21 small cottage kitchen ideas for a charming, characterful design

Small cottage kitchen ideas feel like a truly natural fit. It's a style that originates from quaint, cozy homes, so decorating a compact kitchen with charming cottage details is a great way to design a beautiful scheme.

From rustic wooden ceiling beams and original masonry to quirky inglenooks and alcoves, it's an aesthetic that truly shines in small kitchens. Filled with characterful features and quaint proportions, these spaces work best when decorated with a mix of rustic wooden furniture and quirky collectibles – the epitome of cozy, homey spaces.

To help inspire your small cottage kitchen ideas, we've turned to designers who love this classic aesthetic to share their top tips, from cabinet choices to wall colors, to help you infuse charming cottage style into a bijou kitchen.

21 small cottage kitchen ideas to fill your space with character

Preserving the rustic charm and original character of a small cottage kitchen is key to its success. There's a casual, undone elegance to these spaces – they should never be overdone or too curated.

'The charm of small cottage kitchens is often the quirky and eclectic mix of old and new that gives the feeling of a cozy and welcoming space,' explains Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens.

With this in mind, we've gathered plenty of ideas for how to define your cottage decorating ideas for a practical small cottage kitchen, without having to compromise on those prized architectural features.

1. Introduce characterful reclaimed materials

This small cottage kitchen is a project from interior designer Leanne Ford – and showcases all her hallmarks of charm, authenticity, and a touch of the unexpected. The most striking feature? The reclaimed wood kitchen cabinetry.

'When I first started designing this house I thought, I don’t want to fight this house; I want to go with it. It had storybook whimsy, beautiful ivy on the brick, and magical old windows that I couldn’t take away,' she explains.

'I asked a friend to help me cut up my favorite old table to turn it into the cabinet front for the space that lived beneath the kitchen sink. This well-loved, repurposed piece added the right amount of character to the kitchen to honor its original charm and soul.'

2. Install a pot filler

It may seem counterintuitive to need an additional faucet in a small cottage kitchen – after all, you don't have to walk many steps to reach the sink and fill up a pan from the tap there.

However, having a pot filler in the kitchen is a great idea in a small cottage kitchen, as it prevents the to-and-fro traffic across the space that can cause difficulties when there's more than one person in the room. It's also great if you only have a small kitchen sink that can't fit larger pots and pans.

Take inspiration from this deVOL kitchen by opting for a pot filler in an aged brass finish – that patinated look gives the illusion that it's always been there, and adds a vintage feel that matches the quaint cottage kitchen aesthetic.

3. Fit a shelf above a window

Making the most of vertical space is key in a tiny kitchen – and it's a great way to add the homey comfort that's associated with small cottage kitchen ideas. What do you put on a small kitchen window? Why not consider a shelf?

This small white kitchen, designed by Karen Harautuneian, founder of Hub of the House Studio and co-founder of Hart & Toth Cabinet Co, maximizes the small gap between the window and ceiling by adding a shelf for additional pans.

It's an unexpected but effective way to organize a small kitchen and store items you want to reach easily but don't want to clutter up your countertop. It can also double up as a place to display decorative pieces that won't get in the way.

4. Don't be scared to go dark

Dark kitchen cabinet ideas may seem out of step in a small cottage kitchen – perhaps too dramatic for a smaller space. But these deeper, moodier hues can make a real design statement in small spaces.

'If you have a dark kitchen, rather than battling to make the space feel lighter and brighter, opt for deep, rich colors to create a cocooning atmosphere,' suggests renowned interior designer Nina Campbell.

If you have wooden ceiling beams in your cottage kitchen, surrounding them with darker palettes can create a beautiful contrast that allows these original features to truly shine.

5. Ditch the upper cabinets for a more airy space

Small cottage kitchens come with their quirks, it's part of their charm! But it does mean that sometimes, you need to rethink the way you design them compared to other kitchen styles.

'Small cottage kitchens usually have low ceilings, so keeping clutter to a minimum is key to them feeling spacious and easy to work in,' Helen points out. Lower ceiling heights are quite normal in cottages, so it's likely you won't have space for upper cabinets.

But if you make sure to factor in lots of base cabinetry storage, like in this design, you will be able to keep the walls storage-free and create a lighter, brighter atmosphere.

6. Choose Shaker-style cabinets for a timeless feel

On the topic of kitchen cabinet ideas, there are certain designs that feel best suited to small cottage kitchens. Extremely popular today, the simple straight lines and framed doors of Shaker kitchen cabinets are favored by designers in cottage schemes.

Shaker kitchen ideas work well in a small cottage kitchen, both for their timeless look and because the wooden cabinets can be designed to fit even the most awkward space.

Muted colors are most often associated with Shaker kitchen and the cottage style in general, as interior stylist Sara Bird notes of this space, 'Taking its cue from nature, a light sage color, as pictured in this kitchen, will complement the rural surroundings of a small cottage kitchen and the warm tones of natural timber.'

7. Preserve original features with bespoke design solutions

Small cottage kitchens have beautiful original features, but these can cause design issues. Calling in a professional kitchen designer who can create bespoke design solutions for your space is often the best solution to maximize all the space available.

