Legal Information: Soffio Vintage is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
If you’re looking to transform your kitchen into a cozy, inviting space reminiscent of a countryside cottage, you’re in the right place. The following five upgrades, plus a bonus idea, involve installations that elevate your kitchen to a new level of cottagecore charm. While these changes might require a bit of DIY know-how, they are easier to implement than you might think and bring about a nostalgic transformation.
Table of Contents:
1. Vintage Lighting
Vintage lighting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also complements the overall cottagecore theme by incorporating elements of history and nostalgia. The warm, soft light they emit makes your kitchen feel more intimate and welcoming, ideal for creating this cottagecore homely environment.
My top picks:
- 4 Arms Dining Room Light: https://amzn.to/3yNaM73
- Black Chandelier, 6-Light Farmhouse: https://amzn.to/3KtLhtS
- Chandelier with Linen Shade: https://amzn.to/3VuCVsr
- Lamomo Semi Flush Mount Ceiling: https://amzn.to/4aQAODq
2. Open Shelves
Unlike the minimalist design that wishes to hide clutter behind closed doors, open shelves offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They provide easy access to your kitchen essentials while allowing you to display beautiful dishware, vintage jars, handmade pottery and so much more. This openness adds a sense of lived-in, authentic feel. The exposed nature of open shelving aligns perfectly with the cottagecore ethos of making utility a thing of beauty.
My top picks:
- Bestier Pipe Shelf Floating Shelving: https://amzn.to/3VtAshK
- Shelves with Brackets: https://amzn.to/3X9joPa
- Solid Oak Floating Shelves: https://amzn.to/3RgJigq
3. Lace/Floral Curtains
Lace or floral curtains always felt to me like a classic, trademark piece in the cottagecore design. They diffuse light beautifully, and add a soft touch to any space. Curtains with floral prints or intricate lacework evoke a sense of nostalgia and countryside feeling.
My top picks:
- Lace Cafe Curtains: https://amzn.to/4c68qyb
- 3 Piece Linen Kitchen Window: https://amzn.to/3VsHEdS
- Floral Green Kitchen Cafe Curtains: https://amzn.to/45dlXSu
4. Mug Wall Rack
Similarly to the open shelves, a mug wall rack is both practical and decorative. It keeps your favorite mugs within easy reach and serves as a display piece. It makes use of vertical space, which is often underutilized, and brings an element of charm and personalization to your kitchen.
My top picks:
- Coffee Mug Holder Wall: https://amzn.to/4ecLizV
- 3 Tier Mug Tree Holder Rack: https://amzn.to/4eb6CGg
- Rustic Wood Coffee Cup Holder Mug Rack: https://amzn.to/3wRMKao
5. Spice Rack
A spice rack, especially one with a vintage or rustic design, is a fantastic addition to a cottagecore kitchen. It keeps your spices organized and easily accessible, while also adding a decorative element. Displaying your spices in glass jars or vintage containers enhances the aesthetic appeal and brings a touch of old-world charm.
To further enhance the vintage look, consider using other wooden pieces that aren’t traditionally made for the kitchen but can be repurposed to create a unique, nostalgic atmosphere. Items like antique wooden crates, vintage wooden toolboxes, or old wooden shelves can be mounted on your kitchen walls to store spices, utensils, or even cookbooks.
My top picks:
- Nursery Room Shelves Set of 2: https://amzn.to/3yM0TpX
- Bernese 12-Slot Rustic Wood: https://amzn.to/458z5ID
- 3 Tier Vintage Display Shelf: https://amzn.to/4bJq5MA
- 3 Tier Bamboo Spice Rack: https://amzn.to/3V8UYmj
6. Bonus: Cupboard Curtains
Replacing cupboard doors with curtains is a quintessential cottagecore touch. It might seem at first very particular and out of reach, but by dislo cating a cupboard door and replacing it with a curtain is all it takes to achieve that incredible countryside design. It softens the look of your kitchen, adds texture, and creates a cozy, handmade, old-world feel. Curtains can be easily changed, allowing you to refresh your kitchen’s look with different patterns and colors.
My top picks:
- Tassel Curtain Valance for Kitchen Cabinet: https://amzn.to/3V9hXxQ
- 2 Panels Linen Kitchen Curtains: https://amzn.to/3VqqkWW
- Linen Buffalo Plaid Cafe Curtains: https://amzn.to/3yIMHxU
Basic DIY Tips and Installation Insights
While these upgrades might seem challenging, they are quite manageable with a bit of guidance and the right tools. Here are some basic tips and insights to help you get started:
1. Tools You’ll Need:
- Vintage Lighting: Screwdriver, voltage tester, wire stripper
- Open Shelves: Drill, level, stud finder, brackets, screws
- Curtains: Measuring tape, curtain rod, brackets, screws
- Mug Wall Rack: Drill, level, screws, anchors
- Spice Rack: Drill, level, screws, anchors
- Cupboard Curtains: Measuring tape, tension rod or small curtain rod
2. Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accurate measurements ensure a perfect fit and save you time and materials.
3. Plan Your Project: Sketch your ideas and create a plan of action. Knowing what steps to take and in what order can save you time and frustration.
4. Watch Tutorials: There are plenty of online resources and videos that can guide you step-by-step through your projects.
Final Thoughts
With these upgrades, you can bring the charm of cottagecore into your kitchen. Each project is easier to accomplish than it might seem, and the results are so statisfying, as they instantly bring our spaces one step closer in the cottage direction.
Pin it for later: