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Cottagecore Kitchens: How to Create a Cozy and Rustic Cooking Space

  • By: Kitchen Informant
  • Date: June 17, 2024


Cottagecore kitchens are a design trend that has taken the world by storm, offering a nostalgic escape into the heart of the countryside.

It celebrates the simplicity of rural life, embracing natural elements, vintage charm, and earthy colors.

The kitchen, as the heart of the home, is the perfect space to infuse with cottagecore aesthetics.

A cozy kitchen with a cottagecore aesthetic featuring wooden cabinets, open shelving, and a variety of vintage cookware and decor items. Sunlight streams in through a window above the sink, illuminating the room filled with potted plants and dried flowers. The space is inviting and charming, with a mix of rustic and homey elements.


A cottagecore kitchen is all about creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with a touch of whimsy. It’s a space that evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia, with elements like vintage appliances, floral prints, and rustic decor.

The key is to create a space that feels warm and inviting, where family and friends can gather and enjoy good food and company.

From exposed brick walls to window box herb gardens, there are endless ways to infuse your kitchen with charming cottagecore style.

Whether you’re looking to completely renovate your kitchen or simply add a few cottagecore touches, there are plenty of ideas to inspire you.

With a little creativity and a lot of heart, you can create a kitchen that is both functional and beautiful, and that brings a touch of countryside charm into your home.

Defining Cottagecore Aesthetics

A cozy cottage kitchen with vintage floral wallpaper, rustic wooden shelves, and an old-fashioned stove. Sunlight streams in through lace curtains, illuminating jars of homemade preserves and fresh produce on the counter


Cottagecore is an aesthetic that celebrates the simplicity and charm of rural life. It is a combination of vintage, rustic, and whimsical elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

This aesthetic has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

At its core, cottagecore is about creating a cozy and inviting space that feels like a retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

This aesthetic is characterized by natural materials, muted colors, and a focus on handmade and vintage items.

Think floral prints, gingham patterns, and delicate lace accents.

Cottagecore kitchens, in particular, are designed to be warm and welcoming spaces that inspire home cooking and baking. They often feature open shelving, vintage-inspired appliances, and plenty of natural light.

The focus is on creating a functional yet beautiful space that feels like it has been curated over time.

To achieve the cottagecore look in your kitchen, consider incorporating vintage or antique pieces like a farmhouse sink, a rustic wooden table, or a collection of vintage enamelware.

You can also add natural elements like potted herbs, fresh flowers, and woven baskets to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.

Overall, the cottagecore aesthetic is all about creating a space that feels personal, cozy, and inviting. It is a celebration of the simple pleasures in life and a reminder to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the world around us.

Planning Your Cottagecore Kitchen Layout

A bright and airy kitchen with a cottagecore vibe, featuring white cabinetry, butcher block countertops, and open wooden shelves. The shelves are adorned with white dishware, glass jars, and potted plants, adding a touch of greenery. Large windows above the sink let in plenty of natural light, while black hardware and light fixtures provide a modern contrast. The backsplash is made of white subway tiles, and a vintage-style rug adds warmth to the hardwood floor.


When planning your cottagecore kitchen layout, it’s important to consider both functionality and aesthetics.

Here are some tips to help you create the perfect space:

1. Assess Your Space

Before making any changes, take a good look at your kitchen and assess the available space.

Consider the size and shape of the room, as well as the location of doors, windows, and electrical outlets. This will help you determine the best layout for your needs.

2. Choose Your Appliances

When selecting appliances for your cottagecore kitchen, opt for ones that are both functional and stylish.

Look for vintage-inspired pieces with a rustic feel, such as a farmhouse sink or a retro-style refrigerator.

3. Consider Your Storage Needs

Storage is key in any kitchen, and a cottagecore kitchen is no exception.

Consider adding open shelving to display your favorite dishes and accessories, and invest in cabinets and drawers to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.

4. Think About Lighting

Lighting can make a big impact on the look and feel of your cottagecore kitchen.

