchen is simply a layout in which the cabinets and countertops run in two straight parallel lines, usually on opposite walls. The kitchen work triangle is therefore spaced out between the two walls, with the ‘corridor’ space in between offering ease of movement in between. The double row offers plenty of storage and countertop space.
When Would You Choose a Parallel Kitchen?
A parallel kitchen is a great option for those who are working with limited space. Especially if there is only one person cooking in the kitchen most of the time, parallel kitchens are excellent options. If you have a door or window that won’t allow you to set up your kitchen along one wall, then the space-saving galley kitchen is likely to be your best bet. Also, there is no confusion of wasted corner spaces.
Things to Consider When Designing a Parallel Kitchen
- Keep a minimum distance of about 3 to 4 feet between the two sides of your parallel kitchen to give yourself a comfortable space to move about.
- Try to place the stove and sink on the same side for convenience.
- Maximise on cabinet space but ensure that you have enough room to open the doors without obstruction
Can You Add a Kitchen Island to this Layout?
- Most parallel kitchen layouts don’t allow enough space for a kitchen island. It’s quite unusual to have enough space for a functioning kitchen island. You could consider getting a narrow table on wheels if you think you have a lot of space between the two sides. This can provide extra counter space and can be moved out of the way if there are more people in the kitchen. It can also be rolled around and be used as a trolley. You could also go for a breakfast nook that would extend the counter space and give you an opportunity to have an interactive space.
Trending Parallel Kitchen Designs
The modern-day parallel kitchen is open to a variety of styles and finishes. If you’re dealing with a smaller space, you might find that light colours or natural finishes are easier on the eye, while making space look a little bigger. But if you have plenty of natural light in the space, you can go for a dark shade even if you have a small space. Dark colours in the kitchen will make your kitchen look modern and stylish.
Go For Black Kitchen
Black is a great option to make your kitchen look edgy and sleek. Black and other dark shades are also very forgiving of small messes in the kitchen. If you find all-black to be too bold a step or too overwhelming, go for black only on the lower cabinets and choose a light shade for the upper cabinets.
Pastel Shades
Go for pastel shades in the kitchen for a serene and trendy look. Experiment with combinations of shades and prints for both the cabinets and the backsplash. If you are getting your interiors done with a home interiors company like HomeLane, the designers will design your kitchen and show you what the final look will be like with their software so that you don’t have to depend on just your imagination.
All white
An all-white kitchen is a safe bet and a classic that will never go out of style.
Looking for a parallel modular kitchen? Talk to HomeLane’s design experts to design a kitchen that’s perfect for your layout and needs.
