15 cottage kitchen ideas to transform your cooking space into a whimsical hideaway

Whether you're seeking kitchen ideas for your cottage renovation or simply prefer a touch of nostalgia to your interiors, cottage kitchen ideas are a must. Whimsical but perfectly functional, they can add character to your kitchen without losing sight of its main purpose.

With this in mind, we've rounded up 15 cottage kitchen ideas that offer practical solutions for dealing with often uneven or tricky features, as well as those that can help add a cottage-core vibe to a more modern setting.

So, dig out your best teapot, pour yourself a cup of tea, add a slice of cake and immerse yourself in the warm and cosy world of cottage kitchens.

Consider your layout carefully when choosing cottage kitchen ideas

As cottages are often smaller in size, if you aren't adding a kitchen extension of any kind, getting your cottage kitchen ideas right will mean paying special attention to your kitchen layout ideas.

“When designing a small kitchen, keep the kitchen sink, hob and fridge in mind to ensure ease of movement and efficiency," says Mike Whitfield, luxury interior expert at Lusso. "Ideally, these should form what's known as the kitchen triangle rule, with each area being easily accessible to the others. This work triangle layout reduces unnecessary movement and enhances a small space.

“Another option could be to break your cottage kitchen idea into key work zones," suggests Mike, "allowing your space to be more organised and efficient to use. Keep the kitchen sink and hob close together so you can easily move between tasks, and the fridge should be within easy reach of the prep area.”

Mike Whitfield

Mike Whitfield is an interiors expert and Head of Sales at Lusso. With over 10 years of experience in the luxury homeware sector, and nearly 20 years of experience in e-commerce and online sales, Mike possesses a great eye for interior design and stays up-to-date with the latest trends.

1. Colour drench in cream to lighten your cottage kitchen interior

If the task ahead of your involves finding a way to brighten a dark room, there are a number of techniques you can employ. Colour drenching – a popular interior design trick which involves using one colour across all surfaces – is perfect in smaller spaces in need of extra light.

And this cottage kitchen idea is a masterclass in the process. Walls, kitchen cabinets and tiles all in cream add light to the corner of the room. Scalloped tiles add a sense of character, while simple shaker style units, brass fittings, tap and open shelving all serve to create a cottage kitchen idea that's stylish, and yet perfectly simple at the same time.

If your space is also lacking in natural light and you're keen to avoid kitchen lighting mistakes, Emma Masters, founder of Emma Masters Interiors suggests the following. "Introduce layered lighting, such as under counter lighting, pendant lighting, downlights, and wall lights with dimmer switches, so there are no dark spaces to make the kitchen feel smaller - and so that the ambience of the kitchen can be adjusted depending on the time of day, or if you are hosting.”

2. Use open brick fireplaces to house a range cooker

When shopping for kitchen appliances for your cottage kitchen ideas, nothing says cottage or farmhouse kitchen more than one of the best range cookers. Be this an Aga or a more modern version, it's also the perfect space filler when you have an old open fireplace in your cottage that no longer serves its original purpose.

"Using natural materials in your kitchen, such as exposed brickwork, timber beams, or stone details keep the rustic feel that ties in perfectly with the rest of a cottage’s character," says Cassie Jones, brand manager at Masterclass Kitchens. Instead of opting to cover over features with new plaster, set about restoring and repointing your brickwork and make it one of the key focal points of your cottage kitchen idea.

Cassie Jones

Cassie Jones is the brand manager at British kitchen manufacturer Masterclass Kitchens. Crafting beautiful, functional spaces with nearly 50 years of expertise, their range includes timeless handled designs, modern handleless kitchens, and the Signature Collection, bespoke-style storage at an attainable price.

3. Cottage kitchen ideas are perfect for cafe style curtains

If you've ever wondered whether hanging curtains in a kitchen is a good idea or not, this cosy cottage kitchen idea confirms that the answer is absolutely yes.

"A cottage always needs some extra special textiles, so hanging some crisp white French linen up at the windows and throwing a vintage Liberty tablecloth on the table for special occasions will set the scene perfectly," is creative director at deVOL, Helen Parker's advice.

