I often get caught up admiring kitchens that are designed on a grand scale. These kitchens have big islands, beautifully blended refrigerator and freezer doors, as well as ample room for every utensil/pot/pan imaginable. However, if you live in a city apartment or in an older cottage home, chances are there simply is not enough space to install a kitchen fit for a McMansion. Small kitchens are practicable for those who aren’t as talented as Giada with a pan, and they can also pack a big design punch.

Personally, I love galley kitchens. Call me crazy, but I enjoy how they have a hallway feel, like a little nook for cooking and drinking wine under low lighting. When tracing the source of one of my favorite galley kitchens for this post, I realized it was by the same designer, Phillip Mitchell, who I love to follow on Instagram with the most tasteful photos (see directly below). Small kitchens can be beautiful, powerful, and full of good taste- literally! See for yourself…

The most tasteful galley kitchen by Phillip Mitchell Design featured in Canadian House & Home. From the chic cabinetry to the floors, it is perfect in every way!

Silvery gold hammered cabinets in the Parisian apartment of Jean-Louis Deniot.  Cabinets look best when they go up to the ceiling, especially in small spaces. Photo source: Elle Decor

A wonderful wall of white kitchen. If you are all about takeout, this is all you need! Photo source: Fresh Home.

I always like to incorporate photos that are a little different from my taste, but still worthy of design admiration. This little white kitchen is full of bright color and contemporary design. Photo source: Home Edit

This galley kitchen oozes charm. I love the marble-like subway tile and black and cream floors. Photo source: Pinterest

Sleek and sophisticated cabinets with dark walls in Guido Palau’s Manhattan apartment make this the perfect kitchen for a modern space. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Notice how the back-insides of the cabinets are mirrored. I think that is super sleek. Oh, and the cabinets are green in case you didn’t notice that either… Photo source: Home Design Love

Horrible clarity on this image, but I could not go without posting this blue and white wonder. The open shelving really saves space and allows to showcase the beautiful porcelain china. Photo source: Elle Decor

A light and airy galley kitchen by Alexa Hampton that could go contemporary or classic. Nothing to tire of in here. Photo source: Alexa Hampton: Decorating in Detail

  

If you couldn’t already tell by the picture, Kelly Wearstler designed this fabulous mid-century modern kitchen full of detail, contrast, and texture. Photo source: Wall Street Journal

Another galley kitchen full of light and glossy white. As you will see, having a mirrored backsplash is a common trait in small kitchen spaces. It helps open the space. Kitchen by Smith Firestone Associates on Home Adore. 

Never a dull moment with Miles Redd. This vivid green lacquered kitchen is no exception. Photo source: House Beautiful 

A wonderfully wide galley kitchen in a home designed by Michael S Smith.

The gold hardware pops on these cloudy gray cabinets. To see more of this kitchen (okay, not that small) designed by chef Ali Cayne visit Domino.

Again, a mirrored backsplash opens up this small kitchen nook. I love the space for the cookbooks by the stove- smart! Photo source: Pinterest

Mirrored backsplash and black cabinets in Arthur Dunnam’s kitchen make for a refined and modern look. Photo source: Architectural Digest 

I don’t think two people could pass each other in this galley, but the cut of marble, the chic hardware, and the gold fixture really make this space work. Photo source: Tendir

A window in a small kitchen definitely helps brighten the space. Why focus on adding color when your kitchen appliances can do that for you?! Photo source: Pinterest

I love the industrial feel of this space, and the use of open shelving. Despite it’s size, I bet some serious cooking takes place in here. Photo source: Pinterest

What a fantastic use of space in this eclectic kitchen. From the stainless steel counter/storage to the open shelving, there is plenty of versatility in this refreshing design. Photo source: Elle Decor