Charming Cottage Kitchen Makeover

Before: Minor Repairs Turn Major

A leaky pipe and a little mold problem turned into a total kitchen renovation for Brittany, of Pretty Handy Girl blog, and her husband. Do-it-yourself labor and smart shopping helped the homeowners save a huge chunk of change on the room's cheery cottage transformation.

After: New Point of View

Swathed in a sparkling blue-and-white color scheme, this 21x12-foot kitchen was rebuilt from the studs out. The biggest change? Removing a peninsula that blocked traffic flow as well as the view through the bay window. The airy space is now bright and open with gorgeous cottage details displayed throughout.

Bright and Sunny

An enlarged window above the sink allows plenty of sunlight to stream into the cottage kitchen. An apron-front sink and oil-rubbed bronze faucet contribute vintage appeal. A marble-tile backsplash, installed by the homeowner, shimmers against pale blue base cabinetry.

• Before-and-After Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover

Rustic Patina

Wood shelves paired with painted and distressed corbels provide pretty display shelving. Look for the scrolling brackets at flea markets and secondhand stores for beautiful budget storage with cottage style.

Fresh Focal Point

The range wall becomes the center of attention thanks to a delicate marble backsplash and custom range hood designed and built by the homeowner. Oil-rubbed bronze cup pulls on base cabinetry and glass inserts on upper cabinets instill the essence of classic cottage design.

Homemade Hood

Plenty of crown molding and painted distressed wood panels make a style statement on the DIY range hood. The blue-and-gray boards form a chevron motif that continues on the floor and the side of a nearby command center.

• Get more details on this project!

Dedicated Details

A sheet of geometric marble tiles adds dramatic texture and pattern to the cottage kitchen without the use of color. Mitered tiles of the same marble shade frame the range accent and provide a convenient spot for spices.

Luxury for Less

The new entertaining zone and prep station, outfitted with a recycled-glass countertop, includes a built-in microwave and plenty of storage for food and paper goods. Framing a standard-depth refrigerator with cabinetry makes it look like an expensive built-in.

Cozy Seating

Despite having to move a register to make it happen, a new window seat provides comfy mealtime seating and storage. The dining table and chairs were found on Craiglist and updated with a distressed paint treatment and patterned seat covers. The homeowner installed the charming chevron cork floor tiles herself.

Cottage Command Center

One corner of the cottage kitchen features a planning desk that boosts functionality. A secondhand desk became the stylish writing surface; the shelving unit above it was made from an old folding tabletop. A farmhouse-style pendant allows for late-night organization.

Design a Cottage Kitchen

Get inspired to add cottage style to your own kitchen with our simple tips!