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Modern Cottage Style Kitchen Decor

November 15, 2019

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Cottage style kitchen decor doesn't have to be defined by one element, like a braided rug or rose covered curtains.

Modern cottagecore design allows for so much more.

Take a chance and experiment. You may love what you create.

Ball Fringe Valances

It's official. My kitchen makeover is finally complete.

Ok, well, not completely complete, one thing certainly does lead to another, but the breakfast area is done and I must say, it was totally worth the wait.

And phew...because honestly, I had my doubts.

There were bumps from the start of this project, which began with the simple idea of new curtains.

I mentioned in an earlier discussion, that it's taken me months to realize my vision and mapping out the project was only the beginning of the hold ups.

Stuff seemed to pop up constantly and since I wasn't really sure what I was doing, I was easily distracted. I was also in the middle of sewing other things, like dresses for my girls' latest video and pillows.

But today, I'm finally ready to share the tale of how I updated my cottage style kitchen on a whim.

It all started with this fabric and these ball fringe curtains.

I love ball fringe, as a matter of fact I just added it to my sofa.

It wasn't really a traditional cottage style pattern, or not my cottage style anyway, but once I saw it, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Something about it had me at hello.

Pom Pom Fringe Valances

Now, I'm a tried and true cottage style girl. I love red, roosters and flowers on my fabric, squishy pillows, embroidered anything, patterned furniture and floral wallpaper...like the one we recently hung in my family room.

And most of all, braided rugs.

They're warm, charming and a bit of a throwback. They have soft edges and a plushy feel.

They're decidedly country, casual and totally cozy...and they've always been the anchor of my style. I have at least one in almost every room.

Including the hallway where we painted the floors.

But this fabric was different. It didn't quite fit - with anything I owned - which, I think, is exactly what drew me to it.

It was modern. Clean. Geometric and also a little more orange than my favorite, true red, but I couldn't get it out of my head.

It had a starched, regal air about it and my long loved treasures suddenly looked a little out of place next to it.

So, it was a true leap of faith when I purchased those four yards, but I was determined to make that henna hued beauty work, even if it meant replacing a few things.

Including my beloved braided rug.

I've had that rug since we added the kitchen, more than 20 years ago, it's been my staple. It's completely defined my kitchen's cottage style.

My kitchen nook has changed again - Peek at its first new look here 

And its second here 

And its third in 2023 here

Red and White Cottage Kitchen Braided Rug

I've changed curtains numerous times and wall decor, but the rug always worked.

I removed it once a few summers ago, but after a little trim, it was back in short order. I missed the color and way it defined the nook.

You see, I tried a few others along the way, but nope, nothing compared or felt right. There was something about those braids, a warmth, a feeling of home, that no other rug could capture.

But this time, set against the potential new curtains, it was out of place...and I really wanted that fabric in the room.

The bright red on the floor made the valances look more orange than they were. Then the color of the roses on floral sink skirt didn't look right and worst of all, my gorgeous patterned chair clashed.

Worst of all, I doubted if that uppity fabric would ever really feel like it fit in my version of cottage style.

I honestly wasn't sure how to make it all work, until the rug was rolled up.

In avfit one night, I removed it.

Suddenly, I could picture the new curtains perfectly and everything in the room worked well with them. It was sad, but those braids had to go.

Finding something new, however, was no picnic.

I needed a round rug, about 7 feet in diameter, obviously in my particular style, in the right reddish orange color and in a pattern that would compliment, not clash with, my new window treatments.

And I had to do all of this online since round rugs are not usually carried in stores.

Red Cottage Style Curtains In The Kitchen

 Luckily, I was able to order several with free shipping and a return to store policy which made the process easier than expected. I ordered five. Only one looked like it did on my computer screen. Unbelievable.

This beautiful Safavieh rug was perfect. I knew from the start it was the one.

It's a total departure from my tried and true style choices, but it looks gorgeous and felt right. And with that one purchase, I knew that fabric was going to work.

YOU CAN SHOP MY COTTAGE STYLE HERE

Some might think it's busy, but cottage style is not really about matching, but rather layering and mixing.

The new rug and valances were just the beginning of my quest to get the look I craved. The beginning of melding my old cottage style and my new.

I stripped the color off my dining chairs, exposing a lighter fabric, that would blend better with the latest additions.

That made a huge difference in the feel of the room and believe it or not, as luck would have it, the original pattern on the chairs, matched my skirted, upholstered, dining chair.

Country Style Upholstered Dining Chair

That was great, but bland. So I ordered a pillow (this one is similar) that I thought would bridge the visual gap between the windows and the floor.

