The Unspoken Rule Of Styling A Cottage Kitchen That Doesn't Feel Cramped

Cottage kitchens are supposed to feel warm, welcoming, and personal, but it's easy to make a room feel cramped instead. A key mindset is knowing what to leave out and what to bring in. This means that you should be intentional with how you use the limited space while focusing on form and function and avoiding over-decorating the space.

A cozy cottage aesthetic often involves soft furnishings and vintage furniture and trends that we'd love to see come back. However, those small details need to be strategically placed. Remember, when your counter space is taken up by many small things, it leads to a cluttered feeling. Instead, focus on balance. For example, if your upper shelving displays cups and bowls, keep the lower cabinetry minimal and clean.

To keep the cozy kitchen feeling, clever kitchen storage hacks are a great solution. You can do this by adding wraparound hooks for utensils, turning a drawer into a pantry, and using under-shelf wicker baskets to tuck away loose items while maintaining a cozy vibe. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce visual clutter while still keeping everything within easy reach. Although proper storage plays a vital role in all of this, color, texture, and lighting can take things a step further.

The color palette in a cottage kitchen plays a bigger role than what you'd likely assume. Utilizing a proper color palette can help keep the space feeling airy and expansive, regardless of how small the space may be. A combination of earthy tones can invoke a sense of coziness and openness. In addition, mixing in neutral colors can create an airy feeling while darker shades offer comfort.

Textures can also affect our perception of space. Moreover, texture is perceived by sight and touch. Objects made of natural wood grain often create a sense of relaxation and space through their smooth surface. Additionally, light fabrics provide a sense of softness and luxury.

Lastly, don't forget about lighting. After all, too much light can make your kitchen look quite jarring. Rather, use a mix of under-cabinet lighting and natural light where possible to keep things bright and inviting. In general, a well-lit room feels more spacious, and it helps highlight all the thought that went into its cozy design. By being mindful of organization, space, color, and light, you can have the perfect cozy-but-not-cluttered cottage kitchen.