5 tips to create a charming cottage kitchen

Rustic cottage kitchen

Homeowner and marketing executive Justine Melman readily admits she has the best of both worlds at the cottage. “My parents bought their cottage 13 years ago, and they’ve since bought the three neighbouring ones, first for my sister, then for my brother and lastly for me,” she says. “We lucked out getting them all in a row, and it allows us to be all together while each having our own space.”

Justine’s space, a 4,730-square-foot new-build cottage completed in 2011, is a haven for her two children, daughter Chloe, 11, and son Kelly, 9, as well as their three small dogs: Lucky, Slater and Bailey. “The kids find it exciting to be here, and are never bored. We also love having friends up, but entertaining is always informal,” says Justine. It’s the kind of place where everyone pitches in to make meals, which often end with Justine’s crowd-pleasing peach crisp.

“To me, the cottage means having the family together away from the chaos of life in the city and being immersed in nature,” she says. “I love when all I can hear is the soft rustle of leaves and the birds chirping back and forth. It’s a peaceful kind of serenity you can’t replicate at home.” And it’s all the sweeter when savoured with extended family and friends.

Rough-hewn details

New wooden beams look original when paired with the light ceiling and cabinetry. “I wanted an element of natural wood for contrast and to bring some of the rustic outdoors inside,” explains Justine.

Oversized island
Architect Joanne Campbell convinced Justine to go big with the island. “It was her idea to use most of the floor space for a huge island. I love it, and there’s so much room when I’m cooking and entertaining,” says Justine.

Glass-front cabinets

Finishing the island’s end cabinets in glass helps visually minimize the size of the island. “You can also see the dishes, and they’re right where you need them — next to the dining table,” says Justine.

Colourful appliances

Add colour in an expected way. “I wanted a blue stove as the focal point,” says homeowner Justine Melman, referencing her standout Lacanche range. “It adds a bright pop in the kitchen, and it became the anchor for the colour scheme throughout the rest of the cottage.”

Colour palette

Keep basic items, such as countertops and cabinetry, neutral and light so accent colours can pop. “I chose a pale palette, so the cabinets seem like they softly wrap around the kitchen, ensuring the blue range is the focal point,” says Justine.

Get more: 10 accessory for a country-style kitchen