I hope these Cottage Kitchens to Inspire will provide help with your kitchen renovation, redesign, and new build plans. While most examples here are casual country style kitchens, you’ll notice there truly is a range of interpretations for classic cottage style. While spacious kitchens with giant center islands are commonly seen online, today’s photo gallery also includes a selection of realistic, smaller, u-shaped kitchens without an island of any size.
Cottage Kitchens to Inspire
![White cottage kitchen by Heather Chadduck (photo by David Hillegas) with stenciled painted wood floor. #paintedfloors #cottagekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/heather-chadduck-davidhillegasphoto-white-cottage-kitchen-painted-stenciled-floor.jpg)
Ina Garten’s Classic Approach to Kitchen Design
This glimpse at Ina’s kitchen in Rockefeller Center is from 2009, but the kitchen’s timeless good looks and her evergreen advice make this truly worth revisiting. She loves a simple approach to design and provides concrete tips for it.
For a more detailed discussion of traditional style – keep reading.
English Country Style Kitchens
Some of our very favorite kitchens on Hello Lovely are English style from the English countryside.
![deVOL kitchen with dark gray blue cabinets and open shelving. #englishcountry #europeankitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/devol-deep-blue-kitchen-shelves.jpg)
But thanks to a presence in the US, deVOL Kitchens can help you create the English country kitchen of your dreams.
Dreams?
![English country bespoke deVOL country kitchen with putty cabinets, rustic beams, and Old World style. #devol #puttycabinets #englishcountrykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/rustic-English-country-kitchen-devol-putty-cabinets.jpg)
What timeless beauty!
European Inspired Kitchens to Inspire
Who wouldn’t smile every time they entered this French bistro-like kitchen? This cottage-style kitchen with exposed beams has an understated range hood, subway tile backsplash taken to the ceiling, French cookware, a French stove, and brass hardware.
![French bistro style white kitchen with open shelving and waterfall island - photo by Annie Schlechter.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/annieschlecterphoto-countrylivingmag-french-bistro-white-kitchen-shelves.jpg)
I just love how clean and fresh it feels. For a much simpler, rustic warm, pared down look, here’s a beautiful country kitchen with ceiling beams, wood counters, a cottage look, and very craftsman architecture.
![Beautiful English country bespoke kitchen by deVOL Kitchens. COME TOUR THESE cottage kitchens to inspire! #countrykitchen #englishcountry #shakerkitchen #cottagekitchens #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/00001-devol-cottage-kitchen-shaker-cabinets.jpg)
French Country Kitchens
Sometimes a charming French look can happen in country kitchens outside of France! This rustic kitchen space by Myra Hoefer features a marble topped work table, an absence of cabinet doors, cream tones, vintage ironstone and a restrained palette.
![Rustic French country white country kitchen by Myra Hoefer in a Parisian 1925 home.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/myra-hoefer-french-country-rustic-kitchen-with-hutch.jpg)
An Australian Country Kitchen
The restrained color palette heightens the kitchen drama and feels modern in spite of traditional elements. I spy classic materials for cottage kitchens including beadboard, vintage creamware, open shelving, and an apron front farm sink.
![Kara Rosenlund rustic white country kitchen with open shelving and vintage treasures.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/kara-rosenlund-rustic-white-country-kitchen.jpg)
Connecticut Cottage Kitchen
Another kitchen with white cabinets and open shelving, yet this one invokes a different mood.
![Gorgeous open shelving with white beadboard and collected English silver and lacework china in this modern farmhouse kitchen. Designer Nicole Fisher created this "residential retail" show house and family home for One King Lane president Debbie Propst. #farmhousekitchen #whitecabinets #beadboard #openshelves](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/classic-white-connecticut-farmhouse-kitchen-with-open-upper-cabinet.jpg)
Kitchens from Sarah Richardson
We have frequently explored Sarah Richardson designed country kitchens over the past decade.
![Sarah Richardson designed cottage kitchen with rustic elegant details and soft blue-green color palette - photo by Stacey Branford.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/stacey-branford-photo-sarah-richardson-cottage-kitchen-aqua-countrylivingmag.jpg)
Her off the grid farmhouse in Ontario is a favorite (find the story here), and here’s a short video where she takes us behind the scenes. Sarah knows her way around classic design that feels fresh. Take a look!
