A custom cottage kitchen combines the cozy, welcoming feel of a cottage with the functionality and flair of a custom-designed space. This kitchen style brings together rustic charm and modern amenities for the best of both worlds.
Elements of a Custom Cottage Kitchen
Rustic Features
Embrace the cottage vibe in your custom kitchen by incorporating reclaimed wood, painted cabinets, and visible beams or rafters. Other rustic features like stone or brick accents and unfinished wood shelves and surfaces help strike that homey cottage balance.
Modern Conveniences
While capturing the essence of a cozy cottage kitchen, don’t be afraid to include convenient, contemporary elements. Stainless steel appliances, stylish fixtures, and smart home technology help a cottage kitchen function as a fully modern cooking space.
Natural Materials
Wood, stone, brick, and metal in their raw, natural forms are hallmarks of cottage style. Use these organic materials in your custom kitchen through open shelving, wood countertops, stone backsplashes, and unfinished hardwood floors.
Soft Colors
White, cream, sage green, sky blue, and other soft, muted colors embody the relaxed cottage aesthetic. Paint your custom cabinetry, walls, or accent pieces in these calm hues to cultivate coziness. Crisp, bright white paired with natural wood also looks right at home.
Lots of Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial in kitchens. Incorporate varied light sources like pendant lights over islands, under-cabinet lighting, recessed ceiling fixtures, and ample natural light through windows. Layering lighting brightens a cottage kitchen.
Farmhouse Sinks and Fixtures
For the cottage kitchen, opt for a deep, wide-basin farmhouse apron-front sink and expose the metal legs of a freestanding tub sink. Black, brass, or bronze fixtures in traditional styles complement this look. Go for Functionality with fixtures.
Design Elements for a Custom Cottage Kitchen
Approaching the layout and overall look of your cottage kitchen comes down to maintaining balance – embracing both the cozy and the custom. Follow these tips when designing your space.
Rustic Touches
Incorporate reclaimed barn wood, distressed cabinetry, and rough-hewn beams to inject rustic charm. Accent with vintage-inspired hardware, ceramic knobs, wrought iron, and antique-style lighting. Visit architectural salvage warehouses to hunt for unique vintage finds.
Smooth and Worn Finishes
The surfaces of your custom cottage kitchen should combine textures and an aged look. Sand and lightly distress painted cabinets to soften the finish. Choose countertops with natural cracks, pits, and warmth like butcher block, concrete, or soapstone.
Nooks and Crannies
Embrace the quirky shapes and angles that come with cottage architecture. Use small recessed areas for extra storage or displaying cherished items. Built-in corner cabinets, a window bench, or a pantry nook add character.
High-Quality Appliances
Invest in best-in-class appliances with a sleek, timeless look in stainless steel, black, or white. Integrate essentials like a professional-grade range, built-in refrigerator, and powerful vent hood. Upgrade with smart options as desired.
Mixed Metals and Finishes
Tying everything together is easier with an eclectic blend of metals. Pair a stainless steel range with black hardware, copper pendant lights, gold light fixtures, and an antique brass faucet. The mix feels curated.
Upgraded Storage Solutions
Stay organized in a compact cottage kitchen with clever storage solutions like slide-out drawers, vertical rollouts, and built-in racks. Add a kitchen island with cabinet storage and open shelving for extra space.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
Open floor plans encourage furniture that can multitask, like an island with seating or a storage bench by the window. Vintage-style hutch cabinets and hutches offer character along with storage.
Smart Touches
Modernize subtly with smart home tech like motion-activated lights under cabinets or voice-assisted appliances. Upgrade appliances and fixtures for optimal efficiency and performance. Integrate tech discreetly.
Custom Cottage Kitchen Ideas
Inviting Island
Islands instantly become the hub of cottage kitchens. Opt for white painted or distressed wood base cabinets with an aged edge-grain butcher block countertop. Include electrical outlets, drawers, and open lower shelves. Top with vintage-style pendant lights.
