When designing a kitchen for serious cooking, drawing inspiration from the layouts preferred by professional chefs can be incredibly valuable. Since chefs spend countless hours in the kitchen, their expertise offers practical insights that can enhance both the functionality and efficiency of your kitchen design ideas.

Over the years, Roundhouse Design has collaborated with numerous talented chefs, designing both their personal kitchens and the chef-friendly working kitchens in our showrooms. One thing has become clear – when it comes to creating the ultimate chef’s kitchen, the galley layout reigns supreme.

A galley kitchen is a corridor-style layout with two parallel countertops and a central walkway. In narrow kitchens, a single galley is often preferred. Whether single or double galley, this design consistently proves to be the top choice for professionals, offering exceptional workflow efficiency and maximising space in kitchens of all sizes. But what makes this layout so effective, and how can it be adapted to suit different homes? Let’s explore why chefs love the galley kitchen and how you can make it work for your space.

What are the benefits of the galley layout?

Chefs prefer the galley kitchen layout because it is designed for maximum efficiency, by which we mean minimal walking around the kitchen. With everything positioned within arm’s reach, exactly where you need it, the galley layout minimises unnecessary movement and allows for a smooth workflow. Not great for your step count, but excellent for getting dinner on the table quickly and easily. Ideal for high-intensity cooking, this linear layout keeps prep, cooking and cleaning areas within a few steps of each other. In a single one-wall galley kitchen, you’ll move from side to side – almost like a crab! – whereas a double galley layout provides additional workspace and storage, allowing you to pivot effortlessly between both sides.

Does the galley layout work for any size kitchen?

The galley layout is very versatile and can work in most kitchens, including small kitchen ideas, but there are a few points to consider. In an ideal world, a galley kitchen should be around 3-4.5m long to accommodate all the essential appliances, storage and sink, with sufficient workspace between. Any shorter, and prep space could get tight; any longer and you’ll lose efficiency. On width, aim for a 1.2m minimum walkway between cabinets and the opposite wall in a single galley and at least 1.8m walkway between the two parallel runs for a double galley layout. This will allow people to pass each other comfortably and doors to be opened without obstructing the aisle.

How do chefs adapt the galley layout in their own homes?

Many chefs love to entertain while cooking and will opt for an open-plan galley layout, whereby an elongated island sits parallel to a long run of units. This provides all the benefits of a double galley layout but within a much more sociable setting. To make their home kitchens more family-friendly, chefs will often add extra prep spaces and prep sinks on the bespoke island to encourage communal cooking and share skills.

How can I organise my kitchen like a chef?

Whatever layout you go for, it’s easy to bring a professional touch to your kitchen. Chefs swear by the working triangle rule, where the sink, cooker and fridge are positioned in a triangle formation for optimal efficiency. When planning storage, aim for a clear view of cupboard contents in one glance – clear storage containers and a label maker are chef essentials. Walk-in pantries with open shelves are also great for gathering ingredients quickly, like professional chefs do in the food stores of commercial kitchens.

Finally, keeping your workspace clutter-free is essential when you’re cooking up a storm. A boiling water tap removes the need for a kettle, while magnetic knife strips and custom in-drawer compartments for utensils and herbs help to minimise countertop clutter, ensuring everything you need is always within easy reach.

There’s plenty to learn from the best layout ideas for a chef’s kitchen. While we can’t promise Michelin-star meals, our made-to-measure service ensures that a bespoke kitchen from Roundhouse will create a professional-grade cooking space that elevates your culinary experience and makes light work of dinnertime. Whether you’re looking for a modern kitchen design, small kitchen design, or a more tailored kitchen cabinet design, pop along to one of our showrooms to find out more.