Coastal Cottage Kitchen Summer Tour: A Peek Inside Our 1920s Beach House
This is Part 2 of our summer home tour. If you haven’t already taken a look through our living room, where I brought relaxed summer vibes indoors, be sure to check it out as well. Today we’re heading into the kitchen.
It’s a small space, a true cottage kitchen, and it has earned every bit of the character it has now. 14 years of cooking, remodeling, thrifting, and figuring out where to put everything. Here’s what it looks like dressed for summer.
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Our Small Cottage Kitchen: A True Labor of Love
When we moved into this 1920 beach cottage, the kitchen was dark and closed off. Not a lot of light, not a lot of function.
We gave it a full refresh over time, adding white cabinetry, subway tile, a farmhouse sink, a tongue-and-groove ceiling, and even a dishwasher, which felt like an honest luxury when we finally installed it.
You can read all about the transformation in the kitchen before-and-after post. It was a real project.
Now it’s one of my favorite rooms in the house. Space is still limited, but I’ve learned how to make it feel open and bright, especially in the summer.
And that view out the window? There’s a gorgeous rhododendron bush that blooms every May. I never get tired of it.
Vintage Storage That Works (and Looks Beautiful Too)
Storage is the constant puzzle in a small cottage kitchen. Every inch has to earn its spot. Here’s what has worked for us.
My Favorite Cabinet
This vintage cabinet came home with me over 20 years ago. My very first thrifted find. It fits right between the built-in cabinetry and the window seat as if it were always meant to be there.
That worn-in, well-loved quality is exactly what I look for when I’m out hunting.
An Island Created from a Dresser
We turned an old dresser into a kitchen island by adding a butcher block top and a fresh coat of paint. It gives us extra counter space, which is always appreciated, and it fits the whole “collected over time” aesthetic without trying too hard.
The Pan Rack
Above the island, we built a pan rack from iron pipe. Hanging pots and pans on display is practical, and it looks right at home in a cottage kitchen. I try to keep dried flowers and herbs hanging from it too, alongside whatever vintage pieces I’ve collected lately. It’s one of those details that makes the kitchen feel lived-in.
Coastal Cottage Summer Touches
I keep the seasonal styling simple. For summer, it’s mostly about blue and white, a few coastal nods that feel natural given that we’re right on Puget Sound, and fresh things from the garden.
Blue and White Dishware
Classic blue and white feels fresh and timeless, and it works year-round in the kitchen. For summer, I bring more of it out to display on the open shelving, paired with vintage-inspired glassware and a few starfish here and there. Nothing overdone.
Fresh Herbs in the Kitchen
I love having herbs within reach, both for cooking and for the way they make the kitchen smell. Basil, rosemary, and lavender. Right now they’re coming in from the garden, and there’s nothing better. If you’re growing herbs alongside your flowers, the cottage garden plant favorites post has more on what grows well together in the garden.
A Bowl of Lemons and Faux Fruit
The bowl of fresh lemons adds a pop of color and keeps things feeling light. When I want that always-fresh look without the upkeep, I fill in with faux fruit and greenery. It’s one of those small things that makes a real difference in summer.
Candles, Always
If you know me at all, you know there’s always a candle going, no matter the season. Right now, I’m rotating between Lavender Vanilla, Fresh Cut Herbs, and Strawberry Mango. They’re especially nice when guests come by. I always recommend Antique Candle Co. if you’re looking for something good.
A Peek at the Eating Area
The eating nook sits just off the kitchen and the living room. In summer, I swap out linens and tableware for something lighter. Once the garden really gets going, cut flowers from the beds always end up on the table.
A few things in the space:
The Window Seat
We built this window seat during the remodel, and it’s one of my favorite calls we made.
It catches the morning light, it’s a good spot to sit with a coffee, and it has hidden storage underneath for things I rarely reach for: waffle maker, cookie cutters, and Christmas dishes.
From here, you can see the water, the boats anchored in the bay, and the greenhouse.
Every single day, I’m so grateful to call this incredible place home.
Making the Most of a Small Kitchen
Cottage kitchens are small by nature. These are the things that have helped ours feel bigger and work better.