Scullery in Atlanta
If light blue kitchens thrill you, you may love this one.
![Elegant blue pantry with open shelves, round window, and handmade tile backsplash. Designed by Matthew Quinn and Lauren DeLoach for Atlanta Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2017. #bluekitchen #farrowandballlightblue #timelesskitchen #kitchendesign #traditionalkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/traditional-blue-kitchen-light-blue-farrow-ball-painted-cabinets-color-southeastern-designer-showhouse-2017-006.jpg)
![Silvery Blue Kitchen Get the Look on Hello Lovely Studio. #bluekitchens #getthelook #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/001-silvery-blue-kitchen-get-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
U-Shaped Traditional Kitchens
I don’t think I’m alone in being interested in smaller kitchens in apartments and cozy houses.
![Small classic traditional kitchen with black and white flooring and two tiered upper cabinets taking advantage of every inch of vertical space. #smallkitchens #ushapekitchens #kitchendesign #cottagekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/00001-bhg-checkered-floor-cottage-kitchen.jpg)
It’s inspiring to see how every inch is utilized for function, yet they also manage to be beautiful!
Go big or go home?
![Small all-white kitchen with wood accents, open shelves and vertical storage. #smallkitchen #cottagekitchens #openshelves](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/00001-small-cottage-kitchen-okl.jpg)
Okay!
![Green-gray cabinets in Shaker style kitchen with orchids, white quartz, and dark richly stained hardwood floors - housetohome.co.uk](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/00001-cottage-kitchen-house-to-home.jpg)
And is it really the worst thing when you have to rub shoulders with family and friends in the kitchen?
![Small classic u-shaped white kitchen with black counters and wood floor - via ModernHouseMagz. #cottagekitchen #smallkitchen #ushape #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/00001-cottage-kitchen-ushape-modernhousemagz.jpg)
Isn’t this tiled wall unexpected for such a wee space?
![Kevin Dakan kitchen via Remodelista. Small white classic cottage kitchen with glazed tile statement wall and dark counters. #smallkitchens #ushape #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/00001-cottage-kitchen-kevin-dakan.jpg)
Traditional and dreamy!
![Traditional Kitchen inspiration including this small u-shaped classic kitchen with wood floors and white cabinets. #smallkitchens #kitchendesign #ushape #cottagekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/00001-cottage-kitchen-decoist-1.jpg)
Black and white are such a tried and true combo for classic kitchens of all sizes.
![Come see these photos of lovely white classic traditional kitchens including this u-shaped one with dark counters. #kitchendesign #smallkitchen #cottagekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/00001-bhg-cottage-kitchen.jpg)
Thoughts on Traditional Design
What Makes It Traditional Style?
Traditional isn’t trendy or stuck in the past. It honors the past by incorporating antiques and beautiful print fabrics that feel timeless. Secondly, traditional style relies on comfortable furniture and cabinetry with clean lines, familiar silhouettes, and symmetry.
![Country kitchen with black French range, brick backsplash and green-gray cabinets - photo by Emily Gilbert. #statementrange #countrykitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/emily-gilbert-photo-countrylivingmag-silvery-sage-cabinets-kitchen-black-range-brick.jpg)
Thirdly, senses of order and calm are priorities. Finally, comfort ranks high on the priority list guiding decorating design decisions.
![Beautiful modern farmhouse kitchen with light grey cabinets, brass hardware, and blue Ilve Majestic range - Finding Lovely. #modernfarmhouse #kitchendesigns #ilvemajestic #greykitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/036-blue-kitchen-ilve-majestic-range-finding-lovely-grey-cabinets.jpg)
Traditional Origins
How Did Traditional Interior Design Develop? Traditional style developed as a result of furniture designs, interiors, and decor hailing from the 1800s and earlier in European countries.
![Country kitchen with skirted farm sink and aqua accents - photo by Laurey W. Glenn. #skirtedsink #farmsinks](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/laureywglennphoto-countrylivingmag-skirted-farm-sink-kitchen-aqua-cottage.jpg)
Warm wood tones and rich colors associated with elegance and comfort are associated with traditional decor. A neutral palette or tone on tone is also widely celebrated. Prints such as damask, plaid, paisley, stripe, and floral are all commonly embraced for wallpaper, home decor fabrics, furniture, curtains, pillows, and bedding.