Consider adding a vintage-style pendant light or a chandelier to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

5. Add Personal Touches

Finally, don’t forget to add personal touches to your cottagecore kitchen.

Display your favorite vintage finds, such as antique kitchen tools or old-fashioned cookbooks, and incorporate natural elements like fresh flowers or potted herbs to bring the outdoors in.

Choosing Color Schemes and Textures

A cozy cottage kitchen with warm, earthy color scheme and rustic textures. A vintage floral tablecloth adorns a wooden table, surrounded by shelves of mason jars and wicker baskets


Choosing the right color scheme and textures is essential. The goal is to create a warm, cozy, and inviting space that feels like a step back in time.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right colors and textures for your Cottagecore Kitchen:

Color Schemes

Cottagecore Kitchens often feature soft, muted colors that evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. Think pastels, earthy tones, and shades of white.

Consider incorporating shades of green, blue, or yellow to bring a touch of nature into your kitchen. You can also add pops of color with accessories like vintage enamelware, colorful linens, or fresh flowers.

Textures

Textures play a crucial role in creating a Cottagecore Kitchen.

Consider incorporating natural textures like wood, stone, and brick.

Exposed beams, hardwood floors, and open shelving can also add to the rustic charm of your kitchen.

Consider adding texture with vintage fabrics like linen or burlap. You can also add texture with accessories like woven baskets, pottery, or vintage glassware.

Essential Cottagecore Kitchen Features

A cozy kitchen with rustic wooden cabinets, vintage floral wallpaper, a farmhouse sink, and a collection of vintage kitchenware on display


Cottagecore kitchens are all about creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Here are some essential features that can help you achieve the perfect cottagecore kitchen.

Apron Sinks

Apron sinks, also known as farmhouse sinks, are a staple of cottagecore kitchens. These sinks are typically made of porcelain or fireclay and have a deep basin that can hold large pots and pans.

They are also designed to be installed with the front edge exposed, giving them a unique and charming look.

Apron sinks are not only practical but also add a touch of rustic charm to any kitchen.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is another essential feature of cottagecore kitchens. It allows you to display your favorite dishes, cookbooks, and other kitchen essentials while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Open shelves can be made of wood or metal and can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. They also provide easy access to your kitchenware, making cooking and cleaning a breeze.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops are a popular choice for cottagecore kitchens. They are made of wood and provide a warm and natural look that complements the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.

Butcher block countertops are also durable and can withstand heavy use, making them ideal for cooking and food preparation.

They require regular maintenance, such as oiling, to keep them looking their best.

Selecting Appliances for a Cottagecore Kitchen

A cozy cottage kitchen with vintage-inspired appliances, floral wallpaper, and rustic wooden shelves filled with mason jars and ceramic dishes


When designing a cottagecore kitchen, selecting the right appliances is essential to achieve the vintage and rustic look that defines this aesthetic.

Here are some tips for choosing appliances that fit the cottagecore style.

Retro-Inspired Refrigerators

One of the most important appliances in any kitchen is the refrigerator. For a cottagecore kitchen, retro-inspired refrigerators are the perfect choice.

These appliances have a vintage look that complements the rustic charm of a cottagecore kitchen.

They come in a variety of colors, such as pastel blue, pink, and green, which can add a pop of color to the space.

Some popular brands that offer retro-inspired refrigerators include Smeg, Big Chill, and Northstar.

Classic Cookstoves

Another essential appliance in a cottagecore kitchen is the cookstove.

Classic cookstoves, such as those from AGA and La Cornue, are perfect for achieving the vintage look of a cottagecore kitchen.

These appliances are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.

They come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can choose one that fits your kitchen’s style and needs.

Additionally, many classic cookstoves have multiple ovens and burners, which can be useful for cooking large meals or multiple dishes at once.

Cottagecore Decor Elements

A cozy cottage kitchen with floral wallpaper, vintage cookware, hanging herbs, and a rustic wooden table set with homemade bread and fresh flowers


Cottagecore kitchens are known for their charming and rustic decor elements that give them a warm and inviting feel.

