Adding Antique Character to the Kitchen | 1930s Cottage Renovation

This week I’m taking an unexpected break from the exterior work at our 1930s cottage to add antique character to the kitchen. We picked up two old matching kitchen cabinets from a family member after a basement flood, and now I’m figuring out how to use them in the cottage kitchen for extra storage and a future island. The kitchen already has a lot of nostalgic charm, but I want this next layer to make it feel more collected, useful, and true to an old house. I’m cleaning up the first cabinet, looking at unfitted kitchen inspiration, working through paint and restoration decisions, and trying to save as much original detail as I can. Then I found a hidden pattern under the old paint, and now I have to decide if it’s worth the extra work to bring it back. If you enjoy old house renovations, cottage kitchens, antique furniture, budget-friendly DIY projects, and bringing character back into older homes, I’m glad you’re here. #oldhouserenovation #cottagerenovation #cottagekitchen #budgetrenovation