Cabinets
Shaker fronts in muted sage, lower run only. If the existing boxes are sound, a repaint gets you this exact look for a fraction of replacement — the budget-friendly path.
DIY repaint
Countertops
Butcher block to echo the shelves. Oil-finished wood is warm, forgiving, and easy to sand-and-refresh down the road.
Warm wood
Backsplash
Classic 3×6 white subway tile with a soft grey grout for definition. It bounces light — exactly what a small kitchen wants.
On finishes list
Open shelving
Two warm-wood floating shelves instead of upper cabinets. Keeps the wall open and the room breathing — your single biggest "feels bigger" move in here.
Feels bigger
Hardware
Aged brass cup pulls on the drawers, round knobs on the doors. The warm metal is the jewelry of the room.
On finishes list
Faucet
Brass gooseneck — unlacquered, so it patinas over time instead of looking shiny-new forever.
On finishes list
Sink
White apron-front farmhouse sink in fireclay. This is the anchor piece of the whole cottage look.
On finishes list
Lighting
Clear glass pendants keep sightlines open; warm under-shelf LED strips handle the task light without clutter.
On finishes list
Styling
Herbs in terracotta, pantry staples in glass jars, one vintage wall clock. Greenery is the cheapest, highest-impact finish in the entire room.
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