Simple Cottage Kitchen Update | 5 Things I Learned from Our Kitchen Makeover

In this video, I'm sharing our simple cottage kitchen update! We didn't do a full gut kitchen renovation, but we did make some big changes to completely transform the space. I'm walking you through some of the projects, from installing beadboard and a quartz backsplash to adding open shelving and a new light fixture. I'm also sharing the 5 biggest things I learned along the way. Whether you're planning a full kitchen makeover or just a simple refresh, I'm sharing the tips and lessons that will hopefully save you time, money, and a few headaches! Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction: Welcome to our FINISHED cozy cottage kitchen, [Before and After] 0:23 Design slow - If it's possible and it doesn't impact your day-to-day. We made fewer makeover mistakes, and knew how the kitchen was going to live. We learned that we only needed one set of open shelves vs installing two shelves on either side of the oven. 02:41 Design around what you already have - By incorporating design features from other rooms or the room you're working on, you'll create a cohesive look that flows. We extended the beadboard backsplash from the dining room to the kitchen, and kept the beautiful, cozy blue kitchen cabinets and butcher block countertops. 04:51 Design with functionality in mind - Our environments have a huge impact on our mental space. So when all we think about is a beautiful kitchen makeover and not about how the kitchen functions on the day-to-day then we forfeit the peace of a kitchen that works for a kitchen that looks a certain way. 08:08 Design with DIY in mind - DIY home renovations are so budget-friendly. They save so much money. But don't overextend yourself. We did a mix of hiring help and doing DIY that we were capable of. Our new vent cover only cost us $10 because we had all the pieces and tools from previous projects!! 011:26 Laugh when you make a design mistake - Learning to not take it so seriously is a huge gift. No matter how hard you try, you'll make a mistake, but being able to laugh it off makes the project more fun and exciting. Don't take the project too seriously. 14:24 Outro: Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe RESOURCES: Tea Towels: https://amzn.to/4bXYBng Blue and Cream Towels: https://amzn.to/4bTHB1v Drying Rack: https://amzn.to/4bXgLFJ White Tea Kettle: https://amzn.to/4iwDlYl Loaf Pan: https://amzn.to/41YcRYD Pendant Light: https://amzn.to/4ivBX8n BLOG POST: https://opendoorsopenhearts.com/2025/... JOIN THE MAIL LIST: https://opendoorsopenhearts.com/about... MY DISCLOSURE: https://opendoorsopenhearts.com/?s=di... #slowliving #cottagecountry #cottagekitchen #cottagestyle #cottagecore #cottagecoredecor #homedecor #interiordesign #kitchendesign #decoratewithme #diy #diydecor #kitchenmakeover #kitchenmakeoveronabudget #kitchendecor #simplecountrysidelife #simplekitchen #simpledecorations #budgetfriendlydecor #budgetfriendlydesign #farmhousekitchen #home #cozycottage #cozycottagecore #simplehomedecor #cottagecoreaesthetic #cottagefarmhouse #cottagelife #homedecorideas #slowlivinglifestyle