Talking about this Cotswold Chapel kitchen by Sustainable Kitchens, co-founder Sam Shaw explains how 'part of the brief was to preserve the room's rustic charm, so we embraced the original features by fitting an Aga and extractor into the cove.'

'Built-in cabinetry and options that cleverly use every inch of space are your friend in cottage kitchens,' adds interior stylist Sara Bird. 'Ideally, your kitchen storage ideas should incorporate floor-to-ceiling cupboards that maximize vertical space.'

'You may need bespoke options, such as shelving or cubbies built around or into fireplaces and alcoves. Finally, options such as storage window seats, shelving, and even under-plinth drawers will add to the conventional kitchen cabinetry.'

8. Paint wall cabinets to match the walls

A stylish trick to make small cottage kitchens feel larger is to paint the outsides of the cabinets in the same color as the walls, as Sam explains.

'This small cottage kitchen was to suit a family of six, so needed to incorporate plenty of storage, we disguised extra storage by painting wall cabinets the same shade as the wall to blend in, using the high ceilings efficiently.'

The kitchen color is Chappell Green from Farrow & Ball, which is a brilliant color for complementing the warm honeyed tones of natural wood and stone in small cottages. Painting the doors, trim, and baseboards in the same color, too, will help the space feel larger and more unified.

9. Opt for warm neutrals to create the illusion of space

Painting walls and cabinets in a neutral shade is a go-to solution for keeping spaces feeling light and bright, and warm hues are a perfect choice if you want something slightly softer but still neutral. For many years, grays and cooler tones have been popular, but to make spaces feel truly homey, as a small cottage kitchen should, it's worth considering warmer neutrals.

This small neutral kitchen is kept warm and welcoming with cabinetry painted in its creamy Linen shade, while tall wall cabinets and white Carrara marble countertops also help to keep things looking bright and streamlined.

10. Bring cottage charm with natural wood cabinetry

If you're up to date with this year's kitchen trends, you'll know that wooden kitchen ideas are back in a big way, offering a timeless, characterful look. And it's a style that fits perfectly in a small cottage kitchen.

Real wood cabinetry will stand the test of time, and, when left with a natural finish showcasing the beautiful timber grain, it will also create a charming rustic feel perfectly suited to a rural cottage, as this small cottage kitchen proves.

Whatever wood kitchen cabinet ideas you choose, your units will need care and maintenance to keep them looking their best, but it's certainly worth it.

11. Install your range cooker into a fireplace

Because cottages are usually period properties, it's not unusual to find a large chimney breast or an old-style fireplace in the kitchen. While it's easy to see this as a problem for your small kitchen layout, it can become the most charming feature of your scheme.

It's a natural place to install your range cooker for a practical and aesthetically pleasing design. There has been a revival of traditional range cookers recently, with designers placing them in an alcove even in more modern schemes.

This small cottage kitchen is a perfect example. The old chimney sits right in the center of the back wall, so by using it as the range area, it instantly becomes the heart of the kitchen.

12. Add in a moveable kitchen island

When space is at a premium, as it often is in cottage kitchens, it's a good idea to factor in some freestanding pieces to bring flexibility to your kitchen layout. This doesn't mean opting for a fully freestanding kitchen, but rather finding ways to mix freestanding furniture in your kitchen for a subtle impact.

Whether it's a butcher's block, vintage metal trolley on casters, or an old wooden table, a movable piece of furniture will give an extra surface for prepping. What's more, portable kitchen island ideas like this will give flexibility to the layout of a small space as it can simply be repositioned when extra space is needed.

The best option to find something that will add both character and practicality to your kitchen is to search flea markets for intriguing vintage pieces in natural materials with time-worn patinas which will complement the features of a rustic cottage.

13. Install some wall hooks

There are certain tricks that designers use to keep order when they are organizing a kitchen. Wall hooks will keep surfaces clutter-free and helpful for hanging pans, kitchen essentials, and textiles when base cabinet space is limited.

However, they also help create that cozy, lived-in feel that we all love about a small cottage kitchen, opting for vintage wall hooks will help create that sought-after mix of old and new.

14. Choose a paint color to complement original features

Kitchen colors are important in every kitchen, but if your space features original wood features, it's even more important to get your color choices right, as they should complement the wood tones rather than clash.

When it comes to choosing a color for a small cottage kitchen Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene advises: 'It’s important to consider the colors that already exist within the space, be that furniture, flooring, or furnishings.'

'These elements should be included as colors within your palette to draw out the style you wish to follow. Are there architectural features or areas of interest to draw attention to? Color is a fantastic way to highlight these features or brighten gloomy corners.'

15. Add a pulley dryer

When space is limited, it's important to utilise every inch. Hanging a pulley dryer from the ceiling is a great way to get laundry drying up and out of the way, whether you are installing it in your small cottage kitchen or organizing a laundry room.

Add hooks to your laundry rack and it can also double up as a place to hang pots and utensils, in fact, anything! A common sight before the days of washing dryers, a pulley maid will give your small cottage kitchen a homey, vintage feel.

