The Encino Galley

Quick facts

• Location: Encino, California
• Scope: Galley kitchen renovation
• Timeline: 5 weeks
• Investment: $45,000 – $65,000
• Materials: White shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, subway tile backsplash, luxury vinyl plank flooring

The challenge

The kitchen was a classic 1970s galley: long, narrow, dark, and short on storage. The homeowner, a single professional who loves to cook, needed every inch to work harder. The budget was tight, and the timeline needed to be short because the homeowner planned to host a family holiday in six weeks.

The design choices

We kept the galley layout because it was efficient, but we replaced every surface and added function where we could.

• Cabinetry: White shaker semi-custom cabinets with pull-out shelves, a lazy Susan, and a slim pull-out pantry.
• Counters: Butcher block countertops for warmth and a work-surface feel; sealed with hardwax oil for durability.
• Backsplash: Classic 3x6 white subway tile with warm gray grout.
• Flooring: Waterproof luxury vinyl plank that mimicked white oak.
• Nook: We removed a shallow closet at the end of the galley and built a small banquette with storage underneath.
• Lighting: New recessed LEDs and a single pendant over the sink.

The friction (and the fix)

The existing soffit above the cabinets made the ceiling feel low. We assumed it contained ductwork, but after careful investigation we found it was empty — a leftover from a previous renovation. Removing it added 12 inches of visual height and allowed cabinets to extend to the ceiling. The added storage and openness transformed the room.

The result

The galley went from cramped to efficient. The butcher block adds warmth that balances the white cabinets. The banquette provides seating and storage in a space that previously had neither. The project finished in five weeks — one week ahead of the holiday deadline.

Before and after narrative

Before: A dark 1970s galley with worn cabinets, laminate counters, minimal storage, and a dropped soffit.

After: A bright, efficient kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcher block counters, a built-in nook, and cabinets extending to the ceiling.

Begin the conversation

Have a small kitchen that needs to work harder? CaliFirst Remodel will prepare a written feasibility and budget review for your galley or compact kitchen.