Love them or loathe them, galley kitchens are a common feature in older, compact residences such as row houses, apartments, and historic homes. Notable for their narrow, walk-way style layout with two lines of cabinets facing each other and efficient placement of the sink, refrigerator, and stove within easy reach of each other, the galley kitchen was originally influenced by the need for efficiency and space-saving in ship kitchens. Later, Austria’s first female architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky refined this concept for residential use, featuring built-in cabinets and a focus on workflow. The design was widely adopted as part of a mass housing reconstruction project in post-World War I Germany, and it quickly became a common feature in homes across Europe and the United States in the first half of the 20th century.
While the space efficiency of galley kitchens is undisputed, they can often feel disconnected from the rest of the living space. Unlike modern kitchens that are gathering spaces for family and friends, galley kitchens are not designed to accommodate more than one or two people and are typically walled off from other areas of the home. Creating a design that maintained the architectural integrity of the galley kitchen while integrating with a nearby gathering space was the challenge Jacqueline Thornton of Thornton Interior Design faced on a recently completed project in Pittsburgh, PA.
“The vision for this project was to unify two distinct areas of the home—an outdated galley kitchen and an adjacent den—into a more open and functional space while still maintaining their individual purposes,” explained Jacqueline. “Our goal was to create a seamless connection that allowed for interaction and conversation between spaces, which is especially important for homeowners who enjoy entertaining.”
Achieving Jacqueline’s vision required removal of the original demising wall between the kitchen and den. In its place, she proposed a U-shaped cabinet unit that would add storage and functionality. She incorporated glass cabinet towers and transoms that allowed for an airy, light-filled transition between the two spaces. “[The design] visually separated the kitchen from the living space while still allowing light to flow freely,” said Jacqueline.
The inspiration for decorative hardware came from a friend of the client who had recently completed a kitchen upgrade that included cabinet pulls from the Jeffrey Alexander Sutton Collection in Brushed Gold. “The moment we saw it, we knew it aligned perfectly with the aesthetic we already had in mind for this project,” said Jacqueline. “The hardware offered just the right touch of modern refinement we were looking for—subtle, yet impactful. It allowed us to bring a fresh, updated aesthetic to this older home while still respecting its original character.”
The project exemplifies Jacqueline’s passion for blending old and new— preserving historic details while introducing modern elements that feel intentional and timeless. As she explains, “I gravitate toward an eclectic mix with mid-century modern influences, but my true inspiration comes from the homeowners themselves. At the end of the day, my role is to interpret their vision and style and transform their space into something that feels uniquely theirs. My greatest reward is bringing their dream home to life in a way that’s both beautiful and deeply personal.”
Discover more of Jacqueline Thornton’s work:
https://thorntoninterior.design/
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📸 Photo credit: Alexandra Ribar – Studio Lithe