Essential Cottagecore Kitchen Items: 10 Must-Haves

full view of kitchen cottagecore style

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The essential items for a cottagecore kitchen design are both beautiful and practical. In this article, we’ll explore ten great items (plus a bonus) that are easy to implement. From wicker baskets to copper pots, we’ll see how to place these items and utilize them in the best way to fit a cozy, nostalgic cottagecore kitchen.

1. Wicker Basket

wicker basket in the woods

Wicker baskets, with their woven texture, add a contrast to the smooth surfaces of a kitchen, embodying the simplicity and warmth of rural living. You can use them for organizing fruits, vegetables, or pantry staples, creating a tidy and accessible space. Smaller baskets are ideal for tidying up kitchen essentials like utensils or spices, while larger ones can be showcased on countertops or shelves, filled with dried flowers or linens, creating that cottagecore look we are looking for.

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2. Copper pots and pans

kitchen with copper pots hanging

Another big classic and an instant upgrader – copper cooking utensils. Copper’s warm, reddish hue adds a vintage and rustic touch, complementing the hand-crafted, artisanal vibe that is central to cottagecore. Hanging them on a pot rack or displaying them on open shelves can make the kitchen feel more personal and curated. To maintain the beauty, don’t forget to take proper care.  

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3. Wooden Boards

wooden boards kitchen

Each board, with its unique grain and texture, serves not only as a functional tool but also as a piece of decor, adding a natural, earthy element that enhances the rustic elements of the space. In a cottagecore kitchen, displaying functionality is key, whether they’re hung on open shelves or lean upward on the counter. For more cottagecore kitchen intstallation ideas, like open shelves, visit my post here.

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4. Glass Jars Produce

Glass jars are more than just containers, and their overall look can add a lot of character to your kitchen. So instead of hiding them in the cupboard, show them off! Cottagecore is more than a design, it’s a lifestyle, and the glass jars could be a great way to encourage you to engage in activities like making jams and other preserves.

However, even if you lack the time or inclination for such activities, storing dry food and herbs in them is a fantastic alternative. And for the final touch – simply adding a bonnet to the jars upgrades the entire look!

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5. Plants/ Herb Garden

herb garden kitchen

Another important element in cottagecore is the connection to nature, and incorporating it into the kitchen will instantly elevate the space. You can achieve this by adding houseplants, arranging freshly cut flowers, and, of course, creating your own home-herb garden.

In the spirit of utilizing mason jars, you can grow herbs in them, bringing a touch of greenery indoors. Alternatively, another idea for herbs is to hang a vertical herb garden on the kitchen wall, maximizing space while adding a delightful visual element to the room.

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6. Vintage Looking Electronics

smeg kettle on a kitchen counter

When it comes to creating a cottagecore kitchen, vintage-looking electronics not only enhances the visual appeal of the kitchen but also contributes to the overall ambiance of warmth and nostalgia. From retro-style refrigerators and toasters to colorful stand mixers and kettles, each piece adds a touch of vintage to the kitchen, serving as both functional tools and decorative accents.

Brands like Smeg specialize in appliances that effortlessly blend retro design with cutting-edge technology, making them ideal additions to any cottagecore-inspired space.

7. Pictures

kitchen shelves wooden boards, pictures frames

The great aspect of having pictures in the kitchen is that we don’t even have to bother with hanging them; their appearance is also effortlessly natural as they lean on a shelf.

I find that in the kitchen it’s actually the small, vintage pictures with cute and special frames that create the magic. Integrating a number of pictures creates an eclectic touch in the best way. The subjects of the artwork can be random, strive to align them with the vibe and energy in your kitchen, selecting visuals that best match the ambiance.

Here are some great finds to start you off:

8. Checkered/ Gingham Tablecloths

A checkered or gingham tablecloth is a clever addition to a cottagecore kitchen. Sticking to pastel tablecloth helps avoid an Italian restaurant vibe, achieving the desired effect of countryside wormth. It effortlessly blends with spaces featuring cottagecore elements, and beyond its nostalgic appeal, it’s practical and versatile.

9. Bread Box

Traditionally crafted from wood or metal, these containers were used to keep loaves of bread fresh and protected from moisture and pests. This vintage jam could be a great addition in adding this extra cottage touch. Also, If you’re not a fan of its original purpose, you can always use it to store other stuff.

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10. Vintage Rare (and Random!) Finds

kitchen cabinet with many vintage items

Vintage findings, such as an old kitchen scale, antique butter churn, or hand-cranked coffee grinder, add a unique and authentic charm to a cottagecore kitchen. These unexpected treasures, often found at flea markets or antique shops, bring a sense of history and nostalgia to the space.

Incorporating these original objects, which you might not initially consider, creates a distinctive and personalized decor that sets your kitchen apart. Display them on an open shelf, or hang them on a wall and enjoy as they tell a story, connecting you to the past and enriching your cottagecore experience.

11. Bonus Tip: Display those Old Cookbooks!

a pile of cookbooks

even though we use technology to find recipes, it’s time to dig out these old cookbooks and display them proudly! The look of books and better yet, if you have a recipe notebook will add to the homely, cozy look that is so recognized with the cottagecore.

Final Thoughts

For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Creating a cottagecore-inspired kitchen is more than just decorating; it’s about cultivating a space that resonates with simplicity, warmth, and a connection to nature. In embracing these elements, a cottagecore kitchen becomes more than just a place to cook; and has the potential to becomes a place of comfort, creativity, and beauty.

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