Open Shelving
I know there are opinions about open shelving. People have asked me more than once whether my dishes get dusty. Yes. They do. But I love displaying my favorite seasonal pieces, and the ironstone I keep up their year-round gets washed before it’s ever used. Totally worth it to me.
Coastal Accents Without Going Overboard
Fish plates, shell napkin holders, beachy dish towels. The key is keeping it light. A few pieces in the right spots read as intentional; too many, and it starts to feel like a souvenir shop.
A Few Other Small-Kitchen Principles
The Open Concept We Always Wanted
A few years ago, we took out the wall between the kitchen and the living room.
It completely changed how we live in this house. The space is smaller than most, but it doesn’t feel that way anymore.
The stairs just off the kitchen go up to my studio/office and the guest room.
FAQ About Decorating a Small Cottage Kitchen for Summer
How Do I Make a Small Cottage Kitchen Feel Bigger?
Open shelving, light colors, and removing unnecessary visual clutter all help. Removing a wall to create an open floor plan, if structurally possible, makes the biggest difference of all. In our case, it transformed how the entire main floor feels.
What are Some Easy Ways to Add Coastal Style To a Kitchen?
Blue-white-dishware is the simplest starting point. From there, small additions like shell accents, woven textures, and natural materials build the look without overwhelming it. Fresh herbs and a bowl of lemons are seasonal touches that fit a coastal kitchen naturally.
What are Good Storage Solutions for a Small Cottage Kitchen?
Look beyond traditional cabinetry. We use a repurposed dresser as a kitchen island, a built-in window seat with storage underneath, and a hanging pan rack for cookware. Vintage cabinets can also fill awkward gaps in a way that built-ins often can’t.
Is Open Shelving Practical In a Kitchen?
It depends on how you use it. For pieces you display but don’t cook with daily, it’s mostly fine with occasional washing. For everyday dishes you grab without thinking, closed cabinets are easier. I use a mix of both and keep the open shelves for things I love looking at.
Until Next Time
Thanks for stopping by for this little summer tour. The kitchen is small, it has its quirks, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
If you have questions or want to share how you’re styling your space for summer, leave a comment below. I always love hearing from you.
Until next time,
Happy Summer Decorating!
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I absolutely adore your style!!! Your home looks so cozy and so beautiful!!!! And, your gardens, sooooo dreamy!!!!
Thank you so much, Emily!
You know I always love to see your home Kim, and this time, I’m wowed by your beautiful landscaping! We are in the process of overhauling our backyard and I’m pinning this for inspiration!
I can’t wait to see your backyard progress, Jen. I need to go check out your blog. Thank you for pinning.
Such a beautiful way to celebrate Summer, Kim! I love, love, love your kitchen and breakfast nook, they’re so pretty. And don’t even get me started on that million-dollar view – it’s stunning. I just love it all! Hope your summer is filled with all good things, CoCo
Thank you for loving my kitchen Coco. You always make me smile with your sweet compliments. Happy summer!
Love home tours, and your home is so very lovely. Thank you so much for inviting us inside.
Well, thank YOU for coming along on the tour sweet friend.
Kim your kitchen and gardens are one of my favorites. So much charm and love is put into everything you do. Happy Father’s Day?
That is so kind of you to say, Ann. Thank you!
Breathtaking, as always, Kim! Your gardens STILL look lovely, just as your home does. I get the open-shelving controversy. Personally, I’m with you on open shelves. LOVE THEM! And it was such a treat to see your living room view from the kitchen. Pinned, and what fun touring with you this summer!
Thank you, Julie. I always love touring with you. I was happy I captured a different point of view of the house. I loved how it turned out as well. Happy summer my friend.
Your home is as beautifully colored and textured-filled as your garden! It’s like a feast for my eyes:) Love it all!
What a lovely thing to say, Lora. Thank you so much! Happy summer!
If I could dream up my own cottage, it would look just like yours Kim! Love seeing the views of the deck through your kitchen window and your rhododendron is stunning! Beautiful photos and tour!
Wow! That’s quite a compliment Michelle. Thank you so much for the kind words.
Isn’t is crazy how removing a wall makes you live differently? I don’t know how people did it back in the olden days. And you are so right – some things are just meant to be and your blue cabinet is aaahhhmazing! I think it’s one of the things I love most about your fun and beautiful home. Besides the garden and all the other adorable characteristics about your place.
