Introduction
Nestled along the rugged Maine coastline is a charming rustic cottage with a cozy, inviting kitchen that perfectly captures the essence of seaside living. This week’s stunning “Kitchen of the Week” takes us on a tour of this delightful space that artfully blends modern comfort with cottage vibes.
From the weathered wood beams and antique brick floors to the ocean-inspired hues and salvaged accents, this kitchen exudes effortless coastal style. The efficient layout, ample prep space and smart storage solutions also make it highly functional for everyday cooking and entertaining. With lovely views of the nearby harbor just beyond its windows, this is a kitchen meant for relaxing and enjoying simple pleasures in an idyllic setting.
Join us as we explore the details, design and decor that make this charming coastal Maine cottage kitchen so swoon-worthy. This seaside escape offers endless inspiration for bringing cozy, casual style into your own home.
Overview of the Kitchen’s Design and Layout
This compact, galley-style kitchen is located in an early 1900s seaside cottage that was fully renovated to preserve its vintage character while adding modern updates. The kitchen’s efficient footprint spans approximately 175 square feet. It includes all the essentials for cooking, dining and storage without feeling cramped.
Upon entering the kitchen, your eye is immediately drawn towards the views of the glistening harbor and docked boats just outside the window over the farmhouse sink. Plenty of natural light floods the space, accentuated by bright white shiplap walls and ceilings plus pale blue-gray paint on the original wood cabinetry.
The layout features cabinetry and prep zones along the perimeter with a rectangular butcher block-topped island anchoring the center of the room. One side of the kitchen houses a restored brick fireplace surrounded by open shelving and cabinetry painted a light coastal blue. Across from the fireplace sits a stainless farmhouse sink underneath a large window with a reclaimed wood sill.
Continuing around the layout is the major cooking zone featuring a gas range, built-in microwave and cafe-style bar area for casual dining. Across from the cooking area is additional cabinetry for food storage and essential appliances like the refrigerator.
The island provides extra counter space and seating along one side, while the other side houses a small prep sink, pull-out waste bins and a phone charging station. Open shelving fills in above the island, holding cookbooks, dishes and coastal decor.
Thoughtful touches like shiplap, exposed brick, salvaged wood and ceramic tile lend character and warmth to the redesigned space. The kitchen strikes the perfect balance between rustic seaside charm and modern functionality.
Spotlight on the Coastal Decor & Design Details
Several creative choices in finishes, materials and decor work together to give this kitchen its relaxed, coastal vibe. Here are some of the standout details:
Salvaged & Weathered Materials
The use of reclaimed wood, antique bricks and ceramic tiles with visible wear help reflect the natural passage of time. Salvaged wood beams, brick floors, and window sills made from old barn boards allow the cottage’s history to shine. The classic white shiplap also has intentional nicks, knots and roughness for added character.
Soothing Coastal Color Palette
From the blue-gray cabinetry to the pale aqua shelves, the colors evoke the mood of the beach through soft, watery hues. Crisp white shiplap paired with warm wood tones keeps things light and casual. Pops of accent colors like ochre, sea glass and mustard yellow provide visual interest.
Rustic & Worn Finishes
The cabinetry has a washed, aged look achieved through rubbed paint and visible wood grain. The butcher block island has a heavily weathered finish, while the exposed brick has a crumbling, timeworn texture. Imperfections in the surfaces add cozy appeal.
Coastal-Inspired Decor Touches
Nautical rope accents, white porcelain crab figurines, shell-shaped hooks and wire baskets with sea glass reference the coastal setting. A restored lobster trap and oars work as architectural features. The decor balances seaside motifs with clean, modern touches.
Natural Textures & Materials
Wood, brick, ceramic and marble textures guarantee the space feels innately cozy and timeless. Soft area rugs, cotton curtains and linen cushions add natural appeal. Items like the woven farmhouse sink skirt provide rustic texture.
This purposeful attention to salvaged materials, soothing hues, imperfect finishes and tasteful coastal details is what gives the kitchen its breezy, beach house personality. The decor choices harmonize flawlessly with the vintage architecture of the cottage.
Functional Features & Smart Storage Solutions
Beyond its charming coastal aesthetics, the kitchen is thoughtfully designed for everyday cooking and living. Clever storage ideas, multi-purpose furniture and timeless materials make the compact space highly useful and livable.
- Abundant cabinets & shelving – The perimeter is lined with a mix of easy-access open shelving and enclosed cabinetry, providing places to tuck away everything from dishes to pantry items.
