Introduction
A cottage kitchen evokes feelings of coziness and charm. This week’s featured kitchen is a wonderful example of how to create a light, airy cottage-style kitchen that still feels warm and inviting. With plenty of natural materials, open shelving, and a fresh coat of white paint, this kitchen renovation opened up the space visually while maintaining the cottage vibe.
Design Elements That Achieve the Cottage Look
Cottage kitchens balance casual comfort with timeless style. Here are some of the elements that make this featured kitchen reflect the coveted cottage aesthetic:
Natural Wood Cabinets and Open Shelving
The light wood cabinets have a rustic, handcrafted look that feels fitting for a cottage. The open shelving provides easy access to dishes and collectibles while enhancing the casual vibe. Mixing natural wood elements with crisp, white painted cabinets and walls keeps the look light and bright.
Vintage-Inspired Hardware and Accessories
Period details like the bin pulls on the drawers and the distressed metal pub sign above the stove add vintage flair. The pendant lighting feels like something you might find in an old European farmhouse. Ample countertop accessories in ceramic, metal, and wood bring warmth and personality to the space.
Checks and Gingham
From the gingham backsplash tile to the checked curtain over the sink, the inclusion of tiny checks and plaids lends the familiar cottage feel. The small-scale patterns keep things visibly interesting without overwhelming the petite kitchen.
Plenty of Windows and Natural Light
A light, bright interior is essential for a cottage kitchen. This kitchen benefits enormously from the abundance of sunlight streaming in through the darling window over the sink. Cottages embrace natural light, and this airy space does just that.
Kitchen Layout Ideas for Small Cottages
This efficient kitchen layout proves that even the smallest cottage kitchens can feel open and uncluttered. Here are some ideas borrowed from this design:
OptimizeTraffic Flow
The workspace functions smoothly, thanks to smart positioning of the cabinets, appliances, and work triangles. The layout invites you to move fluidly from the refrigerator to the sink to the stove – no cramped dead ends.
Prioritize Multiple Access Points
With doorways on two adjacent walls and an open floor plan adjoining the dining room, this kitchen promotes breezy movement throughout the home’s common areas.
Use Glass-Fronted Cabinets Above Eye Level
The glass-fronted cabinets provide needed storage without crowding the petite kitchen. Visually, the transparent cabinets maintain an open, unencumbered feel.
Include Ample Counters & Work Surfaces
Despite the modest footprint, this kitchen incorporates a spacious L-shaped counter for food prep and dining. The island adds supplementary counter space and casual seating for two.
Make Smart Use of Vertical Space
The vertical space gets maximized with stacked upper cabinets, open shelving, and a short upper cabinet over the refrigerator. Even smaller cottage kitchens can feel open with careful use of vertical real estate.
Cottage Kitchen Inspiration from Social Media
If this featured cottage kitchen sparked some inspiration, social media offers endless eye candy for cottage kitchen admirers. Here are some top accounts to follow:
- @cottagefarmhouse – Beautiful cottage kitchen photos and videos from this Illinois blogger.
- @bright.cottage – An Australian cottage fanatic sharing cozy, vintage-inspired spaces.
- @cottage_style_decor – Cottage kitchen inspiration from a New York-based designer.
- cottagekitchen – Search this hashtag on Instagram and Pinterest to discover thousands of lovely cottage-style kitchen photos. Screenshot favorites to show your contractor.
- Cottage Kitchen Ideas on Pinterest – Pinterest boards like “Farmhouse Cottage Kitchens” aggregate beautiful cottage kitchen photos from all over for endless visual inspiration.
FAQs About Creating the Cottage Kitchen Look
What paint color is best for a cottage kitchen?
Stick with light, airy paint colors like cloud white, alabaster, or antique white. Soft blue-grays and pale greens can also suit a cottage kitchen beautifully.
What flooring works best?
Hardwood or faux wood floors in oak or pine are timeless cottage options. Saltbox tile, terra cotta, slate, and vinyl wood plank floors are also suitable cottage-style flooring ideas.
Should I use an apron sink?
Farmhouse apron-front sinks perfectly suit the cozy cottage aesthetic. White enameled cast iron or fireclay sinks complement cottage materials like wood and tile.
How do I decorate the walls?
Lean into vintage-inspired pieces like framed botanical prints, antique cutting boards, and framed photographs. Open shelving displaying glassware, cookbooks, and potted plants enhances the casual cottage vibe.
What type of hardware should I choose?
Opt for vintage-style cup pulls, bin pulls, or knobs in antique brass, black, or iron. Ceramic knobs soured from salvage shops or Etsy artisans add cottage character.
Bringing the Cottage Kitchen Aesthetic Home
This bright, charming cottage kitchen demonstrates how small spaces can feel open, inviting, and infused with style. Incorporating elements like ample natural light, vintage-inspired accents, timeless cabinetry, and unfussy accessories results in a classically cozy cottage interior to enjoy for years to come. Looking for more cottage or farmhouse kitchen inspiration? Be sure to check our blog weekly for new featured spaces.
