Blog - The Lilypad Cottage

December 1, 2021 By Kelly 2 Comments

Front Porch Christmas Decorations

Front porch Christmas decorations featuring red planters, pre-lit Christmas trees, and garland.

I always love to start my holiday decorating out on our front porch! We host my family every year for Christmas, and it’s nice to have a festive entrance to welcome them all. I think our front porch Christmas decorations make our house feel so cozy.

I may not have used red inside for my Christmas decor the last few years, (I’m sure I’ll make the return at some point) but the exterior decorating is a different story. Pops of red are always a must. They cheer up the gray and white blah-ness of our Michigan winters.

I partnered with Crate and Barrel again to show off some of their fun exterior Christmas decorations. I absolutely love the white planters we use on our back patio in the summer so I couldn’t resist these festive Tooloo Red Planters.

They are such a nice cranberry color and I love the look with our dark siding. They look especially pretty dusted in snow! You’ll have to trust me on this one. Every time it has snowed it’s melted before I’ve had the chance to shoot it.

I used Faux Potted Norway Spruce Pre-Lit LED Trees in the pots. They are so welcoming to drive up to at night.

I added garland along the top of our front porch this year as opposed to around the door. I broke the ladder in the process, but thankfully not myself. I may need to leave hanging garland to the professionals next year, aka the Mr….

I used a subtle classic stripe pillow cover to let the red planters take center stage.

These lanterns with battery operated candles are a fun addition to light the path for our guests. They will be so nice on the patio this summer as well.

I finished everything off with a pre-lit battery operated wreath. It’s on a timer, so I don’t need to manually turn it on every night.

Santa Charlie is ready to greet guests and pass out presents on our festive front porch!

Our Crate and Barrel “Oh What Fun” door mat is there to welcome guests when Charlie is napping.

SOURCES:

Tooloo Red Planters

Faux Potted Norway Spruce Pre-Lit LED Tree with White Lights 5’

Indoor/Outdoor 4”x8” Pillar Candle with Timer

Crosby Natural Teak Lantern 15”

Hemlock Pine Pre-Lit LED Wreath 28”

Snowfall Gift Wrap

Oh What Fun 22”x36” Holiday Doormat

Marilla Stripe 54”x20” Body Pillow Cover by Leanne Ford

November 30, 2021 By Kelly 4 Comments

Simple Christmas Mantel Decor

Simple Christmas Mantel Decor featuring a black mirror, asymmetrical garland swag and candlesticks.

I wanted to keep things simple with my mantel for Christmas this year. I’m still working on projects at the guest cottage, so Christmas decorating has taken a bit of a back seat this season.

I’ve actually been enjoying the less is more approach the past few years. I’ve been pairing things down, and instead of decorating the whole house to the nines, I’m keeping to just a few strategic areas.

Our Christmas Mantel, front porch, and our tree of course. Well two trees, the kids have a tree downstairs that they decorate however they want.

This year I wanted to highlight my new mirror above the mantel. This black Emmy mirror is from Crate and Barrel and I absolutely love it.

I was going to include it in my fall decor, but it arrived a bit too late. It’s looking perfectly at home on my Christmas mantel.

I kept the same candlesticks from my fall decor and added my collection of faux greenery in an asymmetrical swag.

That’s it! Oh, and I spent a good hour untangling the battery operated Christmas lights, but then done! You would think I would learn at some point to roll those up nicely :)

Let’s talk about the greenery again as I get questions every year about it. I’ll be posting a video on instagram for those of you who want a further visual of how I get such a full garland every year. I’ll break it down here too.

