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Cottage: Bright Simplicity with a Cottage Spirit

This custom kitchen renovation at this cottage celebrates light, openness, and casual charm, all while delivering smart storage and thoughtful details. With no upper cabinets by design, the kitchen embraces an open and airy feel — one that reflects the laid-back atmosphere of cottage life. Floating shelves, a custom shiplap hood, and clean slab panel cabinetry come together to create a space that is warm, minimalist, and made for relaxing weekends and everyday ease.

Project Scope & Objectives

The scope of this custom kitchen renovation focuses on creating a light, open-concept space with minimal upper storage to support a relaxed, cottage-inspired aesthetic. Upper cabinetry is intentionally omitted to preserve openness, with floating shelves incorporated to provide accessible, visible storage and opportunities for styling. A custom shiplap hood is designed as the kitchen’s natural focal point, while practical solutions such as a lazy susan address corner storage needs. Throughout, the space is kept bright, minimal, and easy to use, balancing visual simplicity with everyday functionality.

Challenges & Considerations

The absence of upper cabinetry posed both a design opportunity and a storage challenge. With limited wall-mounted units, the lower cabinetry needed to accommodate daily essentials without cluttering the space. At the same time, the design had to feel true to the cottage setting — casual, calming, and connected to its natural surroundings.

Solution & Implementation

The final design delivers exactly that balance: clean lines, functional storage, and relaxed visual flow:

  • All slab panel doors were selected to reinforce a minimalist, modern style while offering easy-to- clean surfaces.
  • White cabinetry forms a bright, neutral base that reflects light and contributes to the kitchen’s open feel.
  • Wood floating shelves offer space for dishware, glassware, and decorative elements — blending both utility and warmth.
  • A custom shiplap hood above the range provides a visual anchor while contributing to the cottage feel.
  • Corner cabinetry includes a lazy susan, maximising storage in a practical and accessible way.
  • Matte black hardware adds a crisp contrast and keeps the palette grounded.
  • Integrated accessories such as a cutlery divider add subtle function without complicating the visual simplicity.

Outcome & Results

This cottage kitchen is now a welcoming retreat, perfectly suited to the laid-back rhythm of cottage living. With a focus on openness, light, and comfort, the space offers just the right balance of form and function. Every detail — from the floating shelves to the shiplap hood — contributes to a relaxed yet refined kitchen that encourages both gathering and unwinding.

Key Takeaways & Highlights

This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful simplicity can elevate a cottage space. By eliminating upper cabinets and embracing natural materials and functional solutions, the design team created a kitchen that feels light-filled, modern, and rooted in comfort. Close collaboration with the interior designer ensured that every detail aligned with the client’s vision—resulting in a space that’s ready for both entertaining and everyday use.

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