We have been working on all kinds of updates out in the cottage -from painting the built-in bookcases to changing some of the lighting. And the cottage kitchen got a fresh kitchen look recently too with a new kitchen island and lower cabinets.
We didn’t remove those original old cupboards – don’t worry. But since this photo was taken- the counters and sink might have changed just a bit. We now have butcher block counters and an antique farm sink in here. it is all about 3 easy ways to add some of that lovely old world charm to a kitchen.
You can see more of the new kitchen look Here.
Guest Cottage
If you aren’t familiar with the guest cottage- it is a separate house that we have on our property. It is about 1000 square feet and has it’s own kitchen and bathroom and outdoor area. The cottage has a different vibe or feeling than our house. It has wood walls and open beam ceilings just like our house- but is far more rustic. Instead of trying to completely change that more vintage cottage feeling- I decided to play it up. We have kept the decor and the updates we make more on the simple ‘English cottage’ style side- and I love that cozy feeling out there.
Old World Style Lights
In the kitchen- we recently updated the lights to these charming lanterns- and they are really playing well with the rest of the room. I love shape and size of them- and the finish in person is much more bronzy with some gold and brass tones coming through.
Breadboards on repeat
This is one I have talked about before. Stacking up those breadboards on the counter. I am a bit of a breadboard collecting kind of a girl- and I definitely have a hard time walking away from a board with great patina and character. So, my stack of breadboards might be a bit larger than most. But you can use as few or as many as you would like and get the look.
A rustic wood dish shelf
Anything with a delicious vintage wood patina is going to instantly warm up the kitchen. With that stack of bread boards on one side of the range- the other side begged for something as well. And this dish rack shelf was perfect. And- a confession: This particular piece was actually one made to hang on the wall. I flipped it over and set it on the counter and love it here. So don’t be afraid to try something you love in a different way to make it work for the space.
Copper and more copper
Because, can you really have too much copper? Well, okay- probably. But when that copper looks as gorgeous as these vintage pots and pans do- I think they are ideal for adding that instant warmth and old world feeling. This copper pot rack was easy to put up- and it is a simple example of a high end look for a low end price. This is simply a brass curtain rod with brass hooks. If you were to shop for a brass ‘pot rack rod’ for your kitchen- you will likely pay much more just because of their name. Find a heavy duty curtain rod that has the finish and look you love- and give it a go. The key is to find one Without the big end caps on it – keep it simple. And pay attention to the diameter of the rod- you don’t want one that is super chunky and your hooks need to be able to fit on it also. The one I have is just over 1″ – Similar one HERE and similar gold hooks HERE OR if you prefer to grab one that is an actual pot rack and ready to go – this one is gorgeous.
And if you are looking for some good inexpensive copper pots and pans to create a similar look – this set looks like it would have enough included to fill up your pot rack quickly.
Vintage Art
I know… artwork in the kitchen? Yes. Because it is gorgeous anywhere and in the kitchen -adding vintage paintings brings in a whole other feeling that makes it feel ‘collected’ rather than just ‘designed.’ This one is actually a page I found at a thrift store that I then put inside an old frame. I have about 4 or 5 of these style old painting prints now-I am contemplating doing a wall of them if I can find a couple more.
Potted Trees
This cute olive tree is currently residing in our living room in our main house- but it was perfect out in the cottage kitchen as well. This is just a regular little olive plant- I think we found it at Home Depot. I placed it in that old stoneware pot (probably about 15 years old from a local store) and it was perfect for warming the room right up.
Raw Wood
On the same line as the stacked breadboards and the dish shelf- bring in something with raw wood to add that patina and charm. For this look, I brought this weathered and loved old table inside to be a small island- and that delicious silvery wood added an instant amount of charm.
A vintage rug
I love to bring in a vintage rug anywhere really- and in the kitchen is a perfect place to use one. This is one I found several years ago and it was a perfect color and tone for the room. A tip with rugs like these is to flip them over if they are new or look too vibrant for your taste. The backside is often a perfect muted look.
So there you have a few simple style secrets to add an old world charm to the kitchen- I hope that this was helpful and gives you some ideas for how to create the look in your own home.
Get the Look
Happy Friday everyone.
*some affiliate links
I absolutely love the cottage. I love your style. Thank you for sharing the details that help us find similar items for our own homes.
So much inspiration comes from your posts, thank you.
xo
Karen
Thank you Karen! I am glad that it is helpful to have some details/options for similar and break things down a bit. 🙂
Cool ways
Thanks Jo!
Oh how i love your warmth and charm that comes to life in your DECOR!! Genuis Idea on TURNING the plate rack upside down!
Thank You for all of the time you exert for our pleasure, xo
Lorraine
I like the color of cabinets. Is it a BEECHNUT? Color? It remin me of the color painTed in an old NEW ENGLAND home I grew up in. THANK YOU.
Hi Barbara! This cabinet is wearing the original layers of paint as we found it- (it was in the basement of our main house) I am not sure exactly what color you would call it but closest thing I can think of at the moment is kind of the soft pale outer part of a butternut squash color – so I suppose it would be similar to Beech Nut.
I really liked the chandeliers on yesterdays email. Thinking….
Marla
So glad to hear that Marla!
I just love your style, it is such as inspiration to me. the fun part is I’ll be moving soon to a new home, and out kitchen need to be gutted out, but the placement of the plumbing/doors/appliances/windows are all in perfect places! So, with the guidance of your blogs and photos, I can create a kitchen space that is French country, and not have to do lots of expensive moving of things around my totally ugly kitchen. Keep the ideas coming!!!!!!!
I love this kitchen! However, I have turned my computer upside down and sideways to figure out how the plate rack would look if it is upside down>
haha! Sorry about that Kay! Not sure if you can see that it has little pegs at the ‘top’ that are supposed to be at the bottom for hanging things on- the flat part it sits on is supposed to be the top of the rack- it is one that was made to hang on a wall. Hope that helps explain it!
Thank you for the explanation, now I can understand and I can see the “bottom” pegs. I will be on the look-out for something like this,
Thanks for the ideas! I’m currently giving my kitchen a face lift and am going for a rustic european cottage look (with a bit od Cali cottage thrown in for good measure!)
thank you for sharing your beautiful home.
I look forward to your posts.
I love the raw wood and that little olive plant. Thanks Courtney for keeping me cozy with decor.
What a charming kitchen. What a blessing to be visiting you and get to stay in your guest cottage. it is just so welcoming – your visuals brought scents and memories and travel and good vibes to me as i sat staring at your beautiful photos.
thanks, courtneym it is always such a treat to visit your blog.
Oh I love everything you did!!! I am a fan of copper pans, one of my treasures!
Very well done i have a french house in boston … i bought your book and i really Appreciate your simple light APPROACH ! MyMy friends house was built by In the guilded agE SoSo I’ve worked really hard to calm It down as far as prints and wIndow TrTreatments ! LeLetting the beautiful flooring and OrOriginal mirrors and chandeliers speak for themselves. Thx Anna
Perfection! Just like always. Love the cozy touches and tips you shared.
I fOllow you on INSTAGRAM and i have just one request.
When Can i move in! ❤️
wHAT FABULOUS TIPS! wHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO FIND ANTIQUE VINTAGE POTS? aND DO YOU EVER USE THE ONES HANGING OR ARE THEY JUST FOR DECOR?
I love the idea of a curtain rod and hooks for pans. Great idea. Thanks!
Love this! So much! May i ask where you got your closet shelving?