Warm Wood Elements
The right wood elements add wonderful warmth. Install shelves from reclaimed barn beams and choose butcher block countertops. Use hardwood flooring throughout and exposed ceiling beams. Paint walls and cabinetry in soft neutrals to allow the wood tones to shine.
Snug Breakfast Nook
Carve out a comfy dining nook in your cottage kitchen with built-in cushioned bench seating, rustic wood tables, and charming windows or French doors. Display favorite ceramics or glassware in the nook for an intimate vibe. Use assorted vintage-look chairs.
Rustic Brick Backsplash
Rough-cut stone or classic red brick backsplashes boost the rustic factor in a cottage kitchen. Lay brick in stacked or horizontal patterns or choose a textured stone surface. Add grout in earthy brown tones and leave some cracks for character.
Accent Tiles
Incorporate natural patterned tiles like Moroccan fish scale and geometric terracotta. Use them sparingly as accents between white subway tiles or choose an old-world style for the full backsplash. Keep grout lines wide for texture.
Coastal Cottage Kitchen
For cottages near the shore, incorporate marine elements like weathered wood, rattan seating, driftwood accents, and fabrics in sand and ocean tones. Paint walls in misty blues and pair with white cabinetry for breezy style. Add accents in coastal hues.
Modern Farmhouse Sink
Make a statement with a modern farmhouse sink in stainless steel or enameled cast iron. Choose a sleek apron-front style mounted into a white painted wood base cabinet topped with marble or butcher block. Opt for a unit with handy drawers below.
Large Windows
Take full advantage of picturesque garden views by expanding windows along the sink or cooktop. Install extra-large picture windows to frame the outside scenery. Include a window bench or built-in tabletop below for staring out.
Custom Walk-In Pantry
Attached walk-in pantries are a luxury for small kitchens. Customize with mix-and-match storage like open and closed cabinets, deep drawers, and pull-out shelves. Hang vintage kitchen tools for charm and install lighting on top and inside.
Herringbone Backsplash
The classic zig-zag of a herringbone backsplash pattern makes a statement. Use rectangular natural stone or brick tiles in contrasting colors like white and gray or tan and brown. Add grout in a light tone to allow the pattern to stand out.
Wood Countertops
Rustic wood countertops look right at home in cottage kitchens. Opt for oak, walnut, birch, or maple in a smooth sanded finish. Choose edge-grain butcher block for heavy prep work. Protect properly and enjoy the natural patina it develops.
Stylish Tile Flooring
Leaning into cottage charm, choose tiles with the look of weathered wood planks or encaustic patterns. For comfort, opt for matt tiles in soft neutral hues. Or pick terracotta tiles with visible cracks and pits for texture.
Planning a Custom Cottage Kitchen
The key planning steps for a cozy yet functional custom cottage kitchen include:
Define Your Priorities
Think through your must-have features, from a vintage stove to a built-in banquette. Determine if preserving original charm or modern updates are more important. This helps inform layout and design choices.
Set a Realistic Budget
Custom kitchens allow you to splurge on showstopper focal points. But also determine areas where you can save, like opting for lower cabinets only or keeping existing quality flooring. Create room in your budget for surprise expenses too.
Gather Inspiration
Search sites like Pinterest and Houzz for endless inspiration on cottage kitchen elements. Note colors, materials, lighting, and layouts you love and compile everything into an inspiration board. This keeps your vision consistent.
Find the Right Pros
Speak to qualified contractors experienced in cottage-style kitchen renovations. Ensure they can execute both charming rustic touches and modern upgrades well. Read reviews and evaluate their previous custom work.
Plan an Efficient Layout
Smart kitchen layouts combine seamless flow and zones for different tasks. Place the sink, fridge, and cooktop in easy reach of each other. Allow room around the work triangle for multiple cooks. Maximize storage and counter space.
Choose Durable Materials
Opt for durable surfaces that age well, especially for heavy-use areas like countertops and flooring. Research material maintenance needs too. A vintage-look ceramic tile floor is easier to care for than reclaimed wood planks, for example.