We needed an island at the farmhouse. The hubbies grandparents and parents had a full (small but full) table and chairs in there and it was so crowded. I found a buffet and plopped it in there and I think it’s too big. I gave up searching for a vintage dresser but you’ve made me start the search again! Loved hopping with you again Kim. Enjoy your summer!
Removing the wall really did make all the difference in the world Cindy. I can’t believe how much more light we have in the living room now. I just know you will find the perfect vintage dresser to use as an island. It really is the perfect size for a smaller kitchen. Happy summer my friend!
Your home is so amazing! It is the epitome of summer living at it’s finest. It was so much fun hopping with you this week. Blessings to you.
Thank you, Renae. I always love hopping with you too. Happy summer my friend.
Kim! Goodness gracious I sure had fun touring your kitchen and your garden! I pinned a few pictures but could have pinned them all. I love all the color you use…there is something about it that makes my heart happy! So thankful you were able to join and so glad you had fun on your trip. Happy summer!
Thank you so much, Kelly! I do love color and can’t wait until I can start bringing in fresh-cut flowers to bring in even more. Happy summer and thank you for putting this together. You work so hard and we all appreciate you so much.
Your Rhody’s look amazing!! And just let me know who is questioning the cleanliness of your dishes and I’ll take care of them for you…
Right? How dare someone question my cleanliness! Actually, it has been a comment that I see regularly on other people’s blogs and on IG. Thank goodness no one has ever said it to me or I would let them have it!
I love getting to spend time in your home inside and out Kim! Everything looks so beautiful. Your house makes me happy! I agree about daisies, I love how they brighten up the garden. Thanks for always inspiring me so much!
Thank you for coming along on the tour Kristin. You know you always have an open invitation to come in person! And I will have fresh-cut daisies ready to welcome you.
Kim, I am always so inspired by your stunning beach cottage…swoon! Your decor is charming and where do I start with that fabulous garden?! Simply beautiful! Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
You are so sweet, Cecilia. Thank you for pinning and for the wonderful words of encouragement.
Always love your home tours of your beautiful cottage. Your vintage sink is my favorite! And that rhododendron bush outside your kitchen window is gorgeous. Pinned!
Thank you so much, ladies. Fun fact…we designed the entire kitchen around the farm sink. I just loved it so much! Thank you for pinning. Happy summer!
Kim, I always look forward to seeing what you do each season, and how you style all of your fun and unique vintage finds. Thank you for sharing a peek into your beautiful summer home with us! Of course, my favorite photos are all of the ones sharing your gorgeous gardens and that stunning waterfront view! Happy to be on the tour with you this week. Pinned!
I always love touring with you, Jen. And thank you for the kind words. and pinning. Happy summer!
Your kitchen is stunning! So much amazing character! And, I LOVE your garden. I just want to sit there :).
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!
Your charming, colorful cottage is so dreamy and fresh. Always enjoy stopping in. Your gardens are incredible. Are you on the mainland or Whidby Island? I saw a Whidby pillow in one of your tours. Our daughter and son in law lived on Whidby 17 years ago and it is such a beautiful place.
Thank you so much, Pamela. We are on the Key Peninsula but I had to have that pillow when we visited by boat last year. I thought ti was so cute. I really love Langley.
Kim,
As always everything in your home and gardens is just stunning. So much inspiration.
Kim your home is always amazing!
Seeing your gardens and your shed from your table is a dream.
Every inch of your tour is so pretty
Thank you so much, Cindy. I really appreciate it.
That means a lot Rachel, thank you!
Kim your cottage looks like it is straight out of a magazine! So pretty and charming inside…it just welcomes you in! But that view is spectacular!!! And your gardens. I wish we had more temperate weather in Texas. As soon as our plants get happy in the early summer, then they burn and die. I’ll just look at pictures of your garden for the rest of the summer!
Thank you for the sweetest comments, Kate. We have been having the exact opposite weather issues. My flowers are not growing like they should be because it’s been so cold. I hope your summer cools down soon.
Kim I’ve always beena huge fan of your kitchen. It is so pretty and those corbels you added look so good! Looking forward to all the gardening this year! xo
Thank you, Stacy. You’ll have to come out here one of these days and help me in the garden.