

In the age of ripping out walls to create big, open concept kitchens, we were so pleased to keep the quaintness of this darling galley kitchen during it’s metamorphosis.
Have you let yourself even consider keeping a contained kitchen? It’s not for everyone, but we’ve been sold a one-size-fits-all kitchen renovation the past couple of decades – the open concept kitchen – which necessarily involves deleting a wall and installing a big island to separate the kitchen and dining/living area.
Not that there’s a thing wrong with that! It’s what we normally do because it suits the lifestyle of most families and entertainers so well.
However, there is another way, and it has more pros than you may think!
Let’s get into it, but first, let’s start at the beginning:
As you will see, we kept the footprint so as to maximize storage, but gave the whole space a major upgrade including
1. Refinished maple floors (natural stain)
2. Fresh white shaker cabinetry
3. Beautiful leathered quartz countertop (Good Stone Graffit)
4. Farmhouse sink
5. New light fixtures and under cabinet lighting (note – no potlights!)
In other words, we kept the footprint but gutted the space and created the most charming kitchen with a highly functional workspace for this culinary couple – chocolatiers in their past careers! So maximum storage, ample counter space, and smart spatial planning was top priority.
But of course, so were aesthetics!
If you’ve followed us for a while, you know we’re on a mission to create timeless spaces our clients will love forever. And this renovation was no exception. With crisp white shaker cabinetry, classic subway tile stacked up to the ceiling for height and that professional feel, vintage elements such as traditional hardware and lighting and glass cabinets to showcase the clients beautiful jadeite collection, this kitchen has all the makings of a Nancy Myers set. (Permission to pause and google Nancy Myers set kitchens – she created the beautiful yet approachable kitchens in Father of the Bride, It’s Complicated and Something’s Gotta Give, to name a few! Films decades old now, but the designs are evergreen)
By keeping the wall, we were able to utilize both sides of it and build a bar on the dining side.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of a Contained (Galley) Kitchen vs an Open Concept Kitchen
Pros
Cons
Let us know, are you Team Galley or Team Open Concept?
We love both and love to listen to our clients and see how the space could be best utilized before making our decision.
Don’t forget to style your space (whether new or old, whether updated or tired) it makes a massive impact on the finished look, and helps bring your personality to an otherwise timeless backdrop!
I hope you enjoyed touring our latest kitchen remodel! We had so much fun working with these clients to create their darling dream kitchen.
If you need help with your kitchen renovation, whether that’s floorplanning or interior design consulting in order to maximize function and aesthetics or to hire a renovation contractor for the work itself, check out our renovation page on our site and book a Free Discovery Call below to get started today!
Live well my friends!
Meghan
Juxta Interior Design