In the meantime, here’s what we consider to be the top 7 must-haves for any cottage kitchen.

1. Light and Airy Colors

A Lake Michigan cottage remodel should be inspired by the nature that surrounds it. Why not choose a crisp classic white and a light, airy color palette to match? Choosing light neutrals will grant some much-deserved attention to the gorgeous views right outside your windows.

2. Farmhouse Sink

Is there anything more classic than a farmhouse sink? If you’re going for a vintage-inspired cottage remodel, you can’t go wrong with the simple elegance and practical design of an apron-front sink. One of the trademark features of a farmhouse sink is its deep bowl, which allows for dishes or pots to be stacked and washed with relative ease. No more splashing water onto the countertops!

3. Shaker-Style Cabinets

Shaker-style cabinets are a staple in cottage kitchens due to their simple, timeless design. With clean lines and minimal ornamentation, they fit perfectly into the cozy, rustic charm of a cottage aesthetic.

The versatility of shaker cabinets allows them to be customized in various finishes, from natural wood to soft pastel paint colors. Their straightforward design also makes them durable and easy to maintain, making them an excellent choice for cottage kitchen remodeling.

4. Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops add warmth and natural beauty to any cottage kitchen remodel. Made from thick slabs of wood, they provide a durable, functional surface for food preparation while also contributing to the kitchen’s rustic charm.

Butcher block countertops are versatile and can be sealed for protection or left raw for a more natural, weathered appearance. Their organic texture and warmth balance the cooler tones often found in cottage kitchen designs, enhancing the overall coziness.

5. Open Shelving

Open shelving will do a lot to help your cottage kitchen feel more spacious. It’ll also motivate you to declutter your kitchen space so you can focus on what matters most. To keep a uniform design, consider using dishware that’s a traditional white or other solid color.

6. Durable Kitchen Flooring

Your kitchen flooring should be beautiful, yet strong enough to withstand sandy feet, wet dogs, and active children. It’s a tough task, but our cottage kitchen remodelers are up for the challenge! If you love the look of natural hardwood floors, consider luxury vinyl flooring instead.

Vinyl flooring can capture the aesthetic of natural wood—without the maintenance. It also has a durable design that’s resistant to water, sand, spills, kids, and pets. What more could you want?

If you’re not a fan of luxury vinyl flooring, there are plenty of other options to consider for your Michigan cottage renovation. For example, our cottage kitchen remodelers may recommend ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile.

We offer a full range of Michigan cottage remodeling services to transform your property into your “home away from home.”

7. Breakfast Nook

Looking to add some cottage comfort to your lakeside getaway? What better way to get started than with a breakfast nook? If you have the space for it, a breakfast nook is the perfect space to savor a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise over the lake. It’s also a great spot for lively family discussions over scrambled eggs, pancakes, and bacon. The bonus is that you can use a “breakfast” nook for any meal.

Request a Quote for Cottage Remodeling

Home Specialists is proud to serve our lakeshore communities as a cottage remodeling contractor in Grand Rapids, MI. To request an estimate for your cottage kitchen remodel, please call (616) 453-4552. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon to discuss the details of your project. We hope to hear from you soon!

This blog post has been updated.