- Prep zones – Ample counter space flanking the range and surrounding the island offer meal prep and staging areas. The island has seating for casual dining.
- Pull-out storage – Roll-out shelves and drawers maximize every inch of cabinet space. A pull-out pantry next to the fridge is easy to access.
- Multi-level island – The island adds seating, a second sink, waste/recycling bins and charging station in a compact footprint.
- Rustic open shelves – Open shelves with a raw wood aesthetic display beautiful tableware while keeping items in easy reach near the dining area.
- Butcher block countertops – The durable, low-maintenance butcher block island and wood window sill coordinate with the reclaimed wood finishes.
- Coastal built-ins – Narrow spaces are utilized with built-in shelving above the fireplace for cookbooks, ceramics and accents.
- Farmhouse sink – The deep ceramic apron sink provides ample room for washing dishes while gazing at the view.
Thoughtful planning allows this petite kitchen to feel open rather than cramped. The layout accommodates cooking, cleaning, dining and storage needs despite the small footprint, thanks to smart solutions. This functionality pairs seamlessly with the kitchen’s relaxed vibe.
Q&A About This Beautiful Coastal Kitchen
What are some ways this kitchen brings in coastal New England style?
This kitchen incorporates several signature elements of New England coastal style:
- Salvaged Materials: Reclaimed wood beams, antique brick flooring, and a vintage butcher block island anchor the space.
- Weathered Finishes: The cabinetry and wood surfaces have intentionally distressed paint and finishes that look aged over time.
- Cool Coastal Hues: Soft blues and grays – reminiscent of the ocean and weathered beach cottages – are used on the cabinetry, walls, and decor accents.
- Rustic Touches: Unfussy details like exposed brick, ceramic knobs, and woven textiles give a timeworn, beachy feel.
- Coastal Motifs: Decor elements like shells, driftwood, lobster traps, and rope nod to the seaside setting.
What makes this kitchen layout work well?
This efficient galley kitchen makes the most of its compact footprint thanks to:
- Perimeter storage/prep areas: Cabinetry and countertops lining the walls maximize usable space.
- Central island: The island provides additional counter area and storage without cluttering up the room.
- Clever solutions: Roll-out shelves, multi-level island, and built-in shelving avoid a cramped feeling.
- Openness: Large windows and sight lines between zones keep things light and airy.
- Functionality: Smart workflow allows for cooking, cleaning, and dining activities despite the cozy size.
What are some tips for achieving this timeless, coastal look?
To get this breezy seaside style in your own kitchen, keep these tips in mind:
- Seek out salvaged materials like old wood, brick and ceramics to incorporate into the space
- Select furniture and cabinetry with distressed finishes, visible wood grains and signs of wear
- Include cabinetry or accents in soft coastal hues like pale blues, grays and greens
- Add natural texture with unpainted wood, cotton fabrics and woven accessories
- Display collected items like shells, driftwood, glass floats or fishing gear
- Anchor the room with vintage or antique finds that hint at the coast
- Opt for vintage-style lighting and plumbing fixtures to complete the aesthetic
What are some smart ideas to take away for small kitchen spaces?
This kitchen offers several ingenious ideas for maximizing petite kitchens:
- Optimize traffic flow with a galley or L-shaped layout
- Use glass cabinet doors and open shelving to prevent a closed-in feeling
- Include a multifunctional island for extra prep space and seating
- Incorporate pull-out shelves, racks and drawers for hidden storage
- Make the most of narrow walls with vertical storage via built-ins
- Visually expand the kitchen with light colors, mirrors and windows
- Don’t overcrowd with furniture or decor; edit down to essential pieces
Final Thoughts on this Charming Coastal Kitchen
With its timeworn bricks, soothing blue-gray cabinetry, and salvaged wood accents, this endearing kitchen fully embodies the essence of rustic seaside style. Clever layout and storage solutions make it highly functional for real life despite its cozy footprint.
Beyond just its charming design, this light-filled kitchen with spectacular views of the nearby harbor exudes a certain welcoming spirit that draws you in. Spending time in this coastal retreat undoubtedly nourishes the soul as much as the body. Its vintage-meets-modern aesthetic demonstrates how small kitchens can be big on comfort, functionality and casual beach house style.
This seaside charmer is sure to provide endless inspiration for infusing cozy coastal vibes into kitchens of all sizes. We hope you enjoyed this inside look at a wonderfully creative and inviting “Kitchen of the Week”!
