Cottage Kitchens Are Trending—Here’s How to Bring the Cozy Look Home

In a world full of trends and design aesthetics, cozy and timeless never go out of style. Designing a kitchen that feels personal—a reflection of the people and things you love—is a trend worth keeping. Cottage kitchens are just that, prioritizing a lived-in, nostalgic, and enduring design.

But what exactly does a cottage kitchen entail—and how can you achieve this look at home? We spoke with interior designers who specialize in this aesthetic to share how small changes can help you create a cottage kitchen of your own.

What Is a Cottage Kitchen Design?

Kitchen designs come in and out of style, but the cottage kitchen aesthetic is a trend that feels timeless. It boasts a lived-in look with natural materials, soft muted colors, and vintage-inspired details for added charm. "A cottage feel is all about comfort, nostalgia, and memories," says Sharon L. Sherman, owner and principal designer at Thyme and Place Design.

Achieving the cottage kitchen aesthetic is much simpler than some of the other kitchen trends that have circulated over the years. With reclaimed furniture, warm lighting, curated clutter, and patterned textiles, you can create your own nostalgic, cozy cottage kitchen at home.

Defining Design Characteristics

There are no set rules when it comes to designing a cottage kitchen, but a few key design elements define the look. You can pick and choose which ones align with your space and taste.

Natural Materials

Leaning into natural materials is at the core of a cottage kitchen design because they're timeless and provide a sense of coziness. "Natural woods, honed stone countertops, and matte finishes bring an authentic, lived-in appeal," says Kerrie Kelly, ceo and creative director at Kerrie Kelly Studio. "Aged metals—such as brushed brass or copper—layer in a sense of heritage and craftsmanship."

Sherman agrees that embracing the natural materials in a cottage kitchen is what it's all about. "I also like materials with texture, like brick or real stone," she says. "There is no hard and fast rule of what defines a style. It is all about the story you want to tell about your home."

Bold Textiles and Soft Colors

Playing with different textiles can soften the architecture, according to Nicole Rice, owner of Coastal Décor & Interior Design. "Gingham or floral window treatments, hand-embroidered tea towels, and quilted chair pads for counter stools or upholstered chairs add to the layering of color and comfort," she says.

Soft colors paired with bold textiles tie a cottage kitchen together. Kelly and Rice recommend classic hues, such as creamy whites, soft blues, and warm greens, to brighten the space and create a calm atmosphere. Use dark colors sparingly. For a darker, timeless accent color, Sherman suggests historic shades such as Pale Oak, Hale Navy, or Swiss Coffee.

Open Shelving

Show off your favorite glassware and trinkets with open shelving. This approach adds charm and lets you display your favorite dishes, mugs, heirloom bowls, or even a stack of cookbooks, says Rice. You can achieve the look with open shelves or glass-front cabinets.

Don't Miss

11 Beautiful Kitchen Sink Ideas That Will Transform Your Space

Fisherman Core Is Trending in Interior Design—Here's How to Get the Timeless Aesthetic

Farmhouse Sink

A farmhouse-style sink is essential in a cottage kitchen. "The apron-front sink is a quintessential element in cottage kitchens," says Rice. "Its deep, sculptural form adds a grounded elegance to the room, especially when paired with classic bridge faucets or high-arched gooseneck taps in aged brass or matte black." A farmhouse sink serves as a functional focal point while adding vintage charm.

Decorative Details

Small decorative details are what make a cottage kitchen unique from other design aesthetics, and Rice notes that imperfection only adds to the appeal. "Ceramic knobs, vintage oil paintings, bundles of dried herbs, or a single botanical print add whimsy and soul without cluttering the space," she says. "Every item should feel like it belongs—whether for its function, its form, or the memory it carries."

Kelly, Rice, and Sherman all agree that beadboard paneling is a key design detail for achieving the cottage kitchen aesthetic. "Detailing, such as beadboard, lends architectural interest and structure to otherwise simple surfaces," says Rice.

Reclaimed Furniture

Reclaimed furniture can serve as a statement piece in a cottage kitchen, whether it's an island, cupboard, or farmhouse table. "Those little chips, cracks, and soft patinas are all added character, not flaws— which help make everything feel cozy, lived-in, and totally authentic," says Rice.

Family heirlooms also add personality and meaning, bringing stories into the kitchen. If you don't have reclaimed pieces on hand, check a local thrift store for unique finds that add charm.