How to make a full looking Christmas garland with faux greens

First, I start out with an inexpensive garland. You know that super bendy wired kind that you can shape however you want. It doesn’t look real in the slightest, but it is easy to manipulate into the exact shape you want.
I keep the same small two nails in my mantel that I use year after year. Floral wire wrapped around the nail and then the garland is the key to keeping the garland in place. Command hooks could also work if you want to avoid nails, but this does get heavy depending on how many strands of garland you use.
Next, I add in several types of realistic looking garland. I’ve been collecting mine over the last few years, but I’ll link some similar below. I like to use a mix of greens to add interest. You can wire these in with floral wire or just use the flexible branches of the inexpensive garland to hold them in place.
Now is when I like to add the battery operated twinkle lights. I like to use the kind on a timer and set them to go on at dusk and stay on til about 11pm.
Last, I add in any additional decor. I’ve used pinecones, ribbon, ornaments, berry sprigs, etc. Really just pick anything that works with your theme.

I decided to just stick with plain old greenery this year, but I’m really happy with how fresh and classic it feels!

You can take a look at past Christmas mantel decor below.

Fireplace Mantel Christmas Garland

Green and Brass Christmas Living Room

SOURCES: Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Emmy Black Mirror

Wooden Candlesticks

Black Candlesticks

Fireplace Stone

Paint Color – Extra White by Sherwin Williams

Rug

Sofa

Accent Chairs

Tree – Sanibel Spruce Balsam Hill

Black Throw Pillow

Blanket

Coffee Table – no longer available

Large stone planter

Medium stone planter

Small stone planter

Faux Jasmine Garland

Faux Fir Garland

November 23, 2021 By Kelly 11 Comments

Christmas Tree with Black and Brass Ornaments

Christmas Tree with Black and Brass Ornaments. Mercury glass and black velvet bows add to a classic look.

I’m finally decking the halls! This may actually be the latest I’ve ever started since I’ve been blogging?! But it’s happening! Normally I have some sort of theme or color scheme in mind, but I think the guest cottage used every last bit of my creative energy.

It took me a minute to figure out what I wanted to do this year.

I took a stroll through my favorite local nursery (Flowerland for you locals) which always has the best Christmas stuff. I happened upon these gorgeous black Christmas ornaments.

Christmas Tree with Black and Brass Ornaments

I think that may be the only color I haven’t tried over the years! While it may seem odd to think of using black in lieu of traditional red and green Christmas colors, somehow I think this tree feels dramatic yet classic too.

I bought about 10 new black ornaments that had really cool gold speckles and swirls. I mixed them in with my tried and true favorite mercury glass ornaments.

I also picked up a cheap container of plastic black ball ornaments. I think it was $10 for 20 ornaments?

I added in all of the brown and rust toned ornaments from last year to add some depth.

My favorite Balsam Hill snowflakes are making an appearance again this year as well.

One big tip when decorating your tree is to place ornaments deep in the tree branches to add more sparkle and fullness. I like to hang my ornaments in layers. The not so pretty ones deeper back and my favorites on the outer edges.

I actually used a lot of gray and silver ornaments that didn’t necessarily work with this year’s color scheme, but I pushed them way back into the tree so they would just reflect the light and sparkle.

I finished everything off with a few rolls of black velvet ribbon that I bought at Flowerland. Ribbon is by far the easiest and least expensive way to change up your tree year to year. I think this is about $15 worth of ribbon, but it made such an impact.

I wanted to add a few more touches of black around the room. So I picked up these brushed velvet black throw pillows and blanket from Target.

I added them into the mix of my fall throw pillows and I’m loving the deeper cozy tones and textures.

The Mr. was teasing me that we were going to have a goth Christmas tree, but I really love how it turned out!

Inexpensive Tips to Change your Tree

Buy just a few new special larger ornaments to incorporate with your old ones.
Inexpensive plastic ball ornaments can add a new color interspersed through your tree.
Change out the ribbon to weave a new color or theme throughout your tree.
Use what you have but pick and choose only one color or type of ornaments from years past.

I’ll be back with more Christmas decor next week. I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving week with your family and friends!

Neutral Thanksgiving Table Decor

How to create warm and inviting Thanksgiving Table Decor. Using neutral colors, candle light, and natural elements.

I’m hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner this year and I’m so excited to be gathering together! I haven’t figured out my menu yet, I do have one part of the festivities covered – the Thanksgiving Table Decor.

