Cottage kitchen quandary; please help. I’m looking for inspiration
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I’ve downsized and have been working on my new home; a cottage in the woods, since August. If interested I can post before shots but basically where I’m at now is the wall leading to the utility room with the ladder (necessary for access to the attic). The list of what would be useful here includes more counter space, book shelves, a beverage fridge? Something decorative? But I didn’t want a full depth kitchen counter or it will block hall access. I love following how you all jump in with such varied and cool ideas and I’m currently stumped.
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- 3 years ago
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I'm stumped...please help!
Comments (12)Sorry for the big delay in getting back to everyone. We are having a snow day here and I miss my computer time when the kids are around. : ) What great ideas! Fondant, I am especially intrigued by your first post, but can't quite visualize it. If I took down the wall all the way to the fridge and removed my island (both of which are pretty easy to do) what would we do with the big space? Also, after bmore's post yesterday I went through the whole evening imagining flipping my kitchen and bfast area....way too much to add on to this remodel but I stood in my kitchen dreaming of what the space could be. Maybe fondant's idea can help me stretch into the bfast area with out moving the mechanicals? I probably could reverse the swing of the door into the outdoor living if need be. The windows in the bfast area are large and low to the floor, just 24.5" to their trim fyi. And, rhome, I would really love bar AND table seating. We are big on family mealtime at the table but would like the bar seating for snacks and projects for my girls and hangout space for others when entertaining. We are awaiting permits to begin phase 1 so I have a bit of time, since the kitchen area will be mostly a diy add-on to the contractors big work (taking down the walls, etc.). Oh, I am so happy that you all have given me a helping hand with this! It is REALLY opening up my mind to other possibilities. Sandy...See MorePlease help with updating my outdated coastal cottage kitchen
Comments (9)Have you considered prefab formica countertops in a neutral color? They are not too expensive and would have a big impact on your kitchen. They are not granite but they would probably look less dated than what you already have. Another inexpensive option is butcher block. I did a tumbled travertine backsplash with my pickled oak. I know its a cliche but the travertine has a mixture of tans and greys that pulls different colors together without making the cabinets look pink. An accent color that worked for me is terra cotta. You need to stay away from pinky tones which bring out the pink in the cabinets, but sometimes if you go with a stronger color, the cabinets will look neutral in comparison. New knobs for the cabinets made a surprising difference. I went with an oil rubbed bronze finish. Knobs really dress up the cabinets. Try some knobs with interesting shapes to draw your eye to the knobs and away from the cabinets. Fancy knobs can be quite expensive but you could use just a few for the focal point cabinets and use coordinating but cheaper and simpler ones for the rest of the kitchen....See MoreWhite cottage kitchen - light above sink help please
Comments (19)Fori, yes, the cat towel holder is staying . . thanks for the reminder! I totally forgot about that being black. Lots of votes for the lace curtain . . if I keep it, I have to hem that curtain! EAM44, thank you! I do like the suggestion of switching out the fan for a schoolhouse globe style and I love that pendand choice. DH said he can try to put the light on the wall provided there is no stud dead center but if I do put it in the ceiling, I was worried about it being too much and it being too close together. I do love the shutter idea and that may work. I considered those for my living room as we live right on top of our neighbors; however, the cats like to look out the window. The kitchen window is the only window they can't get too (well in a perfect world . . . ) Localeater, my sentiments exactly. I have this concern that I don't want it to look like a bath fixture but there are so many pretty lights to choose from. True, how often do you look straight up but I am tall and there are cabs on either side of the sink that I will access on a regular basis. It's almost a shame for the ceiling fan but we definitely need it. Shelayne, what a pretty fixture! Is the 8 inches the length/height (up and down) of the shade or the width (left to right)? Desertsteph, I'm so wrapped up in the countertop selection that I totally forgot I could change the shades on the fan and I think I will! Thanks. Annie, ooh! Very pretty! Thanks for the picture! We have way too many choices!...See MoreWhere do you draw inspiration from in your cottage garden design?
Comments (9)Thx just having fun learning with shovel and compost and sharing as I go. I've had just 1 year to work on my yard. In 3-4 might set up a website to feature it just for sharing ideas for others. Not a large yard. Just seems large because of the design principles I am testing now. Yes indeed cottage style with lush subtropical effects too via "zone pushing tricks". i post regularly in Instagram under "alteredspace" name. I literally like altering my yard space visually and internal self space via hiking in PNW. The style of gardens you might like are featured in how to design style in the old Readers Digest gardening book "A Garden for All Seasons". They teach the evolved design of UK style Cottages Gardens where 2 to 4 season changes of interest are arranged in the same and often limited space. Tbe book is out of print now but can still get them on Amazon used, at great price. A few minutes ago I went outside to start digging again and a rain squall hit. The pond fish thought it might be a 2nd breakfast hitting their surface and became quite active. So went into the Gazebo and threw them a little more Cold Season pond food and desided to check messages. There's 15+ fish Comets and Koi and some have become larger than legal trout keeper size. Were all small a year ago. Nice quite moment here with the rain sounds, thinking about what's next to install....See More- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoWhy not look for an antique jelly cabinet to put on the wall right of the bedroom door? It can provide closed storage and will fit right in to your little kitchen. Agree about pull down stairs to access the attic. Then you can go back to the little art gallery on the wall perpendicular to the utility room.
Heather Brookes thanked decoenthusiaste- 3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago
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Heather BrookesOriginal Author