The question of how best to create the illusion of space is asked in rooms of all sizes, but nowhere is this question quite as essential as in a galley kitchen—and Olivia Rodrigo has the answer.
The 20-year-old singer, who recently released her new album bowelsjust shared a glimpse inside her Los Angeles home, and it’s an unexpected treasure trove of small space design inspiration — starting with her kitchen.
The space shown below showcases a primarily white palette, from the painted cabinets to the marble tiles — all of which create a stark contrast against the dark wood floor. This monochromatic juxtaposition went unnoticed by the designers, who say Olivia’s kitchen color decisions allow this narrow space to appear more spacious.
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“A monochromatic color palette in a kitchen helps reduce visual clutter and makes a small kitchen appear larger and more elegant,” begins Eternity Modern founder Stacy Lewis.
In spaces like Olivia’s, Stacey recommends playing with “high-contrast color combinations” that “distinguish different elements” while creating an airy, volume-enhancing glow.
“Neutral and muted colors can also make a small kitchen appear larger because they are better at reflecting light and illuminating tight spaces,” she adds.
However, monochromatic colors aside, designers say we should pay attention to Olivia’s kitchen storage, too.
As kitchen designer Tom Hawley explains, we need to be strategic about space in galley kitchens — and that starts with investing in tall, vertical storage that makes the most of every space. Olivia’s kitchen cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling, ensuring every inch is as functional as possible.
“Kitchen counters work best when using the full height of the kitchen, so tall, slim pantries that allow you to store less-used items on the upper shelves are a great idea,” says Tom.
Tom Hawley is a designer and owner of his own kitchen studio. It specializes in designing, manufacturing and installing luxury kitchens. The Kitchen Design Studio prides itself on designing kitchens that fit into its clients’ lifestyles to create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
In addition, mastering the best galley kitchen layout is also key to having a seamless space.
“In tight kitchen spaces, everything can be within easy reach, making it easy for the designer to draw an effective ‘golden triangle’ for the cooker, fridge and sink,” Tom adds. ‘It’s easy to create a set of cabinets or a group of appliances in parallel kitchens. This design is attractive because it is intimate, functional, easy to work with and can look stunning with beautiful floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.’
For more kitchen design (that will impress in spaces of all sizes), we look to this guide, available via Amazon below.