Here are a few popular decor elements that can help you achieve the perfect cottagecore kitchen:

Vintage Utensils and Accessories

One of the easiest ways to add a touch of cottagecore charm to your kitchen is by incorporating vintage utensils and accessories.

Antique silverware, copper pots, and enamelware bowls are all great options that can add a sense of nostalgia to your space.

You can even display them on open shelves or hang them on the wall for a classic country look.

Herb and Plant Displays

Cottagecore kitchens often feature herb and plant displays that add a natural and organic feel to the space.

Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme can be displayed in small pots on the windowsill or in a hanging planter.

You can also add some greenery to your kitchen with potted plants like succulents or ferns.

Farmhouse Tables

A farmhouse table is a staple in any cottagecore kitchen. These tables are often made of wood and have a rustic, distressed finish that gives them a vintage feel.

They are perfect for family dinners, baking sessions, or even just as a workspace for your daily tasks.

You can even pair your farmhouse table with mismatched chairs for a cozy and eclectic look.

Lighting and Ambiance in Cottagecore Kitchens

A minimalist kitchen with a cottagecore touch, featuring light wooden cabinetry and white countertops. Two large wicker pendant lights hang above a central island, which is accompanied by matching wicker stools. The island is decorated with a wooden bowl and a white vase with greenery. The background showcases open shelving with neatly arranged white dishware, and a wooden cutting board is propped against the backsplash, adding a natural element to the space. The overall design is clean, airy, and inviting.


Cottagecore kitchens are known for their warm and cozy ambiance, which is achieved through a combination of natural light and carefully selected lighting fixtures.

In this section, we will discuss two key elements of lighting and ambiance in cottagecore kitchens: pendant lights and natural light.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are a popular choice for cottagecore kitchens because they add a touch of vintage charm and provide focused task lighting.

These fixtures typically feature a single bulb suspended from a cord or chain, and come in a variety of styles, from simple and understated to ornate and decorative.

When selecting pendant lights for a cottagecore kitchen, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of the space.

For a more rustic look, consider fixtures made from natural materials like wood, rattan, or metal.

Alternatively, for a more whimsical or romantic feel, look for fixtures with floral or lace detailing.

Natural Light

Natural light is an essential element of cottagecore design, and can be used to create a bright, airy, and inviting space.

In a cottagecore kitchen, natural light can be maximized through the use of large windows, skylights, or glass doors.

When designing a cottagecore kitchen, it’s important to consider the orientation of the space in relation to the sun.

A south-facing kitchen will receive the most sunlight throughout the day, while a north-facing kitchen may require additional lighting to compensate for the lack of natural light.

To enhance the natural light in a cottagecore kitchen, consider using light-colored or reflective surfaces, such as white or light-colored cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes.

Additionally, incorporating mirrors or other reflective surfaces can help to bounce light around the space, making it feel brighter and more open.

DIY Projects for Personal Touches

A quaint kitchen with a vintage cottagecore style, featuring white cabinetry and wooden countertops. The open shelves are filled with an assortment of floral-patterned teapots, mugs, and dishware, adding a charming touch. Various kitchen tools and decor items hang on the walls, including wooden cutting boards, a small pan, and greenery in pots. A woven light fixture provides warm lighting, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. A vase with fresh flowers sits on the countertop, completing the nostalgic and homely look.


Looking to add a personal touch to your cottagecore kitchen? Why not try some DIY projects?

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Handmade Pottery

Handmade pottery adds a rustic and authentic touch to any kitchen. You don’t need to be a professional potter to create beautiful pieces.

There are plenty of tutorials and classes available online for beginners.

To get started, gather some clay and a few basic tools. Roll out the clay and shape it into your desired form.

Use your tools to add texture or designs. Once you’re happy with your creation, let it dry and then fire it in a kiln.

You can also use air-dry clay if you don’t have access to a kiln.

Shabby Chic Cabinet Makeover

If you have old or outdated cabinets, a shabby chic makeover can give them new life.

Start by removing the cabinet doors and sanding them down. Paint them in a pastel color, such as pale pink or mint green.