I’m so happy to partnering with Crate and Barrel again to set a beautiful Thanksgiving table. We did our wedding registry for our very first set of dishes and glassware there. They remain my favorite spot to shop when it comes to quality dinnerware. From these beautiful charcoal dishes, to these realistic faux stems, they have everything you need to make your Thanksgiving table decor memorable.

I thought I would walk you through my process when it comes to setting a table today.

Decide on a Theme

First I like to come up with a theme or game plan for the table decor. I wanted to keep things earthy and warm this year, so I opted for a lot of neutral colors and texture. The wood napkin rings, Hyacinth placemats, and Faux Willow Eucalyptus stems really bring the outside in.

Crate and Barrel has so many different styles of placemats, napkins and accessories they can fit any decor.

Placemats vs Tablecloth

Next I start from the bottom of the table and work up.

Do I want a more formal look with a tablecloth or let my table shine with placemats?

I usually opt for placemats for a more casual approach, but I mixed it up by including this Craft Cotton Fringe Runner. I like the layered look of the linen with the more natural element of the rattan.

Dinnerware

I love classic white dishes, but for special occasions it’s fun to mix it up. These Craft Charcoal Coupe Dinner Plates feel a little rustic. The dramatic charcoal color works well with my darker dining chairs.

Layering always adds interest to a table. I like to layer a round placemat, dinner plate, and salad plate. This combination always works nicely.

Flatware

If you’re like me, and your kids/spouse constantly take your flatware out into the world for lunch and magically it never returns, hosting Thanksgiving may be the perfect time to upgrade your flatware.

I chose this simple Emerge Satin Brushed Flatware. I love the modern shape and style, they pair so well with the charcoal plates.

Glassware

Wine is always a must with Thanksgiving dinner at our house, I typically serve a red.

This beautiful Hip Large Red Wine Glass really catches the light, and the shape and weight is great. I chose them along with the Tour Highball glasses to serve water.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

I know there are a lot of opinions on centerpieces. Too high and it blocks conversation, too low and the table can look a bit boring.

I like to compromise and do a layered look. It’s fun to have the drama of a large centerpiece for when your guests arrive. I then typically remove it to make room for serving dishes at meal time.

I used a combination of the Holden vase and the Adra Vase.

We usually opt for a buffet style for Thanksgiving to give guests more room at the table, so I layered in plenty of candles as well.

Candlelight always makes a meal feel more special. These gorgeous Sona Hurricane Candle Holders create such a pretty glow. The candles are all contained which is a nice safety option if you have an enthusiastic 10 year old boy at your table like I do.

Finishing Touches

Lastly I add a few finishing touches. In this case these pretty Craft Frost Fringe Napkins wrapped in wood napkin rings. I love how versatile these 3 ring napkin rings are. They are perfect for fall, but would work great in summertime too.

I also like to address the rest of the room.

Since our dining table faces the living room and fireplace mantel I added some touches of fall there as well.

This unique Shinola Vase filled with faux rust branches really pops against our white fireplace trim.

I’m obsessed with these Vantaa Taper Candle Holders and they will be staying here for Christmas as well. I mixed up the black and wood tones to keep the earthy eclectic feeling.

Thank you to Crate and Barrel for partnering with me to create the perfect Thanksgiving Table Decor. I’m so looking forward to gathering with our friends and family in this space. I’ll link all my sources below and be sure to check out Crate and Barrel for any of your holiday entertaining needs.

SOURCES: You can click on each link to take you right to the product page to shop.

Craft Charcoal Coupe Dinner Plate

Craft Charcoal Coupe Salad Plate

Emerge Satin 5 Piece Flatware Place Setting

Craft Frost Grey Cotton Fringe Napkin

3-Ring Wood Napkin Ring

Hip Large Red Wine Glass

Tour Highball Glass

Whitewash Water Hyacinth Round Placemat

Craft Birch Cotton 90” Fringe Runner

Sona 3.5” Votive/Tealight Glass Candle Holder

Sona 6.5” Glass Hurricane Candle Holder

Sona 8” Glass Hurricane Candle Holder

Sona 10” Glass Hurricane Candle Holder

Faux Willow Eucalyptus Stem

Rati Vase

Holden Vase

Adra Vase

Vantaa Natural Taper Candle Holder 14.5”

