The kitchen will always be the heart of the home, but that becomes extra evident with cottage style design. The modern cottage style kitchen blends rustic or vintage elements with contemporary touches, creating both warmth and style at the same time. If you’re looking to update your kitchen with this trendy style, here are some top ideas that may inspire you in your next project!
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1. Neutral Color Palettes and Soft Dusty Tones
Modern cottage style kitchens often have soft, neutral color palettes that create a cozy and calming atmosphere. Think creamy whites and subtle warm beiges and grays, often complemented by earthy tones like sage green or a dusty blue/green.
For a modern look opt for two-tone cabinetry—a natural wood stain for the lower cabinets and a creamy white tone above. Or white cabinets above and sage green lowers works too! You could even choose to do both white uppers and lowers and then have a natural wood stained island. Rift sawn white oak wood is a timeless yet popular choice.
2. Natural Materials for a Rustic Touch
Wooden beams, butcher block countertops, and white oak wood islands are popular choices for natural wood elements. To balance the rustic charm consider having a more current-trend white stone countertop – quartz is manmade and quite durable, it comes in many different beautiful shades.
3. Farmhouse Sinks Aren’t Just for the Farmhouse
Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron-front sinks, are a must for a cozy cottage kitchen. These come in many different material variation but the classic look will always be in the color white.
Pair your farmhouse sink with a faucet in a brushed brass, nickel, or matte black finish to complete the look.
Bridge Kitchen Faucet with Pull-Down Sprayhead
Single Handle Brass Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
4. Open Shelving for Display and Functionality
Open shelving is a trend that’s been popular for over a decade now – it appears to be here to stay. It’s a practical way to store your beautiful, everyday essentials that otherwise would be hidden behind a cabinet. Natural wooden shelves can be used to showcase ceramic or wooden bowls, glass jars, and small potted plants – whether faux or real.
Just note that the items on these shelves will get dustier than they would if they were hidden in a cabinet.
5. Statement Lighting
Lighting sets the tone in a room, both figuratively and literally. When looking for lighting to go above the island you can choose subtle fixtures with glass globes or go for a bolder look with an oversized brass pendant. I prefer bulbs with 3500K tones for a clean and fresh yet soft warm look to the room.
Layer your lighting with under-cabinet lighting or recessed lights above to ensure the space is both functional and inviting.
6. Vintage-Inspired Hardware
Hardware choices are small details that can make a big impact in a modern cottage style kitchen. Choose cabinet pulls and knobs in brass, matte black, or nickel. And remember, you can always easily replace these later if you don’t feel like splurging or if you want a different look later!
1 3/4″ Brass Large Brass Cabinet Knobs
7. Choosing Appliances
Some may opt for the classic stainless steel appliances (I mean you really can’t go wrong there) but for others that want a more cottage feel look for appliances with brass handles and knobs. There are some beautiful options these days that offer the vintage look but still have modern convenience, the perfect combo.
8. Patterned Tiles for a Splash of Personality
Backsplashes that continue the counter material up the wall or a neutral tile offer great backsplash solutions for your modern cottage style kitchen. For a trendy look that feels timeless choose tiles that look handmade, they offer slight variation in color and add more subtle texture to the kitchen space.
For tile, use a vertical stacked pattern, a herringbone pattern, or a classic layered subway tile pattern. The vertical stacked pattern is the current trend and can be used with both square and rectangular tiles.
9. Island Barstool Seating
Choosing your barstools can feel like an overwhelming feat, there are so many options in so many different colors and textiles these days. I opt for simple, natural wood stools that may or may not have a cushion. Choose one with a woven back design or neutral cushions for a slight pop of texture in the space.
Upholstered Wood and Cane Stool
10. Cozy Neutral Decor
To complete the space use neutral and natural textiles and textures (say that 5 times fast). Choose neutral textile runner rugs to go between your island and range, potted greenery on your shelves, and framed vintage art on the counter or wall. Think of everything on your counter as decor, like wooden cutting boards, a mortar and pestle, a recipe box, canisters, and even wooden spoons in a crock. These features can be both practical and beautiful if done correctly.
Framed Canvas Cottage Vintage Art
My Final Thoughts
Modern cottage style kitchens beautifully combine the best of both worlds to me: the classic charm of traditional design and the clean, updated lines of contemporary style. By incorporating natural materials, soft colors, and thoughtful details, you can create a kitchen that’s as cozy and inviting as it is stylish. Whether you’re taking on a full kitchen renovation (I salute you) or simply updating a few elements here and there, hopefully these trends can offer plenty of inspiration to make your dream kitchen finally a reality.
Do you love to cook? Leave a comment saying what your favorite dish to make in your kitchen is!
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