While allowing light to filter through from the internal window idea, the sheer cafe style curtains in this scheme also keep the kitchen private from the room on the other side, but pair perfectly with the copper worktops, natural wooden cabinet fronts and are fixed in place with simple gold cup hooks match the finish of the taps.

Helen Parker

Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL, has shaped the brand’s iconic, understated style over 13 years. Her passion for kitchen design and storytelling has elevated deVOL to a household name.

4. Switch up your window sizes when dealing with sloping thatched roofs

If you're undertaking a cottage renovation with a thatched roof, you may find yourself dealing with ceilings that have a sharper slope than normal. As well as making it trickier to add wall mounted kitchen cabinets, it can also impact on the types of windows you include in your design.

The great thing about cottage kitchen ideas is that they lend themselves towards a more mix and match approach – whether this involves structural elements such as windows or more temporary kitchen decor ideas.

These scheme ensures the view can still be seen when sat at the kitchen island by including small narrow windows at the lower end of the ceiling, while ensuring daylight enters the space via a more standard side window on a wall where height is less of an issue.

5. Use original features for built-in storage cupboards

While old, unused chimney breasts may initially appear as a barrier to kitchen storage ideas, with some clever touches they can instead house your storage in an effective way.

In the same way you can turn a chimney breast into a bookcase, you can also create a new cupboard with doors, providing an excellent spot for your cookery books, cookware or even crockery.

"While architectural features, such as beams, recesses and sloped ceilings can present challenges, they also offer opportunities to add character," says Cassie Jones. "Thoughtfully incorporate storage into nooks and alcoves to meet the demands of modern living and retain the charm of a traditional cottage."

6. Choose a contemporary palette of natural wood, textured materials and crisp white walls

For a more contemporary approach to cottage kitchen ideas, pair sharp white walls with wooden finishes, textures such as jute and wicker and delicately fluted glass pendant lighting for an end result that uses natural materials in a more modern way.

The key to getting the look in your cottage kitchen ideas just right? Careful consideration of every item you choose, says Helen Parker.

"A cottage kitchen is often small, so everything you put in it should be very carefully chosen, there is no room for nasty appliances or ill-considered pots and pans. You don't have much space, so make every vignette and surface look as beautiful as you can. Spend money on choosing things that are absolutely perfect and beautiful, never settle for ok in a cottage," says Helen, "or it will end up looking mismatched and messy."

7. Use a small portable kitchen island to avoid overcrowding in your cottage kitchen

If space is limited but you still yearn after small kitchen island ideas, consider a freestanding one instead that will give you extra worktop area without being a permanent feature.

Choose a design with similar materials or colours to the rest of your kitchen scheme and if storage is also limited, find one with cupboards or shelves below. And, although your finishes and materials may be more traditional in style, using the best kitchen extractor fan is an easy way to mix a modern stainless steel finish into the overall blend.

8. Create a cottage kitchen idea in a terraced house

Keen to bring some cottage-core into your terraced home? A kitchen can be the perfect environment to do so. If you're renovating a Victorian house, you may have found a fireplace in the kitchen area, giving you the perfect scope to add the range stove idea previously mentioned.

Add in a wooden farmhouse style door, butler sink, wooden shaker cabinetry and douse in a deep shade of blue for a warm and cosy feel. Create character with simple gallery walls, mix and match furniture and it's a touch of cottage-core without losing sight of the original character and time stamp of your home.

9. Extend your space with a cottage kitchen extension

Can't make your cottage kitchen work in its current size or shape? Why not extend outwards with a kitchen extension. Make the most of your views with large windows along the length of one wall, and include finishes that create a modern industrial feel that is perhaps reminiscent of a rural farm setting.

This large kitchen featuring the Millard design from Masterclass Kitchens, also includes an expansive kitchen island idea, perfect for family dinners or entertaining, while metal and black pendant lighting pairs perfectly with the wood and metal industrial style bar stools.

Once again, simple shaker doors and a panelled kitchen island base all speak of cottage-core in a subtle but effective way.