16. Add in mantel shelving to create displays

In small cottage kitchens, you have to make use of every nook and cranny. Often the focal point of a small cottage kitchen, above the Aga is a brilliant place to add in a wall shelf and showcase those cherished ceramics that make your space feel so quaint and homely.

When you're styling a shelf like this, which is more about display than storage, be sure to created a balanced vignette of favorite items.

16. Mix wood finishes

The use of wood in a cottage kitchen goes beyond the cabinetry. Wall paneling ideas, like the tongue-and-groove splashback in this kitchen, bring texture and a warmer look than tiles, while still being practical.

In this scheme, various wood tones and textures have been used for the window frame, shelving, and countertops for a more organic look.

17. Make the most of a small space with banquette seating

Cottage kitchens tend to be smaller in size, so you'll need to make the most of every inch of space to maximize its functionality, which means a full-size dining table is probably out of the question.

Instead, opt for a dining nook with built-in banquette seating to allow more people to gather around the kitchen table. Creating a sense of separation, with color or a pendant light above the table, will bring a sense of occasion to even the smallest eating area.

18. Hide appliances for a more seamless finish

There are few things more jarring than a beautifully designed small cottage kitchen interrupted by large, contemporary appliances. From larger items like a dishwasher to your coffee machine, it's best to keep them out of plain sight.

'Multitasking appliances is definitely worth considering. While concealed appliances that are integrated into the cabinetry will open up the space visually and create cleaner lines,' says Stacey Cobley, Kitchen Designer at Harvey Jones.

'Smaller appliances such as coffee machines and microwaves can be housed in cupboards to free up valuable countertop space,' she adds, which can also be achieved with a small appliance garage that blends into your cabinetry.

19. Create a welcoming feel with a cottage kitchen table

Cottage kitchens are so much more than places to prepare food, they really are the heart of the home, so a kitchen table is essential to creating that perfect social hub and homely cottage feel, if you have the space.

'The charm of cottage kitchens is often their quirky and eclectic mix of old and new, as this gives the feeling of a cozy and welcoming space. A vintage kitchen table and chairs is a must; all cottages need a spot for chatting and drinking tea and the ubiquitous jug of wildflowers,' says Helen Parker.

20. Create a blank canvas for layering vintage finds

Keeping walls and cabinets white is a brilliant foundation for showcasing the vintage pieces which give cottage kitchens their unique charm, as Adrian Bergman, senior designer at Plain English explains.

'With a clean and light palette, you can create a layered interior with an eclectic mix of furniture – think pot board dressers, farmhouse tables, Windsor chairs, open shelves and pot racks. Finish with personal knick knacks and trinkets to add a lived-in charm.'

White kitchen ideas also have a timeless quality that work beautifully within a cottage-style kitchen.

21. Double storage as decor with a dresser

Decorating with vintage is a must in a small cottage kitchen, and if you have space, a dresser not only adds more storage but creates a place to store and display collectibles.

'A classic dresser, with a higgledy-piggledy array of French porcelain bowls, books and vintage glassware is the best way to create a feeling of a home that is more than just stylish, but a sign of a happy well lived life,' suggests Helen Parker.

An iconic, practical piece that has furnished kitchens across the centuries, a classic wooden dresser is a mainstay of the cottage kitchen. It offers the perfect space for displaying those prized brocante finds and vintage ceramics, but also lends a homely feel. Its effectiveness is all down to how you style a display cabinet to put on a show in your cottage kitchen.

What is a cottage style kitchen?

Cottage kitchens are prized for their original features – whether stone flagstone floors, rustic ceiling beams, or weathered inglenooks – it’s these details that give cottage kitchens their unique charm and homely feel.

Usually small with low ceilings, it's their quirks, like uneven walls, and characterful features that make them so coveted. They are imperfect, filled with personality and collected finds, and have a sort of undone appeal to them.

What does cottage kitchen style mean?

The cottage style is a look that is warm, homely, compact, and full of character. Of course, cottage kitchens' small proportions and irregular angles can present unique challenges, too, but small can still be beautiful, as Helen Parker explains.

‘A cottage kitchen is small, so everything you put in it should be very carefully chosen, there is no room for nasty appliances or ill-considered pots and pans,’ she reveals. ‘You don't have much space, so make every vignette and surface look as beautiful as you can, spend money on choosing things that are absolutely perfect and beautiful. Never settle for "okay" in a cottage, it will end up looking mismatched and messy.’

What's the best kitchen layout for small cottage kitchens??

When it comes to the best layout for a small kitchen, it depends on the space available to you. Galley kitchens are the best option for narrow and long spaces. L-shaped kitchens give a sense of flow and may allow space for a dining area at one end of the space.

Or you may find that a freestanding kitchen, which allows flexibility to move furniture and flex it to fit your space, offers you the greatest freedom for the kitchen layout in a small home.

These small cottage kitchen ideas prove just how charming the style can be in more compact designs. It's a style that thrives in characterful, quirky kitchens, especially when you decorate with antiques and vintage pieces. You can still take cues from other design styles – country kitchen ideas can blend beautifully with cottage features, especially where you want to infuse a more rustic feel.