Incorporate Smart Features
Today’s latest kitchen tech seamlessly fits cottage style too. Include conveniences like Wi-Fi enabled appliances, voice-activated lighting, drawer microwaves, and under-cabinet outlets. Upgrade for efficiency and entertainment.
Account for Accessibility Needs
If accessibility is a concern, discuss options like pull-out lower cabinets and lift-style appliances now to integrate accommodations well. Adjust counter and island heights and doorway widths to allow ample mobility.
Designing a Custom Cottage Kitchen Island
The kitchen island takes center stage in most cottage kitchens. Consider these tips when designing yours:
Size Appropriately
Allow for at least 3 to 4 feet of space around all sides of the island for traffic flow. Size the island length relative to the rest of the room so it’s in proportion. Include some seating along one side.
Choose Multi-Purpose Style
Opt for an island with drawers, cabinets, open shelves, and countertop space to prep, cook, and dine. Add other built-ins like a beverage fridge, sink, or cooktop if space allows.
Accent with Character
A reclaimed wood base, vintage-look legs, and distressed finish boost the island’s charm. Incorporate architectural salvage finds like antique corbels and carved feet. An aged edge-grain butcher block countertop enhances rustic appeal.
Include Seating
Allow room for barstools on one side of the island to create casual dining space. Opt for backless stools that tuck under the counter when not in use. Choose cushioned seats for comfort.
Style with Lighting
Ensure the island is well-lit by stylish pendants overhead. Opt for exposed Edison bulb fixtures for a vintage touch or hammered metal pendants to contrast against reclaimed wood beams.
Maximize Storage
Every inch of the island interior should be storage space. Install shelves, cabinets and deep drawers for kitchen essentials. Use dividers, racks and other organizers inside to customize.
Pick Durable Surfaces
Opt for an island countertop that can withstand daily use and spills. Butcher block, granite, and quartz are ideal options. Use tiles, stone, or brick along the base for easy-care durability.
Common Questions about Custom Cottage Kitchens
What are some quintessential features of a cottage kitchen?
- Visible wood beams
- Painted cabinetry in light hues
- Copious natural lighting
- Rustic elements like stone and brick
- Farmhouse sink and vintage-style faucet
- Butcher block countertops
- Distressed finishes and reclaimed wood accents
- Open shelving for display
How much does a custom cottage kitchen renovation cost?
The average cost to renovate a cottage kitchen is $20,000 to $60,000. Custom work, high-end appliances and finishes, and extensive layout changes fall at the high end. DIY elements, smaller scope, and simple changes reduce costs.
What dimensions are recommended for a cottage kitchen layout?
Ideal cottage kitchen dimensions include:
- 150-200 square feet overall
- At least 4 foot circulation space around cabinets and islands
- 32-36 inches between counters and islands
- 3-5 foot span for sink, cooktop, refrigerator work triangle
What types of floors work best in cottage kitchens?
- Hardwood planks or distressed engineered wood
- Encaustic cement tiles
- Terracotta tiles
- Quarry stone tiles
- Wood-look porcelain or ceramic
- Reclaimed brick flooring
Avoid slick materials like tile without texture. Materials with some wear and age help achieve the cottage look.
What about open shelving instead of upper cabinets?
Open shelving lends a casual cottage vibe but does sacrifice some storage space. If maximizing storage is important, consider doing open shelves on just part of the wall mixed with glass-front uppers. Properly anchored shelves can securely hold cookware. Just keep styling, dusting needs in mind!
How can I add character to my new cottage kitchen?
- Distressed cabinetry with chippy paint
- Salvaged and antique accents sourced thoughtfully
- Rustic wood open shelving and butcher block counters
- Vintage-look hardware like bin pulls and knobs
- Farmhouse sink on an aged wood base
- Herringbone backsplash pattern
- Rail track lighting over island
- Reclaimed architectural beams
What are smart ways to light a small cottage kitchen?