Again, it was not my normal pattern or style choice, but the scrolling vines blended so well. I loved it immediately.

So much in fact, that I bought another for the living room...but that's a redecorating tale for a different day!

To give the room a little more interest, I relocated a pair of floral pillows that I'd made years ago, from the living room, to the kitchen.

Funny, the more items I added, the more all the reds seemed to become one. Now we were getting somewhere.

Cottage Style Kitchen Chair

The room looked great, it was modern and fresh, the orange was gone, but still, something was missing. I could feel it in my gut. It was still a bit cold.

So as I mentioned a few weeks ago, I dug through my stash and found some pom pom trim. I suspected that ball fringe curtains would be the answer.

And I was right. A quick zip through the sewing machine changed the entire look of the breakfast nook.

It was the cottage style kiss I was looking for...that one tiny addition, took the room from pretty and personality-less to outstanding in my eyes.

It was way more than I'd hoped for when I began this redecorating journey and I can't get enough of the view.

That fabric fits now. It fits in the same space as my darling sink skirt, my tulips, my old thrift store pine server, my red wall, my roosters. And most of all, it fits me.

Red And White Country Cottage Style Kitchen Decor

It's full on cottage style.

Cozy and charming but also elegant, with a bit of a modern edge.

Which is a different aesthetic for me.

Yet this new version of my 1920's kitchen still manages to be classic and warm.

And all without a braided rug in sight.

Who knew?

Happy Decorating, Friends!
Kim Signature


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  1. Love love love the new valances. I love that pattern too. It is one of those patterns that says hey make me into something pretty. You knocked it out of the park on this one Kim. That little eating area with those beautiful windows and now the new valances looks amazing. Great job. Love this post today.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thank you, Kris!! ❤️ This one took me for a ride. I just couldn’t find my stride for a long time. That’s unusual for me, but so is the fabric and the rug. I guess I’m growing!! Haha.

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  2. Good job! It looks lovely. You are truly a cottage-keeper.

    Bernardine

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    1. Thank you so much, Bernardine!! What a sweet thing to say!!

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  3. I too love what you did with your eating area in the kitchen. You did a great job! The curtains are gorgeous and I like the new rug. I just watched the video and song your girls did and they are just as talented as you!

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    1. Thank you Julie! It was a crazy meandering road to get here, but I have to say it really was worth it. And thank you for the sweet words about the girls!! ❤️ They've been having a ton of fun lately.

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  4. Absolutely gorgeous Kim! I could totally sit there all day, sipping coffee and just staring out the beautiful window. The curtains are a perfect fit and the new rug.

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    1. Come on over, Christina!! You can tell me all your furniture refinishing secrets and I'll supply the coffee!! 😉

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  5. I am loving this new look. You're so right the colors don't have to match, they have to blend. Blend they do and it's fantastic. The pom pom is a perfect touch. I have gotten afraid getting out of my comfort zone at times. Being patient and finding pieces that make it work is worth the angst.

    Beautiful Kim.

    Cindy

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    1. Thank you so much, Cindy! When it comes to crafting and decorating, I'm not usually a patient girl, but this time it paid off for sure. Worth the wait...

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  6. Oh how cute Kim! I loved the curtain material from the start & the pom poms are the perfect crowning touch. I also think the rug goes great to complete your look.

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    1. I am in love with those little pom poms, Florence. I'm glad you think they were a good choice!

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  7. Stepping out of your comfort zone can bed scary; it can also be a lot of fun!!!
    Good job ~

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    1. Thanks Bobbie! I actually like it more and more every day. I'm glad I wandered into that aisle in the fabric store.

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  8. KIM!!!!
    OMG!! This is absolutely stunning!! I really love it! You did a beautiful job!! Congrats!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Debbie, your all caps response just made me smile from ear to ear!! Thank you so much!! 😁

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  9. I love it! You did a great job of putting it all together!

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    1. Thanks Mari! This one was a puzzle for sure.

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  10. Lovely new look Kim. The new round rug looks lovely in your breakfast are. Kudos for pulling it all together for a fresh modern new look.

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    1. Thanks Linda! I can't wait to set this table and see it really come together.

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  11. it's just beautiful. there's a warm glow to it now.
    especially perfect for this time of year! XO

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    1. Thank you so much, Tammy! Always a pleasure to see your name in the comments. Hoping you are well, my friend! xo

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  12. Ooooooo that fabric is gorgeous Kim, no wonder it started a new cottage revolution. And that rug <3 <3 <3 It looks so well worn and and loved. Like how all your pieces come together without looking staged and fussy. Beautiful

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    1. Michelle, you have such a way with words...a revolution indeed!! And thank you!!