Vantaa Black Taper Candle Holder 14.5”

Vantaa Natural Taper Candle Holder 9.25”

Vantaa Black Taper Candle Holder 9.25”

Vantaa Natural Taper Candle Holder 20”

Vantaa Black Taper Candle Holder 20”

Shinola Makers Tall White Vase

Faux Rust Leaf Branch

Emmy Black Wall Mirror

November 10, 2021 By Kelly 14 Comments

Guest Cottage Living Room

The guest cottage living room is really coming together! It’s become the coziest little space to hang out. The biggest change this week (besides the fact that we now have running water, whoo hoo!) is we have furniture!

Guest Cottage Living Room

Charlie for one is very relieved his days of using an actual dog bed (the horror) are over. He can now rightfully take back his comfy couch throne. Preferably on top of a blanket or pile of pillows – such a diva!

Let’s take a look back at the BEFORE –

AFTER –

I was so excited to partner with Article on this space. Their Sven Charme leather sofa was the perfect choice for our guest cottage. It’s just the right size for a small space, and the chaise it a comfortable spot to kick your feet up. I mean, if there wasn’t constantly a little fluffy dog there.

It’s always nerve wracking to buy a sofa online. I’m so happy with the quality and comfort of this one. The leather is the kind that just gets better as it ages. This color adds so much warmth to the room. Also the leather will be really practical in case we do rent this space. This sofa really checked all the boxes.

I’m actually still waiting on one of my throw pillows to arrive (as you can see on the design board) but this space feels almost complete.

I’m so happy with how this art from Deb Presutto looks. I’m not so happy with the glare on the photos. Never thought I would complain about too much sunshine in Michiagan in the fall. You’ll have to trust me that they look fantastic.

Let’s head over to my office area, it’s a long two step journey, but I really wanted to make the most of this small space. Having my office in the guest house has been even better than I imagined.

I love having a quiet space to work where I’m not constantly distracted by the laundry or dirty dishes. It’s also delightful to have my desk in front of this window and have everything organized in one spot.

These shelves fit in perfectly with the cottage vibe and add nice storage. I put boxes on the lower shelves to keep printed contracts and boring tax information. The Mr. is particularly happy about this as typically I have tax stuff all over the house.

This small desk is the perfect size to fit right under the window. It doesn’t block your water view from the sofa. I decided to be practical (happens once every blue moon) and buy a comfortable desk chair. This one is actually from Staples if you can believe it. It’s super comfortable and I really like the look of it too – which was a tough find.

I was instantly in love with these ottomans when they arrived! The pattern and texture are so pretty. Ottomans are always a nice accent in a small space. They are great to prop your feet up or serve as extra seating.

Overall I’m so happy with how this space came together.

I added a little rack and some wall art over in the kitchen area too.

I still want to add more accessories and personality over time. For now it’s a super comfy spot to work or hide from my kids. Kind of like a kicked up she-shed! It will be so great to welcome guests here too.

SOURCES: Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Ceiling – I’ll be sharing more ceiling info soon!

Wall Color – Simply White

Floors – were here when we purchase the home

November 7, 2021 By Kelly 4 Comments

Gift Guide For Teen Girl

My 13 year old daughter and her friend have been hard at work picking out fun things for this year’s gift guide. Teen girls can be one of the hardest groups to shop for because they have very specific taste. Especially when it comes to clothes. I’ve long since given up trying to surprise my daughter with clothing she will like. Instead, I focused on fun gifts, gadgets and cozy things.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Gift Guide For Teen Girls