- Copious natural light from enlarged windows if possible
- Pendant lights over islands and dining nooks
- Ceiling mount fixture over the sink
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Sconces flanking windows
- Recessed can lighting
- Skylights or transom windows for more natural light
Enhancing a Custom Cottage Kitchen Over Time
Part of a cottage kitchen’s welcoming charm comes from the marks of gracious living that evolve over years of use. But certain enhancements help maintain both beauty and function.
Stylish Updates
Freshen up the look of your cottage kitchen by repainting cabinets, adding new hardware, or applying a limewash finish to brick walls. Switch out lighting fixtures or try a new backsplash tile design.
Maintenance as Needed
Take care of worn butcher block counters with re-sanding and re-sealing. Tighten up cabinets and lubricate drawers. Patch, fill, sand, and paint chips and water damage. Replace cracked tiles.
Storage Solutions
Lack of adequate storage is one of the biggest cottage kitchen issues. Smart fixes include vertical rollouts, drawer dividers, extra shelves, and freestandingstorage furniture like a hutch.
Add Modern Conveniences
Make life easier with additions like a retractable faucet, instant hot water tap, under-cabinet lighting, smart appliances, or voice-activated kitchen tech. Even little upgrades make a difference.
Improve Accessibility
As we age, tasks like reaching upper cabinets become harder. Install pull-down shelves, roll-out cabinets, and other accessible solutions without sacrificing cottage style. Update lighting for visibility too.
Maximize Natural Light
More windows or a skylight can make a dark kitchen bright. If adding windows isn’t feasible, consider strategically placed mirrors to reflect light. Lighter paint colors also help brighten up the space.
Expand Wisely
If the kitchen footprint allows, expanding into an unused adjacent room or bump-out can boost function and flow. Just take care to match existing finishes and blend the new seamlessly with the original cottage kitchen.
Eco-Friendly Updates
Doing your part for the environment is lovely. Swap out appliances for energy-efficient models, choose greener materials like bamboo wood, install eco-faucets, and use non-toxic cleaners. Every change adds up.
Designing an Eco-Friendly Cottage Kitchen
Creating an environmentally friendly custom cottage kitchen not only benefits the planet, but also enhances the cozy vibe. Follow these green design tips:
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Choose refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges and other kitchen appliances having an Energy Star rating to reduce your carbon footprint. Opt for induction cooktops for safer, more energy-efficient cooking.
LED Lighting
Install energy-saving LED fixtures for task, ambient and accent lighting. Consider adding smart LED strips under cabinets you can control remotely via app. Properly layered lighting cuts down on energy use.
Natural Materials
Opt for renewable materials like bamboo for cabinetry or wood surfaces sourced from responsibly managed forests. Use natural linoleum flooring made from wood pulp and linseed oil instead of vinyl.
Reclaimed Elements
Incorporate reclaimed and antique building materials purchased from trustworthy sellers. Search for vintage lighting, recycled glass tiles, or salvaged lumber. Give items new life instead of generating waste.
Eco-Friendly Countertops
Choose eco-friendly countertop materials like recycled glass, Paperstone (paper), Richlite (wood pulp), concrete with recycled content, and FSC certified bamboo. Or pick a durable second-hand surface.
Water Efficiency
Install a WaterSense certified faucet along with low-flow shower and faucet aerators. An on-demand hot water recirculation system provides instant access to hot water while wasting less.
Sustainable Flooring
Naturally moisture-resistant choices like concrete, cork, bamboo, reclaimed wood, tile, and sealed granite are perfect for kitchens. Check that wood is FSC-certified sustainable. Use low-VOC adhesives.
Organic Paints and Finishes
Opt for zero VOC paints and finishes made from organic materials like milk, clay, chalk, and botanical oils. Use natural beeswax on wood rather than chemical sealants.
Composting and Recycling
Make recycling and composting kitchen waste easy with dedicated bins and signage. Compost food scraps and use natural cleaners. Always look for recyclable packaging when shopping.