Light colors, floral patterns, and cobbled-together collections. You can make cottage style happen no matter where you’re starting from. These aesthetics have become so popular that they’ve evolved to accommodate all types of materials and layouts.
Today, we’re looking at 13 different ideas and concepts that can transform a dated kitchen into a cottage-inspired space. From simple DIY adjustments to excellence in custom craftsmanship, here’s how to pull it together.
1. Inviting lighting
Switch standard dome lights and any fluorescence for something warmer. Find a stylish fixture that appears to throw soft candlelight. From there, add soft under-cabinet task lighting.
2. Sweet seats
Cottage kitchens get much of their charm from how welcoming they are. Add a small dinette set or banquette breakfast nook along a wall to inspire warm afternoon coffee chats. Don’t forget the flowers!
3. A homestyle family drop zone
Increase function as you make kitchen updates. Install a bench-and-rack mudroom-style console with hooks, cubbies, and other organizing features. It’s a unique feature that adds homey modern cottage charm and can compensate for a lack of entryway closet space.
4. Add texture with tile
Interesting embossed or 3D tilework as a backsplash adds character to kitchens in need of updating. It injects some Old-World style into charming cottage interiors.
5. Shelving for sure
Losing a few cabinets doesn’t feel like a sacrifice when open shelving takes their place. Use them to display dry goods from the pantry, or every cottage kitchen’s most outstanding plants and florals.
6. Decorate with vintage items
Vintage and thrifted items practically define charming cottage style. Forgo matching sets for singular pieces that can be grouped together in your one-of-a-kind collection.
7. Hardware that’s quaint but contrasting
Antique-inspired knobs and pulls in a relatively diminutive size are perfect for charming, warmhearted kitchen designs. Choose a black or oxidized finish that pops against light cabinetry and polished oak.
8. The raw warmth of wood
Natural materials never go out of style. Choose true, solid wood for homespun, sustainable charm. Ceiling beams, breakfast tables, countertops, and shelving.
9. A brick backsplash
The timeless look of brick isn’t only possible with a solid wall. Adding brick veneer as a backsplash instantly makes outdated or builder-grade kitchens look warmer and more welcoming. The perfect backdrop for further cottage-inspired updates.
10. Full integration
Dated appliances and other features don’t even register to the eye with full integrated cabinetry. Color drench the room in tender hues for transcendent levels of charm.
11. Paint your cabinets
If your “dated” kitchen includes shaker-style cabinets, count yourself lucky. Sand and paint them warm, creamy neutral colors to give the illusion of more space.
Keep other supposedly outdated details like country-style gabled shelving and traditional hardware. These easily transition to cottage style when the color palette gets a welcome lift.
12. Open up the upper half
If actual spaciousness is what you’re after, and the cabinets don’t seem very salvageable, remove them altogether. Hanging racks and open shelving can replace them, while the lower half is free for a fresh repainting.
13. An unconventional island
Hit up antique stores or move your old side table to the kitchen. Moveable makeshift islands in natural time-honored materials are the epitome of crafty cottage charm. Add cushioned seating and homestyle décor for a complete transformation.
Take it one step at a time with The Designery
Kitchen remodels by The Designery happen on your terms. If you’d like to gradually transition your old kitchen to a charming cottage cove, speak to one of our professional designers for free.
From affordable flooring to custom details like hardware and countertops, we have every resource you need. Rely on one source for design insight and inspiration, materials, custom-crafted details, and quality installation.
