Elegant Blue and White Galley Kitchen

“I love kitchen and bath design,” CliqStudios Pro Partner Jamel Williams shares. “That is actually how I became connected with CliqStudios. Before I even had a kitchen project, I always followed CliqStudios on Instagram.

“I’m a full service interior designer,” Jamel continues. “I normally work on residential projects, which range from updating furniture to full gut renovations.”

“When I met this client, he actually mentioned CliqStudios to me,” Jamel recalls. “I was quite excited to have the opportunity to use CliqStudios cabinetry.”

Jamel partnered with kitchen designer Ashley Thompson.

“It was great that Ashley could take her expertise of the CliqStudios products and offer unique and helpful ideas on the layout and sizing of the cabinets,” Jamel says.

“This was a new home for the client,” Jamel explains. “Initially, the space was two apartments, with two kitchens. The last owner removed the larger kitchen and kept the galley style kitchen instead.”

The dream for this project was to move the kitchen back to the original space. This would create a larger kitchen and an open floor plan.

“However, the homeowners discovered there were issues with moving the gas line,” Jamel says. “So they had to keep the galley kitchen instead. At that point, it became more of a challenge of how we could maximize the space.”

Jamel knew well-placed cabinetry was the solution.

“In this situation we needed all the cabinet storage space we could get,” he says. “I like to take the design from floor to ceiling, which some people are hesitant to do in existing spaces.”

“It almost seemed like the previous owner got stock cabinetry and placed it just wherever it fit,” Jamel recalls. “Everything was just kind of pick up and go and nothing was secured. The previous owner didn’t utilize the space to the fullest.”

“Being that CliqStudios cabinets are semi custom, they worked out perfectly,” Jamel says. “We were able to adjust sizes as we needed.”

The result is well-placed cabinetry with a built-in look and plenty of storage.

Because Jamel’s client loves to cook, there were a few things the design couldn’t compromise on.

“Having a pantry was important, as well as professional grade appliances in a residential size,” Jamel says. “I think the open shelving on the end is really cool because he can show off his cookbooks there.”

Blending styles both homeowners enjoyed was also a priority.

“The clients love white and blue and wanted a cohesive space with a clean, open airy feel, while being artsy and contemporary too,” Jamel says.

“I would say this design is a blend of two or three different aesthetics,” Jamel says. “The client’s vision is always primary to me, but I’m able to expand on it with trends and find other ideas to create a unique space.”

“One of my favorite parts of the kitchen is the whole sink area with the reclaimed shelves and the blue apron sink cabinets,” Jamel says. “I also love the pantry and fridge on either end of the kitchen that frame the cabinets in. It has a beautiful, custom built-in finish.”

“I love the mixed materials and the blue and white cabinet design,” CliqStudios kitchen designer Ashley says. “It shows how you can use dark colored cabinets in smaller spaces and it can still feel really light and open.”

“I also love that Jamel used the brass hardware and fixtures,” Ashley continues. “It gives the kitchen a modern look. All the little touches like the wood shelves and the open shelving are so tastefully done.”

While beautiful projects like this inspire many remodels, Jamel recognizes the process can be challenging.

“I commend homeowners who have the courage to take on a renovation,” Jamel shares. “And those that introduce a professional. Because they allow themselves to step back and see another idea and how far the kitchen design can go.”