Nike Blazer Mid 77 Vintage – These are my daughters favorite sneakers of the moment. I have to admit I think they are completely adorable too. They look cute with jeans, leggings and even dresses.
Personal Keurig – This is funnily enough the gift my daughter wants most! She loves the idea of keeping this in her room and making herself a hot chocolate or mocha in the morning. It comes in few fun colors too.
Carhartt Knit Beanie – Love this lilac color! She has the teal color too.
Jewelry Organizer – My daughter loves making and wearing jewelry, and this looks like a great way to keep her collection corralled.
Rainbow Fuzzy Slippers – A new fun pair of slippers is always a great stocking stuffer. These come in a bunch of colors, but I personally love these rainbow ones.
Charging Hub – My daughter has a million gadgets and charging chords in her room that drive me nuts as they are strewn about. I’m thinking this would be perfect for corralling them all.
Casetify – My daughter loves these cases. They are cute, slim and keep her phone protected.
Sling Bag – She loves this style bag when she is out with friends. It’s the perfect size for her phone, wallet and snack. The essentials! This one comes in all sorts of colors and patterns.
Bluetooth Speaker – My daughter has music playing at all times and wanted a speaker she could use in the shower. My ears are on board with this ideas since otherwise she tends to just blast the one in her room to reach the bathroom.
Pura Vida Star Necklace – Anything from Pura Vida is always a safe bet for my daughter. She has several of their pieces and they are so dainty and cute. These two pieces (this necklace and the bracelet below) are currently at the top of her wish list.
Maui Charm Bracelet
Watercolor Brush Pens – These seem like all the fun of painting without all of the mess.
Custom Tumbler – My teen’s nightstand always has at least four beverages of some sort of the other on it. Here’s hoping a personalized tumbler cuts down on the collection.
The Comfy – We love to watch Shark Tank as a family and ever since we watched this episode, my kids have been wanting one of these.
Sloth Eye Mask – A sweet sloth eye mask for the kid that likes to sleep til noon.
Nike Leggings – Leggings and a large hoodie seem to be the early morning uniform these days. She loves these black nike leggings.
Amped Fleece Throw – Urban Outfitters always has the softest blankets in pretty colors.
Inflatable Lounger – This is right at the top of my daughter’s (and her friends’) list. She is envisioning chilling on the beach with a good book on this lounger. Come to think of it, this might need to go on my list too!

Gift Guide for Him

Continuing along with the gift guides today. Let’s tackle typically one of the hardest people to buy for, the guys in your life! I tried to think of not only ideas the Mr. would want, but also fun things my dad and father-in-law would enjoy, so there is something for men of all ages.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Gift Guide for Him

Glass Topper Cocktail Smoker – I actually bought this for Father’s Day and the Mr. loves it! He always orders it when a restaurant has a smoked old fashioned, and now he can make them at home. It’s such a fun gadget to take out when you have friends or family over as well.
Kabob Grilling Baskets – These are perfect for the grill master in your life! They are so much easier to flip than a skewer and are easy to customize for vegetarians or picky eaters.
Atom Sling Bag – The Mr. is our designated snack carrier when we go hiking. This lightweight sling bag is great for hiking, theme parks, or sporting events.
Truff Hot Sauce – I personally don’t enjoy hot sauce, but the Mr. is a hot sauce afficianado. He loves all 3 flavors of this hot sauce, but any one would be a great stocking stuffer too.
Popcorn Seasoning – Little known fact, the Mr. loves popcorn. He is old school and likes to make his own over the stove. We have a whole set of these popcorn flavorings and they are so fun for movie night.
Outdoor Popcorn Popper – Now he can enjoy popcorn on bonfire nights as well. This is such a fun idea for campers!
California Beanie – Vuori is one of our favorite clothing brands and a good beanie is always a great gift for a long winter.
Nike Therma-FIT Repel Element – I personally stick to indoor exercising when the weather is crummy, but the Mr. loves these shirts for running in damp weather.
EDWIN Maddox Slim Fit Stretch Jeans – If your husband is still wearing the same style jeans he wore in college, it may be time for an upgrade. These are the Mr.’s current favorite pair.
Lightweight Heated Vest – We bought this last year when we were trying to get out of the house and walk every day during the pandemic. He gets so much more use out of this than I thought! He wears it all the time for soccer games, yard work, and hiking. It’s rechargeable heaters keep him nice and toasty.
Bushnell Wingman GPS Golf Speaker Bundle – This is a fun gift for any golfer. It’s a range finder that magnetically hooks onto your golf cart, pairs with your phone to find any course, and doubles as a bluetooth speaker as well. The Mr. is a big fan and his golf buddies are too.
Smart WiFi Light Bulb – The Mr. is obsessed with making our house as “smart” as possible. We have these lightbulbs in several lamps in our house so he can control them all on his phone when we are away. We also have them in our bedroom and it’s nice to just announce “Alexa turn all lights off” when you are already tucked in for the night.
Spikeball – We bought this game this summer after watching people play it on the beach. It’s been so fun to break out when we have friends out by the lake.
Govee Temperature Humidity Monitor – Again with the smart home stuff! The Mr. has these monitors everywhere, in the guest cottage, pool house, basement…he can tell what the temperature and humidity of any room right from his phone. He ensures me this is thrilling… hmmm… well… we will agree to disagree, but I guess techie guys think so :)
Death & Co Cocktail Book – One thing on the Mr.’s wish list is this “cool cocktail book” from a bar we went to in Denver. I of course wanted one that would look cool on my coffee table or bar, so this will make us both happy!
Banks Shorts – These were on my gift guide last year as well, but he insisted I include them again. Hands down his favorite shorts that we wears all summer long. He only wears their bathing suits now too!
Kindle – The Mr. is old school and prefers to read an actual real live book. Which I completely get and support…until it comes to packing for vacation. He would like to use about 15 lbs of our allotted 50 lb luggage to pack books. I’m forcing him into this century for a few upcoming trips because I need that precious space for shoes! ;)

