The cottagecore kitchen trend isn’t just a design style; it’s an entire lifestyle wrapped in warm nostalgia, earthy touches, and cozy living.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping tea from a chipped ceramic mug while sunlight streams through gingham curtains, you’re already halfway into the cottagecore universe.
This style is about slowing down, appreciating imperfections, and turning your kitchen into a welcoming haven.
1. Embrace Open Shelving
Closed cabinets may hide the clutter, but open shelving celebrates character. In cottagecore kitchens, showing off your mismatched teacups, vintage plates, and copper pots isn’t just allowed—it’s encouraged.
Open shelves make everything more accessible, and they give your kitchen an inviting, lived-in vibe.
Tip: Wooden shelves with visible grains pair beautifully with ceramic jars or glass canisters filled with flour, oats, or herbs. It feels like a scene straight out of a 19th-century farmhouse.
2. Incorporate Natural Wood
Natural wood finishes are the backbone of cottagecore kitchens. Whether it’s butcher-block countertops, oak cabinets, or even a simple pine stool, the presence of wood warms up the space instantly. Unlike sleek modern designs, the goal here isn’t perfection—it’s charm.
Personal note: I once swapped my glossy countertops for a solid wood surface, and while it did require regular oiling, the cozy factor shot through the roof.
3. Add a Farmhouse Sink
The farmhouse sink, also called an apron-front sink, is practically a cottagecore badge of honor. It’s deep, wide, and perfect for washing bulky pots or a big harvest of garden vegetables. Besides being practical, it anchors the kitchen visually, making it feel timeless.
Statistics back this up—according to Houzz’s 2024 kitchen trends study, farmhouse sinks remain among the top 5 requested features for kitchen remodels.
4. Display Copper Cookware
Copper pans hanging from a ceiling rack or neatly arranged on a shelf instantly whisper “countryside living.” They’re not only functional but also age gracefully, developing a patina that tells their story. In fact, professional chefs still swear by copper’s ability to conduct heat evenly.
Pro tip: If real copper feels pricey, vintage thrift stores often have affordable finds, or you can even opt for copper-colored finishes.
5. Use Gingham and Floral Textiles
Textiles make or break the cottagecore look. Gingham curtains, floral tablecloths, and embroidered dish towels add softness and charm. They’re inexpensive, easy to switch out, and give your kitchen a handmade touch.
Playful metaphor: Think of them as the “outfits” your kitchen wears—sometimes a dainty floral dress, other times a cozy plaid sweater.
6. Grow Herbs Indoors
What’s more cottagecore than pots of basil, thyme, or mint perched on your windowsill? Indoor herbs are not only pretty but also practical—you’ll always have fresh garnishes within arm’s reach.
Studies show that 60% of home cooks report higher satisfaction when cooking with herbs they grew themselves. It’s the ultimate small joy with big returns.
7. Add Vintage Cabinets and Dressers
Not every kitchen needs brand-new cabinetry. Repurposed furniture, like an old dresser turned into a kitchen island or a hutch repainted in cream, adds layers of character. Scratches and chips aren’t flaws—they’re proof of history.
A friend once found a chipped cabinet at a flea market for $40, painted it sage green, and it became the star of her kitchen. That’s cottagecore magic.
8. Install a Pot Rack
Hanging pot racks above the island or stove area maximize storage while looking charmingly rustic. They also free up cabinet space and make your cookware feel like part of the décor.
For a true cottage feel, opt for wrought iron or weathered wood racks instead of sleek modern ones.
9. Bring in Stone or Brick Accents
Exposed brick walls, stone backsplashes, or rustic tiles add a rugged, earthy backdrop to the softness of floral textiles and wood. These textures make the space feel grounded and authentic.
Fun fact: Homes with exposed brick kitchens tend to sell 15% faster than average, according to Realtor.com, because buyers associate them with warmth and durability.
10. Layer in Cozy Lighting
Forget cold, white LEDs. Cottagecore thrives under warm lighting—think vintage pendants, lantern-inspired sconces, or even string lights draped across open beams. Lighting is the mood-setter here.
Personal tip: I replaced one overhead light with two small wall sconces, and suddenly my kitchen felt like a scene from a Jane Austen novel.
11. Use Pastel and Earthy Colors
Color choices set the tone. Muted greens, buttery yellows, dusty blues, and soft creams are cottagecore staples. These colors reflect the natural world and create a calming environment.
According to color psychology, soft greens are linked to relaxation and harmony—perfect for a kitchen where you spend time unwinding with food.
12. Collect and Display Ceramics
Mismatched mugs, clay bowls, and handmade plates give a kitchen soul. In cottagecore design, ceramics are like trophies of a simple, creative life. Display them openly on shelves or in a glass-front cabinet.
A personal favorite: chipped teapots found at yard sales. Each has a story, and collectively, they turn shelves into a visual diary.
13. Add a Wood-Burning Stove
Not every home can accommodate one, but if you can, a wood-burning stove adds unmatched cottage charm. Even if it’s just decorative, it brings an old-world touch that makes your kitchen feel like a retreat from modern chaos.
Practical note: Modern versions combine classic looks with efficiency and safety, making them easier to maintain.
14. Create a Pantry Nook
A walk-in or open pantry lined with glass jars, baskets, and crates channels old-fashioned charm. It’s like stepping into your grandmother’s storeroom every time you fetch flour.
Stat: Organized pantries have been shown to reduce food waste by up to 30%, because you can actually see what you own. That’s both charming and practical.
15. Mix in Handmade Crafts
Handwoven baskets, macrame pot holders, or embroidered runners make your kitchen personal. Cottagecore celebrates imperfection, so anything handmade (by you or local artisans) fits right in.
It’s like giving your kitchen a heartbeat—it shows human hands were here, creating and caring.
16. Add Window Seats or Breakfast Nooks
If space allows, a cozy breakfast nook with a bench or window seat adds storybook charm. It turns mealtime into an intimate ritual, not just a pit stop.
Personal anecdote: I once visited a friend’s cottage where the kitchen nook overlooked her garden. Breakfast there felt more like an event than a routine.
17. Use Antique Hardware
Don’t overlook the details. Swap out sleek, modern handles for antique brass, porcelain knobs, or wrought iron pulls. Small touches like this instantly transform plain cabinets into cottagecore treasures.
It’s proof that sometimes the tiniest details have the biggest impact.
18. Add Woven and Natural Materials
Incorporate wicker baskets, rattan chairs, and jute rugs to bring in texture. These materials tie the kitchen back to nature and balance out harder surfaces like stone or wood.
Bonus: baskets also double as functional storage for linens, fruits, or potatoes.
19. Display Cookbooks and Recipe Cards
Stacked cookbooks with dog-eared pages or recipe cards scribbled in messy handwriting give your kitchen soul. In a cottagecore kitchen, the display of these items is not clutter—it’s storytelling.
One of the most charming things I’ve ever seen was a wall lined with clipboards holding handwritten recipes, like a gallery of family traditions.
Conclusion
Designing a cottagecore kitchen isn’t about spending a fortune or chasing perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels lived-in, loved, and deeply personal.
Whether you start small with gingham curtains and herb pots or go all out with a farmhouse sink and brick backsplash, every choice adds a thread to the tapestry of your home.
About James
James founded HomeUpgradeLab & was sharing his experiences to fix issues related to bathroom and toilet fixtures & fittings. Read to know more about James Hill & how he started this blog.