![Light blue kitchen with plate rack - design by Rachel Hardage Barrett (photo: Hector M. Sanchez). #bluekitchens #cottagekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hector-m-sanchez-photo-countryliving-mag-rachel-bardage-barrett-light-blue-kitchen.jpg)
Enduring Appeal of Traditional Decor
Why Does Traditional Interior Design Endure? Timeless and traditional style works because it has withstood the test of time! Qualities of warmth, sophistication, and a sense of history or context flow from it.
![Barbara Westbrook designed kitchen with marble topped table - photo by Eric Piasecki. #rusticelegance #countrykitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ericpiaseckiphoto-countrylivingmag-barbara-westbrook-kitchen-marble-top-table.jpg)
Rather than push the envelope or experiment, traditional leans into the tried and true. Still, there are a wide range of creative interpretations for traditional interior design style!
![Sally Wheat kitchen. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/007-blue-kitchen-sally-wheat-interiors-farm-sink-subway-tile.jpg)
Traditional and country style kitchens can be exciting and fresh without the influence of the latest and greatest new fashions on the runway.
![F&B Blue Ground painted ceiling in a lovely cottage kitchen by Madcap Cottage (photo by Max Kim-Bee). #blueceilings #farrowandballblueground](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/farrow-ball-blue-ground-max-kim-bee-madcap-cottage-blue-ceiling-kitchen-color.jpg)
Design Elements Traditionalists Love: Antiques with a story and pleasant lines are important in traditional design.
![Fifi O'Neill designed kitchen with skirted base cabinets and rustic style (photo by Max Kim-Bee). #rustickitchens #frenchfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/fifi-oneill-rustic-kitchen-max-kim-bee-photo-countrylivingmag-plywood-floors-burlap-skirted-cabinets.jpg)
Secondly, hardwood flooring in warm, rich tones is a popular choice. Thirdly, traditional furniture tends to be more comfortable and formal.
![Beautiful Blue and White Kitchen with blue ceiling and beadboard backsplash. Come see 36 Best Beautiful Blue and White Kitchens to Love! #blueandwhite #bluekitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #decorinspiration #beautifulkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/016-blue-kitchen-traditional-Shaker-crown-point-cabinetry.jpg)
Furniture details such as claw feet, carvings, medallions, tufting, gilding, and fluting are often present. Fourthly, traditional fabrics tend to be higher end as they intend to stand the test of time. Specifically, linen, velvet, silk, and leather are traditional choices for textiles.
![Charming country kitchen breakfast nook with bistro table - photo by David Tsay. #breakfastnooks #farmhousekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/davidtsayphoto-countrylivingmag-breakfast-nook-bistro-table-kitchen.jpg)
Finally, in terms of silhouette, traditionalists admire Gustavian, Queen Anne, Classical French. Chippendale, Sheraton and historical furniture styles that continue to be relevant today.
![Blue kitchen base cabinets and white uppers in a beautiful country design - photo by David Hillegas. #bluekitchens #lightbluekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/davidhillegasphoto-countrylivingmag-light-blue-kitchen-cabinets.jpg)
How to Achieve a Traditional Look
Traditional Interior Design Eye Candy: Traditional style often honors architectural elements such as crown molding, arched doorways, French doors, and transoms. A modernist might deem the same touches traditionalists admire as elements that are too busy or too ornamental. Traditionalists are rarely minimalists! Secondly, symmetry is honored in traditional interiors. It’s not unusual to see a pair of sofas in a room, equidistant from a focal point such as a fireplace.
![Beautiful country kitchen by Beekman 1802 (photo by Annie Schlechter) with brick, copper pans, and built-ins for spices. #countrykitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/annieschlecterphoto-beekman1802-farmhouse-kitchen-copper-pans-countrylivingmag.jpg)
Traditional rooms feel balanced and harmonious, and there’s a sense of “the expected.” Thirdly, there is often an elegance factor in traditional interiors that may be absent in other design styles such as country or modern.
![Rustic yet elegant kitchen by Alison Luckman in an Idaho farmhouse (photo by Eric Piasecki). #rusticwoodceiling #rustickitchens #farmhousekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/alison-luckman-idaho-farmhouse-kitchen-blue-plates-eric-piasecki-photo-countrylivingmag.jpg)
Traditional charm is rooted in more formal sensibilities than informal ones. Therefore, you will find more refined details in traditional decor choices. For example, decorative trim on drapes, carvings on wood trims, heavy wood trims and architectural moldings, paneling, formal china and glassware, silver and gold objects, bookshelves and built-in window seats, etc.
