How to Add Cottage Charm to Your Kitchen
I am such a sucker for a cottage kitchen. Have you ever been to a small lake house with a tiny galley kitchen that is outfitted with all of your needs and does not require a huge island with barstools, an indoor grill, or scads of appliances to help you prepare food? There's a certain charm to cabinets with open shelves or a simple curtain across them, to rustic pine, bright colors, beadboard, a vintage farmhouse sink, a checkered tablecloth, or a warped pine board countertop.
You can add a lot of charm to any kitchen by looking to a cottage kitchen for inspiration. Below are some of my dream kitchens that have all gleaned such inspiration. Some are modern, some are in lofts, some are much larger than a typical cottage kitchen, but all of them have the characteristics of some.
What makes these kitchens cottage kitchens?
You can add a lot of charm to any kitchen by looking to a cottage kitchen for inspiration. Below are some of my dream kitchens that have all gleaned such inspiration. Some are modern, some are in lofts, some are much larger than a typical cottage kitchen, but all of them have the characteristics of some.
What makes these kitchens cottage kitchens?
The wooden sideboard, the white boards on the ceiling, warm tan flooring, blue cabinets, vintage light fixtures and display of blue and white pottery
A bench of peeled paint, cozy yellow pillows, rustic stone slate floor and warm yellow walls and accents
Diamond pattern floor, open shelves, blue and green color combo, wood countertops, farm table and vintage-looking refrigerator
A modern example uses some cottage tricks, including small appliances and open shelving.
Beadboard walls, the blue shelf, dishrack and blue and white linen dishtowel
Farmhouse sink, simple palette
Trimmed white cabinets, black hardware, rag rug, simple plain tiling
Compact size, subway tile, gorgeous dark wood flooring, rag rug, white cabinets
A built in nook always lends Arts and Crafts cottage appeal.
Compact appliances, use of white, open shelves, herbs on display
Open and light feel (do children peek in that window and ask for fresh cookies?), plate displayed on the wall, wooden stool, striped rug
Cabinet trim, small size, minimal appliances on display, rag rug, I'm starting to sound like a broken record, of course you are getting the gist!
SMEG fridge, and COLOR COLOR COLOR! A pop of turquoise from the old chair, the hanging aprons and the pink roses give this kitchen a hint of Cath Kidston style.
Bright contrasting colors, collections and the painted island
What a difference hardware can make!
I just had to include the small fuchsia kitchen. Spoon storage in the pitcher - it doesn't get much more cottage than that!
While this is a very modern kitchen, the wooden counters give it a touch of cottage warmth.
TURQUOISE!
Again, very modern, but its hint of old cottage comes from the flooring and the size.
I imagine this is actually a loft, but the kitchen is one of the smallest I've seen, with everything one needs and a lovely dash of bold mustard.
The plate collection keeps this owner grounded in cottage roots.
Texture from the baskets and the wooden island lend a coastal cottage feel.
I DIE over this wallpaper behind the shelves! I wonder if it is Florence Broadhurst (anyone?)? That sort of built in and the lovely milk glass collection ooze charm.
