As a designer for Motifspace, I’ve seen firsthand how a small kitchen can be the perfect canvas for a cottage retreat. My name is Amanda Green, and I believe that transforming a kitchen into a charming, lived-in space is all about blending cozy style with practical solutions.
A cottage kitchen style proves that you don’t need a massive footprint to achieve a beautiful and highly functional design. It’s a style that thrives on personal touches and clever use of every inch, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and utterly timeless.
For this article, I’ve gathered my favorite ideas and broken down some of the costs, because a great small kitchen design doesn’t have to break the bank.
1. The Classic Farmhouse Sink
A deep, wide farmhouse or apron-front sink is the ultimate statement piece for a cottage kitchen. While a new high-end model can be expensive, you can often find vintage or salvaged sinks for a fraction of the price.
The average cost for a professional farmhouse sink installation can range from $500 to $1,000, but a DIY installation can save you significant money.
2. Open Shelving Instead of Cabinets
This is a design trend that is both beautiful and practical for a small space. Open shelving makes a kitchen feel larger and provides a perfect place to display your favorite dishes, glassware, and decor. For a rustic touch, you can even use reclaimed wood shelves.
- A single reclaimed wood shelf costs around $150 to $200 from suppliers in places like Chicago, while a professional installation can range from $250 to $500.
- You can also find high-quality floating shelf kits for under $100.
3. A Mini Kitchen Island or Cart
A full-size island isn’t practical, but a small kitchen island or rolling cart is a game-changer. It provides extra counter space, storage, and can be moved around as needed. This is a must-have for a highly functional small kitchen.
4. White or Pastel-Colored Cabinets
Light-colored cabinets, especially in creamy whites, soft blues, or pale greens, are a hallmark of cottage style. They reflect light, making a small kitchen feel brighter and more open.
If you have an existing set of cabinets, a fresh coat of paint is one of the most impactful and budget-friendly projects you can do.
5. Subway Tile Backsplash
A simple subway tile backsplash provides a clean, classic backdrop that complements the cottage aesthetic perfectly. The best part? It’s incredibly affordable.
- Materials for a basic white subway tile backsplash can be as low as $1 to $5 per square foot.
- A professional installation for an average small kitchen backsplash can range from $480 to $1,500 in total, including labor and materials. A DIY project can keep the total cost under $200. For more information on this, check out our guide to small-bathroom-ideas as well as our article on black-and-white-kitchen-ideas.
6. A Vintage Appliance
If your budget allows, a vintage or retro-style appliance, such as a pastel-colored refrigerator, can add a playful and nostalgic touch. Many modern brands are now selling retro-inspired appliances that offer the look of the past with the efficiency of today.
7. Classic Beadboard Paneling
Instead of a traditional backsplash, consider installing beadboard on the lower half of your walls. It instantly adds a quaint, cottage feel and is a great way to hide imperfections. Beadboard panels are affordable and relatively easy for a competent DIYer to install.
8. Exposed Wood Beams
Whether you use reclaimed wood or create faux beams from lightweight materials, this is a beautiful way to add architectural interest. To see more inspiration on this, read our article on cheap-wood-ceiling-ideas.
9. A Pegboard Wall
A simple pegboard wall offers an organizational solution that is both practical and charming. Hang your pots, pans, and kitchen tools for easy access. It’s a great way to showcase your kitchenware and free up valuable cabinet space.
10. Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block is a warm, natural, and surprisingly affordable countertop material. It’s easy to install and can be a fantastic DIY project. It’s a perfect fit for the cozy, lived-in feel of a cottage kitchen.
11. Wall-Mounted Plate Racks
If you have a collection of beautiful plates, a wall-mounted rack is a wonderful way to display them. This traditional cottage feature not only frees up cabinet space but also adds a lot of visual appeal.
12. Mix-and-Match Cabinet Pulls
Instead of a single, uniform look, try using a mix of different pulls and knobs. Look for unique vintage pieces at flea markets or online to create a truly one-of-a-kind look.
13. A Skirted Sink or Cabinet
Covering the space below your sink with a simple fabric curtain or a “skirt” is a quintessential cottage detail. It adds a soft texture, hides plumbing or storage, and provides a charming, rustic feel.
14. An Antique Light Fixture
Don’t forget about lighting. A vintage-inspired light fixture or an antique chandelier can become the jewelry of your small kitchen, pulling the whole cottage look together.
15. The Cozy Breakfast Nook
If your small kitchen has a spare corner, a built-in banquette with storage underneath is an excellent space-saving solution. Add a small table and some cushions to create a cozy breakfast nook. See how to create your own by reading our guide on diy-banquette-seating-ideas.
16. Vintage-Style Faucet
A classic bridge faucet or a model with porcelain handles can completely change the look of a sink area. These can be found at a wide range of price points, from high-end brands to affordable replicas online.
17. The DIY Plate Rack
A simple DIY plate rack can be made from a few pieces of wood and a dowel. You can paint it to match your cabinets or leave it natural for a rustic feel. This is a great weekend project that can be completed for under $50.
18. Hanging Pots and Pans
Similar to the pegboard idea, a simple rack for hanging pots and pans can free up precious cabinet space and add a functional yet stylish element. This look is perfect for a cozy cottage kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main elements of a cottage kitchen?
A cottage kitchen is defined by its charm, warmth, and a lived-in feel. Key elements include: a mix of open and closed storage, light color palettes, natural materials like wood, and vintage or vintage-inspired accents.
How can I make my kitchen look like a cottage on a budget?
Focus on DIY projects that have a big impact. Paint your cabinets, install a subway tile backsplash yourself, add a few reclaimed wood shelves, and swap out your hardware for a vintage look. These small changes can completely transform the space. You can get more information about this in our diy-kitchen-ideas article.
What is the average cost to remodel a small kitchen into a cottage style?
The cost of a small kitchen remodel can vary widely based on location and the extent of the work. For a budget-friendly refresh, you can spend as little as $5,000 to $10,000. However, a more comprehensive remodel in a high-cost city like New York or Los Angeles can range from $9,000 to $25,000 or more for essential updates.
Conclusion
Creating a small cottage kitchen is about embracing simplicity and character. By focusing on smart storage solutions, classic finishes, and unique, personal touches, you can design a space that feels both timeless and entirely your own. I encourage you to mix and match these ideas to create a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also a true reflection of your unique style.
