Coastal Cottage Charm: Summer Kitchen Tour of Our 1920s Beach House
Welcome back for Part 2 of our coastal cottage summer kitchen home tour! Last week, I showed you around the living room and shared some simple ideas for bringing relaxed summer vibes indoors.
Today, we’re stepping into the heart of our home—our vintage-inspired kitchen and eating area—where coastal charm, cozy details, and creative storage come together for the summer season.
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Our Small Cottage Kitchen: A True Labor of Love
When we first moved into our 1920s beach cottage, the kitchen was dark, closed off, and not at all functional for our lifestyle.
Over time, we gave it a full refresh—adding white cabinetry, subway tile, a farmhouse sink, a tongue-and-groove ceiling, and even a dishwasher (which felt like a luxury upgrade!).
Now it’s one of my favorite rooms in the house. And while space is limited, I’ve found a few creative ways to make it feel open, bright, and organized for everyday living, especially during the summer months.
Do you see that gorgeous rhododendron bush outside the window? I love it when it blooms here each May.
Vintage Storage That Works (and Looks Beautiful Too)
Storage space is limited in our beach cottage, so we have to be very strategic when finding space to store our kitchen appliances and essentials.
My Favorite Cabinet
One of my favorite pieces in the kitchen is this vintage cabinet I found over 20 years ago. It was my very first thrifted find!!!
It fits perfectly between the surrounding cabinetry and our cozy window seat, and it adds that charming, well-loved feel I always gravitate toward.
An Island Created from a Dresser
We also transformed an old dresser into a functional island by adding a butcher block top and a fresh coat of paint.
It gives us extra counter space (which is always appreciated in a small kitchen) while keeping that collected-over-time aesthetic I love.
Pan Rack
And then there’s the pan rack we made for the space above the kitchen island—a practical solution that also works as decor. Hanging pots and pans on display feels right at home in a cottage kitchen and frees up cabinet space too!
I try to always have dried flowers and herbs hanging from the rack as well as my favorite vintage collections.
Coastal Cottage Summer Touches
I like to keep my kitchen styling simple and seasonal.
For summer, I bring in pops of blue and white, fresh herbs, and a few coastal accents that nod to our Puget Sound location without feeling over-themed.
Blue and White Dishware
These classic colors feel fresh and timeless. I display a few favorite pieces on open shelving along with vintage-inspired glassware and starfish accents.
Fresh Herbs in the Kitchen
I love having fresh herbs from the garden within reach for cooking and for the fragrance they bring to the space. Basil, rosemary, and lavender are some of my favorites.
Fruit & Faux Touches
A bowl of fresh lemons adds cheerful color, while faux fruit and greenery fill in the gaps when I want that “always-fresh” look without the upkeep.
Yes to Candles, Always
If you know me, you know I’m never without a candle burning, no matter the season.
Right now, I’m rotating between Lavender Vanilla, Fresh Cut Herbs, and fresh citrus scents. They add a cozy vibe even on warm summer nights, and they’re a must when guests stop by.
If you’re looking for a candle company I absolutely love, I always recommend Antique Candle Co. Their scents are so good!
A Peek at the Eating Area
Our eating nook is just off the kitchen and the living room.
In summer, I’ll often switch out linens and tableware to reflect the season, usually keeping things light and simple. I always add some cut flowers from the garden later in the season once things really start blooming.
A Cozy Window Seat with a View
We built this little window seat during our remodel, and it’s one of the best features in the house.
Not only is it a sunny spot to sit with a morning coffee, but it also includes hidden storage underneath—a must for our small-space living.
It’s the perfect place to store kitchen items I rarely use such as cookie cutters, the waffle maker, and Christmas dishes.
From here, we have a beautiful view of the water, the boats anchored in the bay, and my sweet little greenhouse. I still can’t believe how lucky we are to call this place home.
Making the Most of a Small Kitchen
Cottage kitchens may be small, but they can still pack a punch when it comes to charm and functionality. Here are a few of my favorite takeaways from our space:
Coastal Accents
Layer in coastal accents without going overboard.
There are many fun options for bringing coastal vibes to your summer kitchen. Fish plates, shell napkin holders, and beachy dish towels are all great decor options.
Open Shelving
Lean into open shelving if you love showing off your favorite dishware (dust and all!).
There are some serious opinions about open shelving. I’ve been questioned about how clean my dishes are because they sit on the shelves collecting dust. And that’s okay. I get it.
But I LOVE displaying my favorite seasonal dishes and decor on my shelving. I usually always have ironstone pieces up here throughout the year, but they’re dishes I don’t use very often and always wash before using.
Other Ways to Make the Most Out of a Small Kitchen
The Open Concept We’ve Always Dreamed Of
We now have an open concept after taking the wall between the kitchen and living room a few years ago.
It has completely changed the way we live.
The stairs go up to my office-studio space and guest room.
Final Thoughts on Our Coastal Cottage Kitchen This Summer
I hope you’ve enjoyed this summer peek inside our 1920s coastal cottage kitchen!
If you have any questions, thoughts, or want to share how you’re decorating your home for summer, drop 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.