![Whimsical scalloped range hood in a kitchen designed by Alison Kandler with blue range (photo by Mark Lohman). #customrangehood #cottagekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/alison-kandler-kitchen-blue-range-checkered-floor-scalloped-hood-countryliving-mag-mark-lohman-photo.jpg)
The Art of Harmonious Interiors
Create Harmony in a Traditional Style Space…Symmetry is an important factor to establish a sense of balance and harmony in a traditionally designed room. Additionally, prints and fabrics are matched thoughtfully for balance.
![Elegant Lighting Ideas on Hello Lovely Studio. #chandeliers #sconces #pendantlights](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/elegant-lighting-ideas-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
While traditional spaces may include contemporary furniture or art, the majority of pieces (antique or reproduction) hail from a common era to avoid an overly eclectic look. Traditional rooms have sumptuous upholstery and classical curves from furniture, mirrors, moldings, and accessories.
![Farrow & Ball Pitch Black kitchen cabinets in a farmhouse by Bailey McCarthy - photo by Roger Davies. #farrowandballpitchblack #blackkitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/farrow-ball-pitch-black-kitchen-cabinets-bailey-mccarthy-roger-davies-photo.jpg)
Traditional Elegance Deconstructed
The Role of Understated Elegance…Care is taken in traditional style interior design to avoid excessive formality or garishness. Too much metallic, heavy drapery, lacquer, mirror, pattern, gloss, or ornate finery can undo the charm of a balanced traditional design.
![Green kitchen (paint color is Coastal Plan by HGTV Home for SW). Photo: Miki Duisterhof. #coastalplain #greenkitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/coastal-plain-hgtvhomeforsherwinwililams-paint-color-green-kichen.jpg)
Understated elegance is achieved when the mix includes a pleasing proportion of shiny with matte, formal with less formal, and bold with subtle. Additionally, mid-range color and muted tones work best in most traditional interiors, as opposed to bright, dramatic, or bold color schemes.
![Renovated kitchen with Viatera Muse countertops and Sherwin Williams Eider White paint color. Cabinets are 50% Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/kitchen-fall-farm-sink-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Hello Beautiful! You managed to capture me once again with too many PINS to count – love these kitchens! Have a wonderful weekend!
Author
Ha! Always a treat to have you here, lovely artist friend. xox
Thank you so much Michele. As a fellow Liverpudlian the video of Sir Paul brought back many memories of my childhood. Your posts always manage to bring in the unexpected! Kitchen designs are amazing. Love from the UK, Sue
Author
How lovely is that!?! I was just so moved by that video and Paul’s ageless charm and grace. How wonderful to have memories of that place – I have yet to visit and now more than ever would love to! 🙂
Great post. Kitchens require much thought, from cabinet style and color, tile, countertops and appliances. I am craving a farmhouse sink. Thank you for all of inspiring photos. Wish I could chat with you about Paul. From that first moment on the Ed Sullivan Show in February of 1964, I was hooked. The Beatles were such a huge part of our childhood years, yes? I still have “Beatle cards” that came with the big slab of pink bubble gum!
Author
I’d love to chat about Paul too. My mom was young when she had me so we were both fans when I was a kid, and I’m crazy about that man. How cool that you have those Beatle cards!!! 🙂
Another fabulous post. I too pinned almost every kitchen.
Author
So happy you enjoyed. Thanks so much for reading, friend. 🙂
Hello, lovey Michele–you are so full of inspiration! I have a question. I’m trying to choose a paint color (manufacturer only will do in a Sherwin Williams paint color) for my kitchen cabinets. Can you even guess what color would be a match to the DeVol mushroom color in the first photo? I’m holding paint chips up to my computer screen and we know that doesn’t work.
Have a blessed Christmas . . . Donna
Author
Hi Donna! Take a look at Sherwin-Williams Neutral Ground, Aged White, Dover White, and Creamy. Wondering if they speak to you at all. I do love that muted mushroom tone! https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7012-creamy#/7568/?s=coordinatingColors&p=PS0