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  13. It looks really great. Your rug is beautiful. And that ball fringe is so fun.

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    1. Thanks Lorri! Fun is what I thought too…a little whimsical and a whole lot of fun.

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  14. Wow Kim you are on a roll. See what one piece of fabric can inspire. I love your new rug, it gives the room a very cozy vibe but more refined than the braided rug. And the curtains are adorable with the pom poms.

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    1. Thank you, Mary! And I am on a roll. I think it started in April with the bathroom and it hasn't stopped since.

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  15. Kim, full on cottage style is right!! As soon as I read you had removed the braided rug I was so sad, you know how I love those, but the new choice is just perfect. I love the fabric and the addition of the little poms. It looks just like you, sophisticated and sweet all at once. Thanks for your visit and your sweet words about my birthday and that HUGE number! I heard a wise woman (Whoopi Goldberg) say the other day that you should celebrate every birthday as being special because there are a lot of people that never get to be that age, and I think she is right. I had always heard that you can say anything and get away with it when you are old. Not true! So don't ever try it. Again, love the new look and can't wait to see it at Christmas..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy

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    1. Haha, your comment made me laugh! Thanks for the advice. I hope your birthday was fabulous and don't worry about that braided rug. I haven't tossed it. It's lovingly wrapped up in my basement ready for its grand return...which may be sooner than we all think!! 😉 Happy Monday my friend!! xoxo

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  16. Its a very inviting corner! The ball fringe is my favorite part, reminds me of snow balls and snow. Though in the spring/summer it would remind me of those bushes with the snowball flowers. The view through those windows is amazing! What a fun place to sit, share, and eat.

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    1. Thanks so much, Audra!! I like your ideas, I think those little pom poms look like marshmallows! Mmmm...

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  17. Incredible Kim! You truly just KNOW what will look best in your heart of hearts! Glad that your vision came to pass, and it really transformed this space again, into just the coziest spot to dine! I love the addition of the trim to the curtains, that really sets them off, and the rug is perfect too! Enjoy your redone space, and pat yourself on the back, well done my friend! I love it! Hugs :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Marilyn! It was a long drawn out process, but I’m so happy with the results. You’re right, you have to listen to your heart and your gut, whether it’s decorating or something much more important. They eventually show you the way! Happy Monday!! Hugs!

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  18. I absolutely love this new look! Does not look too busy at all; everything comes together very nicely. You are so lucky to have the expanse of windows in your kitchen nook - just love that. I also love how the one chair at your table is different and plush - the tall wingback. That really adds to the character of this room, too.

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    1. Thank you, Melanie! I love those windows, too. When we added this room I combed magazines looking for inspiration. I saw a kitchen nook that was basically a solarium. It was glass floor to ceiling. Of course, that wasn't really possible, but this was pretty close. Best choice we made with the design, hands down.

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  19. Well done Kim. I like the rug. I really like the wingback chair and how you placed the other chairs and decorated. It just looks fantastic. The curtains are very cute.
    I went over and watched the girls YouTube.. well done on the dresses. Did you make the black and white dress. Each one is lovely. Your girls are beautiful.
    xx oo
    Carla

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    1. So many lovely words, I don’t know what to respond to first! How about just a giant, thank you so much, Carla. ☺️ And I did not make the dresses, but I did rework Kat’s quite a bit. It was longer with an asymmetrical hem and at the 11th hour we decided it didn’t work. My theater costuming experience definitely came in handy!

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  20. That knock on the door is the people from Country Living Magazine coming to shoot your home. It is gorgeous!
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Amalia, you are the sweetest!! I won't hold my breath, but if they do come knocking, I'll let you know. Wouldn't that be fun?? xoxo

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  21. It looks wonderful Kim, so cozy and definitely cottagy!!! I do wish I could sew, sigh. Love your kitchen and dining area....and your whole home!!

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    1. Thanks Debbie!! I swap you a sewing lesson for a cooking one...😉

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    1. Thank you, "Andy"!! Come on over and see it person...

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  23. I love everything, Kim. The valances and all of your fabrics work so well with each other. And you know fabric!! What a warm vibe.

    I love cottage style and lean toward this in a lot of my decorating. Sometimes it gets confused with "country style" and that's very outdated to me. I correct people!!😉

    Jane

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    1. Thank so much, Jane! And I think you're right, people assume cottage style is country style and that's certainly not always the case. Thanks for stopping by...always fun to get a comment from you!!

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  24. Wow Kim you pulled this off so nicely. I love the new rug too. It all came together so great. Your nook is my inspiration for what I am trying to create in my home. Hope I can pull it off as well as you have.
    Happy Saturday.
    Kris

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