How This Beach Cottage Kitchen Keeps Its Beautiful Vintage Soul

This light-filled beach cottage kitchen by Jennifer Grey Interiors captures the charm of yesteryear while incorporating updated touches that honor the past. Nestled in a cozy coastal home, the space was carefully redesigned to reflect the homeowner’s deep affection for shabby chic style, all while keeping beloved original features intact.

Photo by Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

 

At the heart of the kitchen stands the vintage stove, a striking white enamel piece with classic chrome detailing that transports you back in time. Unlike modern kitchens that might prioritize a large range hood, the homeowner chose to forgo this addition altogether. Since she doesn’t often use the stove, she preferred to maintain the clean lines and uncluttered look above the range. The decision also allows the stove to shine as a focal point in the room without distraction.

Photo by Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

 

Equally important to the homeowner was keeping her original cabinetry. These cabinets, with their vintage glass knobs and aged charm, offer both nostalgia and function. Rather than replacing them with new stock units, the cabinetry was given a fresh coat of white paint, enhancing the bright, breezy feel of the cottage kitchen while preserving its soul.

Photo by Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

 

The countertops and backsplash received the most noticeable updates. Out went the dated tile surfaces, replaced with warm butcherblock counters from IKEA that bring a grounded, natural element to the room. These were paired with a beadboard backsplash to echo the home’s cottage roots. The beadboard adds texture without overwhelming the space, keeping everything visually calm and consistent.

The homeowner’s love for vintage finds continues in the details—open shelving behind glass-front cabinets displays her cherished China, pastel mixing bowls, and a pink stand mixer that looks as though it’s been baking cakes for generations. Nothing is too polished or modern. Instead, there’s a worn-in elegance that tells a story in every corner.

Photo by Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

 

One of the biggest style upgrades to the beach cottage kitchen came with the addition of a large farmhouse sink and a graceful bridge faucet. These elements are not only practical but also reinforce the vintage aesthetic. Overhead, a tiered crystal chandelier sparkles with feminine flair, giving the kitchen a soft glamour that aligns beautifully with the homeowner’s shabby chic vision.

Photo by Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

 

Just beyond the main workspace sits a tiny breakfast nook flooded with natural light. Though compact, it comfortably seats two for morning coffee or an afternoon tea. A delicate floral tablecloth drapes over a wheeled antique table, paired with a pale pink chair upholstered in a coordinating print. A second chandelier adds sparkle overhead, tying the nook visually to the main kitchen while lending its own romantic ambiance.

Photo by Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

 

This beach cottage kitchen by Jennifer Grey Interiors is proof that preserving the past doesn’t mean sacrificing function or charm. By blending original elements with subtle modern upgrades, the space feels authentically personal—an inviting and timeless reflection of the homeowner’s coastal, vintage-loving soul.