10. Freestanding furniture can help combat uneven walls

While freestanding or fitted kitchens can be a potential debate in many different styles of kitchen, in a cottage kitchen idea it may also be a necessary discussion for more practical reasons.

Older properties, particularly cottages, can often have uneven walls and floors making it more problematic to fit cupboards and shelves in place. Large gaps may need filling and wonky walls can make lining units up a little tricky.

Freestanding furniture on the other hand is often sturdy enough to stand alone, or at the most, requires fixing to a wall for safety purposes. But, it doesn't always have to be flush to the wall, making it more adaptable than a fitted kitchen.

11. Make your cottage kitchen sink the star of the show

“While kitchen sinks may sometimes be considered an afterthought in kitchen designs, they can make a real impact and be the finishing touch that brings a space together. With that in mind, no cottage-style kitchen is complete without a deep ceramic sink," says Mike Whitfield.

“Commonly known as country or farmhouse sinks, these timeless basins are scratch and stain-resistant, making them extremely durable and practical. They are also very visually appealing, making them the perfect centrepiece for traditional country-feel kitchens.

“These sinks are complemented perfectly with traditional-style kitchen taps with swan necks and matching levers," suggests Mike. "Opt for brushed or aged metal finishes to create a classic yet lived in sense of quality and charm.”

“The accompanying countertops are also really integral to tapping into the cottage aesthetic. Stone countertops, such as Carrara marble, are the perfect clean surface that makes a kitchen feel bright and airy," he adds. "As a natural material that has been used in homes for hundreds of years, they have a lot of classic appeal whilst still holding their ground today."

12. Use open shelving when ceilings are too low for wall cabinets

"If low ceilings make wall cabinets impractical, opt for open shelving to keep the space light and airy," says Cassie Jones, but take care not to overload them – especially if the rest of your aesthetic is clean and simple as shown in this cottage kitchen idea.

'Cottage kitchens are usually small with low ceilings, so keeping clutter to a minimum is key to keeping them feeling spacious and easy to work in," says Helen Parker.

In this pretty cottage kitchen idea, a freestanding unit with glass doors also helps to provides extra storage space, while a wooden dryer hangs above the window to maximise on sunlight and adds to the overall charm.

13. Embrace the eclectic nature of cottage kitchen ideas

If you tend to steer clear of the simple approach when it comes to your interior design, it could be to your advantage if you're considering cottage kitchen ideas.

"The charm of a cottage kitchen is often the quirky and eclectic mix of old and new that gives the feeling of a cosy and welcoming space," says Helen Parker.

"A vintage kitchen table and chairs are a must, all cottages need a spot for chatting and drinking tea and the ubiquitous jug of wildflowers.

"A pretty wall cupboard is another perfect choice," she adds, "include chipped paint and a little shabby finish, filled with a collection of your favourite hand-thrown mugs and you have set the scene for the perfect 'cottage holiday' hideaway.

"For me, shelves with a higgledy piggledy array of French porcelain bowls, books, and vintage glassware is the best way to create a feeling of a home that is more than just stylish, but a sign of a happy well-lived life," says Helen.

14. Mix and match traditional finishes with modern appliances

"Another way of embracing cottage charm," says Cassie Jones, "is by incorporating classic features like glazed cabinet doors, which soften the look and prevent the kitchen from feeling too top-heavy.

"Continue the theme of mixing modern and traditional," she continues, "by adding features, such as modern metro style tiles with decorative dressings, or farmhouse sinks and include modern cabinetry and appliances for a balanced look."

15. Use similar materials to soften the divide when extending or renovating

When extending or renovating a cottage to make it more of an open plan kitchen diner idea, one of the best ways to ensure a seamless flow between spaces is to use similar materials help join old and new.

In this example, large slabs of wood have been added to the breakfast bar idea, providing an obvious connection to the wooden beams left exposed in the kitchen ceiling. Simple cabinets are modernised with black handles matching the black legs of the barstools. A colour palette of greys and soft greens in both areas completes the scheme, neatly tying old and new into one cohesive space.

Seeking more cottage ideas? Find advice on increasing the size of your home with our guide to cottage extensions, and be inspired to update your washroom too, with these cottage bathroom ideas.