Cottagecore Kitchen Shelves and Storage Ideas

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It's a rare occasion when I share my kitchen! As you may have guessed, especially if you are a longtime reader, I am not a fan of my kitchen. It's that one place in my house my husband would rather me not throw globs of paint on. So, my cabinets are that beautiful knotty alder you see in the above picture to left. Beautiful yes, but paired with black granite...not so much. Anyways, I have done what I can to make my kitchen a place I can handle :) Like taking down some cabinets he didn't want me to paint. Problem solved haha. Or..painting my kitchen island while he was out of town :)

Even with my un-love for my kitchen :) ...I believe that every corner of your living space should be both functional and stylish. Today, I'm going to share with you creative ways to maximize storage while adding charm and personality to the space.

Non-Kitchen Furniture as Pantry: Who says a pantry has to be a traditional cupboard? Consider repurposing a vintage armoire, bookshelf, or even a standalone cabinet to store pantry essentials like canned goods, spices, and dry ingredients. Not only does this add character to your kitchen, but it also provides ample storage space.

This corner of my kitchen was a blank wall that has acted as an extra storage area. Last year I added these shelves, but since then I have done a few updates to this space. Without having a pantry ... yep...that's right unless you count that small cabinet you saw in the first picture as my pantry. That's all I got. Good thing I have a small family! So, this area is a carryover for a pantry. I found this cabinet on Facebook Marketplace for a steal ... and already painted, so double bonus! It fits my kids snacks, cereals, and canned items. 

Cottage Kitchen Shelves and Peg Rail: Tutorial     Recipe Box: Tutorial      Vintage Cutting Board: Tutorial

Shelves for Extra Storage: Install floating shelves on an empty wall to create additional storage space for cookbooks, decorative jars, and small appliances. This not only adds functionality but also allows you to showcase your favorite kitchen items in style. I chose to display extra measuring cups and dishes, canisters full of dried goods and treats for our pets, vintage items, and cutting boards.

Canisters for Pantry Organization: Keep your shelves neat and organized by using decorative canisters to store items such as flour, sugar, treats, and even pet food and treats. Opt for airtight containers to maintain freshness and add a touch of elegance to your kitchen shelves or countertops. These canisters I used are actually Rae Dunn canisters that had the words on them. I'm done with that style, but still love the canisters themselves! So, I just turned them around!

Peg Rail for Efficient Storage: Install a peg rail on the wall to hang kitchen essentials like aprons, oven mitts, measuring cups, and cutting boards. This not only keeps your tools within easy reach but also adds a charming rustic element to your kitchen decor.

Cozy Lighting: Enhance the ambiance of your kitchen by adding a cute little lamp to cozy up the space. Whether it's a vintage table lamp or a modern pendant light, the right lighting can instantly transform your kitchen into a warm and inviting environment. This light stays on at night for that perfect ambient glow in this corner. Sometimes, it's the only light on in the kitchen at night. I found this lamp at a local thrift store and paired it with a lampshade from Target.

Open Shelves for Dishware: Ditch the traditional cabinets and opt for open shelves to store your bowls, plates, and cups. This not only makes accessing your everyday dishware a breeze but also adds visual interest to your kitchen design. I have extra cereal bowls and measuring cups on my shelves right now. In the past, they have held extra coffee cups as well. Depending on the depth of your shelves with determine if you can fit plates on them as well.

Functional Fruit Bowls: Utilize larger bowls or baskets to store fruits like bananas and oranges on your countertop. Not only does this add a pop of color to your kitchen decor, but it also encourages healthy snacking habits. I took the fruit out for these pictures...because who wants to see yucky bruised bananas...but, I do love the use of these bowls on top of the cabinet for storing all the fruit within site. When I need the bowls, it's simple to switch the fruit to another bowl.

Add Personality: Add personality to your kitchen walls with wallpaper or a fun paint design. Pair this with a few potted plants or herbs on floating shelves to bring a touch of nature indoors. I like to use a mixture of real, dried, and faux to get the look I want. 

Cozy up the space: Adding layers helps to cozy up any space and who says a kitchen can't be cozy! I have multiple rugs throughout my kitchen to keep my feet warm and to soften the space. Layers can also be used with tea towels and framed art. 

Even if theirs a space you don't love, do what you can to make it tolerable so it brings a smile to your face. Even if it's just a corner of a room that makes you happy or brightens your day. That's this corner for me. It's the area I look at in my kitchen that makes me happy. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”