That’s what I found for the men in your life, if you missed my other gift guides you can see them here.

Gift Guide For Her

November 4, 2021 By Kelly 4 Comments

Gift Guide for Her

The internet tells me it’s gift guide time already! Yikes, I haven’t even started shopping for Christmas yet. It sounds like deliveries/supply chains are going to be a pain again this year. So I’ll throw my hat in the ring too with my gift giving lists. Let’s start off with my personal fave – The Gift Guide for Her, or well me. :)

This is a mix of things I have and LOVE, and also a few items I would be happy to find in my stocking this year.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Gift Guide for Her

1. Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote & Wristlet – I actually bought this bag about 5 years ago and I use it ALL the time. It’s roomy, reversible, and perfect for travel or work. Plus it’s at a great price point! I used it recently on our Colorado trip, and the X-ray belt somehow chewed it up. I can’t live without it, so I bought a new one in a different color way. I bought the deep brown with reversible cream interior, perfect for all 4 seasons.

2. Sur Necklace – I’ve had my beloved Atocha necklace from this same store for the last 4 years, and I still wear it almost every day. I think a monogrammed item is always a nice personal gift. I love the simple look of this initial necklace.

3. On Repeat Layering Set – I have a few layered necklaces in my jewelry rotation as well. I like buying them in a set because it’s no-brainer accessorizing in the morning. The details on this one are so delicate and pretty.

4. Open Front Duster Cardigan – Not gonna lie this cardigan was a late night Facebook ad that got me. I’d like to thank my insomnia for my new favorite sweater that I throw on with everything. It feels like a bathrobe, but creates an instant outfit. It’s perfect with jeans and boots.

5. All Nighter Lip Set – My mom recommended this lip mask last year and I’m now a believer too! This stuff saved my lips from the dry Colorado air on our recent trip so I know it will hold up against the Michigan winters. It’s so hydrating!

6. Garden Party Phone Case – My phone case has seen better days and I love to swap them out. A girl needs options! I love anything from Rifle and Co. and they have so many fun patterns for your phone.

7. Birth Month Flower Grow Kit – This is a new find for me. I think it’s such a cute idea for mom, teacher, or friend! It comes with everything you need to grow a little pot of flowers for your birth month.

8. Dagny Monogram Mug – It wouldn’t be a Lily Pad Cottage gift guide without a monogram Anthro mug! I get a new one every year, and I have quite a few in my rotation now.

