An expansive kitchen is among the top attractions for people looking into Atlanta homes for sale. However, don't discount any house you love just because of a narrow kitchen. With a few remodeling tricks, you can turn a galley kitchen into a sophisticated space that looks wider than it actually is. Our real estate agents have some creative tips to maximize the square footage of a narrow kitchen.

• Invest in Custom Cabinetry
  Traditional galley designs have upper and lower cabinets on opposite sides for symmetry and storage. If your kitchen has awkward angles, built-in cabinets will help you create something exceptional out of the unusual curves. You may need additional drawers for small appliances and other kitchen items and more shelving in different sections. Use cabinets with clean lines and modest hardware like pull bars or glass-front cabinets to add depth.
  
  
• Embrace Open Shelving
  Open shelves are great designs to break that cramped hallway feeling of a galley kitchen. You can place cookbooks, plants, bowls, and decorative pieces on the shelves but avoid too much clutter. Another idea is to add a hanging bar under the floating shelves to hold pans, pots, and other kitchen essentials.
  
  
• Add a Dining Area
  A breakfast bar can add flair to a galley kitchen, and you can use a shelf or a fold-out table to avoid turning the breakfast nook into an obstacle. Breakfast bars are great for long galley kitchens, as you can fashion a place for people to socialize on one end without interfering with culinary progress.
  
  If you add a table, ensure it doesn't affect access to the kitchen. Built-in seating with storage above also works well as it doesn't steal premium space. The dining area can sit in front of windows if you want a cheery area to work and host.
  
  
• Light it Up
  Lighting is essential in galley kitchens, and the right fixtures can open up your space and make it cozy and inviting. One option is to install additional windows as the added lighting and depth will change the kitchen's look. If you can't add natural light, there are plenty of artificial lighting fixtures to spruce up the space.
  
  A galley kitchen looks great with a series of ceiling lights along the entire length. Track lighting complements a contemporary design, while pendants and chandeliers work best in classic interiors.
  
  Task lighting adds additional lights to work surfaces like stoves and countertops, and you can use under-cabinet LED lights, puck lights, or recessed fixtures. Shadows in galley kitchens tend to congregate on work surfaces, under cabinets, and in corners, so pay attention to these areas. Finally, use one or two accents to add decorative lighting.
  
  
• Play Around with Colors
  Colors can disguise awkward angles and make a galley kitchen feel bigger. One option is to paint the kitchen's shell white and use other colors to create contrast and interest in different focal points. For example, blue cabinets against white walls and light floors add personality to a galley kitchen. Light gray is another great option if you want to stay away from white. Stick to a soft palette of off whites, light greens and blues, and beiges for a light and airy feel.

The above creative tips will transform a galley kitchen in your new Atlanta home into a bright, spacious, and cheery space. Contact us at Josey Young & Brady for more real estate tips.