Once they’re dry, distress them by sanding the edges and corners.

For the cabinet frames, you can either paint them in a matching color or leave them natural.

If you choose to paint them, be sure to sand them down first to create a smooth surface. Once everything is dry, reattach the doors and add some vintage-inspired hardware.

Incorporating Technology Seamlessly

A bright and elegant kitchen with a modern cottagecore style, featuring light green cabinetry and white countertops. The backsplash is made of white subway tiles, adding a clean and timeless look. Brass hardware and fixtures, including a vintage-style faucet, provide a touch of sophistication. Open wooden shelves display minimalistic decor and plants, enhancing the fresh and airy atmosphere. A large farmhouse sink is centered under a window, which allows natural light to flood the space. A black vintage stove adds a focal point, while a neutral-toned rug adds warmth to the light wood flooring.


While Cottagecore kitchens may evoke a sense of rustic charm and old-world beauty, that doesn’t mean they can’t be equipped with modern technology.

In fact, integrating smart technology into your custom kitchen design can create a space that is not only functional but also efficient, convenient, and even entertaining.

One way to seamlessly incorporate technology into your Cottagecore kitchen is by using smart appliances.

Smart refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are designed to make your life easier by providing features such as voice control, touch screens, and remote monitoring.

With a smart refrigerator, for example, you can create grocery lists, order food, and even see what’s inside your fridge from your phone.

Another way to integrate technology into your Cottagecore kitchen is by using smart lighting.

Smart lighting allows you to control the brightness and color of your lights with your voice or smartphone.

You can create different lighting scenes for different occasions, such as a romantic dinner or a cozy movie night.

Finally, you can also incorporate technology into your Cottagecore kitchen by using smart speakers.

Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, can be used to play music, set reminders, and even answer cooking questions.

With a smart speaker in your kitchen, you can easily follow recipes, set cooking timers, and stay entertained while you cook.

Overall, incorporating technology into your Cottagecore kitchen can enhance its functionality while still maintaining its charming aesthetic.

With smart appliances, lighting, and speakers, you can create a space that is both modern and timeless.

A bright kitchen with a cottagecore aesthetic featuring white cabinetry and butcher block countertops. Open wooden shelves display neatly organized dishware, glass jars, and potted plants. A large farmhouse sink is positioned under a window, allowing natural light to brighten the space. The kitchen exudes a clean, cozy, and inviting atmosphere with a mix of rustic and modern elements.
A quaint kitchen with a vintage cottagecore aesthetic, featuring soft green cabinetry, wooden countertops, and a variety of potted plants and fresh flowers. Open shelving holds a mix of dishware, while metal pots and pans hang on the walls. The space is filled with a charming, nostalgic atmosphere, enhanced by the natural light streaming in through the windows.
A cozy kitchen with a rustic cottagecore vibe, featuring pastel green cabinetry, wooden countertops, and a white farmhouse sink. Open shelving displays a variety of ceramic dishware and cooking essentials, while copper pots hang above the stove. The space is filled with natural light from the window, giving it a warm and inviting feel, perfect for a homey kitchen.
A charming kitchen with a classic cottagecore style, featuring light blue cabinetry, wooden countertops, and a white farmhouse sink. The space is adorned with vintage dishware, cutting boards, and potted plants, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Natural light floods the kitchen through the window, highlighting the warm and inviting decor.
A compact, charming kitchen with a cottagecore style, showcasing white cabinetry and butcher block countertops. Open shelves hold an array of dishware and glass jars, enhancing the functional yet decorative appeal. A large farmhouse sink sits beneath a window, with a variety of wooden cutting boards and utensils neatly arranged around the workspace. The space is warm and welcoming, perfect for a cozy home.
A quaint and rustic kitchen featuring green cabinetry, wooden countertops, and white appliances. The walls and shelves are adorned with a variety of vintage kitchenware, potted plants, and copper pots and pans, creating a charming, lived-in feel. The window over the sink allows natural light to fill the space, enhancing the kitchen's cozy and inviting atmosphere.
cottagecore kitchen.