Compact Cottage Kitchen

An arched opening to a storage alcove and the desire for a new pantry space complicated an already tricky layout. Initially, a more open-concept approach was considered, but not only did it compete with the style of the home, losing wall space created more problems in the design than it solved. Our solution strategically reconfigures the space, leaving key appliances in place while improving circulation and adding storage without compromising utility.

By removing a door and converting it into a cased opening, the kitchen’s existing footprint is maintained while opening the space in a way that makes it feel discrete yet connected to the rest of the home. The addition of an enclosed pantry and carefully located countertop workspaces create functionality in the once hard-to-use space. Moving the door just a few inches also allowed for the addition of a small, custom cabinet, perfect for storing spices, cans, and other small pantry goods.

The arched alcove is now a focal point of the kitchen, home to a cooking and prep area, with the stove and plenty of counter space. The historic detail of the arch keeps the kitchen feeling grounded in the history of the house despite the modern updates.

Material and finish selections were important to the homeowners, who wanted to capture the feeling of an open, working French kitchen. Slate flooring, quartz countertops, and a tile backsplash with an accent niche complement the two-tone cabinets in a neutral palette. Copper accents offer a subtle shine and nod to professional kitchens.

Though small, this kitchen update offers big impacts, with better circulation, workspace, and storage in a style that feels cohesive with the homeowners’ vision and the rest of the home. With these updates, the homeowners now have a beautiful kitchen that is a daily delight.