When you think of Cottage Kitchens you conjure up an image of a simple lifestyle. A cottage will typically be a quaint place for relaxation without the hassle of precision or exactness.
Picture a home by a lake or a beach. One you can relax in without worries. One that doesn’t have a cohesive style like you see in more fanciful kitchens.
Cottage kitchens look to create a functional kitchen space that doesn’t rely on a lot of decoration. The key is having a room that looks like it was pieced together with what you had on hand.
Use pieces from eras that you truly enjoy. For example, if you have a home that has an original kitchen, you may really love the kitchen cabinets and want to keep them. With this style, you can do that. Cabinets that are older will fit perfectly with modern appliances or new flooring.
On the other hand, if perhaps you would like to replace your cabinets and love the look of white cabinets, replace them but leave a different aspect of the room intact. It really is about what you like and combining styles.
Many times you will find white cabinets with older flooring. Maybe there’shickory hardwood floors, an apron sink, and kitchen granite countertops.
If you like the look of distressed cabinets , you can use those too. Essentially, you use what you like.
The colors for this style are also based on what you like as well. If you want to create a bright and cheery kitchen, use bright colors. If you want something earthy, use earth tones like gray-blues, browns and olives. The key is to choose your palate properly and stay within that, meaning don’t place a bright red refrigerator next to an olive-green cabinet.
A great old look that has made its way back into homes today is the use ofsubway tile. This type of tile was first used in bathrooms, but the style has made its way into today’s kitchens. Especially so in a cottage kitchen design where anything goes. These tiles can be used as a backsplash design that’s interesting and a bit out of the norm.
Another great look that can be found in a cottage kitchen is bead board. Bead board, also referred to as wainscoting will create a more country, relaxed feel to the room and space. Bead board can be placed anywhere and everywhere you want.
One option is to use it on the bottom third of the walls and add a chair rail. Another idea, if you really like the look, is to bring it to just below the height of window and door trim. Again, your preference is what matters.
This type of kitchen is designed to be a relaxing place you sit in the morning reading your paper and having coffee. Be sure to include space for a small table, island seating or even a built-in bench in a kitchen nook.
Take time to decorate with family pictures or eclectic pieces of art and bring grandma’s old hutch out to showcase. Including things that represent your personal lifestyle in a nice touch. This truly is a kitchen style that is meant to reflect your personality.
Remember that this kitchen theme has really no restrictions. Anything that makes you think comfort and relaxation will be perfect!