9. Fur Slippers – Fuzzy slippers are always a good idea. These are a better price point than the Birkenstock or Uggs that are so popular.

10. Performance Joggers – These are my go to weekend wear. They take me from soccer mom duty to snuggling on the couch with a good book. They are comfortable without looking sloppy. These are the Mr.’s fave brand of joggers too.

11. Scallop Active Wear High Waisted Leggings – I bought a pair of these leggings this fall, and they are by far my favorite brand I’ve ever owned. I’ve owned them all – Lululemon, Athleta, Zella, American Eagle. These are the best, they are butter soft and stay put.

12. Thick Knit Beanie – I love Gigi and Pip hats. I have 4 now I think? They are reliably cute and cozy.

13. Leather Wrap Journal – I always have a pretty notebook on my nightstand to jot down random thoughts or prayers.

14. Capri Volcano Candle – These smell AMAZING. Hands down my favorite candle scent ever. The new matte finish is really cool.

15. Renew Transit Bag – I love this stye of bag for traveling, theme parks, and hiking. I forgot to pack one for our Colorado trip and I was kicking myself the entire time.

16. Cinched Cocoon Sherpa – This may be at the top of my list, it looks SO cozy. I typically buy a new sherpa every year and I love the full zip with the cinching on this one – so flattering!

Phew – Gift Guide for Her 2021 done! My kid’s guides and the Mr. guides, coming soon!

November 1, 2021 By Kelly 40 Comments

Guest Cottage Kitchen Renovation

Cottage Kitchen Renovation – Cottage kitchen featuring gray cabinets, soapstone like quartz, white tile backsplash and brass accents.

Today I’m finally spilling aaaaaaall the beans on the Guest Cottage Kitchen Renovation. I gave you a sneak peek earlier with my Kitchen Accessories post, but today let’s pull back and look at the whole picture.

As usual, let’s check out what we started with…

BEFORE –

AFTER –

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Where should you start with a Cottage Kitchen Renovation?

When we started this kitchen renovation the first thing we did was demo the space.

We wanted to get a feel for the space minus the falling apart cabinets and gross countertops. This allowed us to measure the space more accurately to begin our plans. The next step was figuring out the new layout and cabinet situation.

I also knew I wanted to lose the upper cabinets, and install a larger window in to maximize the gorgeous view! The new windows and door made a huge difference.

I added an inexpensive shelf from Target in lieu of a cabinet. I lucked out and it fit perfectly in this spot. I decided to hang it first and then tile around it to give it extra stability.

Where to find kitchen cabinets?

We originally looked into Ikea cabinets for this cottage kitchen renovation, but turns out those are really difficult to get at the moment. We didn’t want to break the bank, so we started researching places that had in-stock cabinets.

After a very romantic date night spent at Lowe’s and Home Depot, we decided on the Wintucket Line at Lowe’s. I knew I wanted to paint all the paneling white in the house, so I thought a bit of contrast with the gray cabinets would be nice. Plus they had a cottage vibe.

We ordered the cabinets and they were delivered the next week! So far I’m really happy with them. The quality is definitely not like the custom cabinetry we have in our home, but it’s perfect for this guest space.

What countertop material did we use?

We saved a ton of money going with in-stock cabinets for this cottage kitchen renovation. I knew I wanted to splurge on countertops. I wanted something durable and classic that would stand up to guests, kids, or even renters down the road. I fell in love with the idea of soapstone but not the upkeep.

I found these really pretty quartz counters that look just like soapstone. The brand is Silestone, the color is Charcoal Soapstone in a Suede finish. It’s not a glossy finish, but not entirely matte either. I really love them.

Backsplash tile

Once the counters were installed it was time for me to tile! I actually really enjoy tiling so I was excited to tackle this project. Give me a wet saw and tiling project over installing wallpaper or painting any day. Again I wanted something classic with a cottage kitchen feeling. I used the Cloe white tile from Bedrosian in a 4 inch square.

I decided to place them in an offset pattern, similar to what we have in our basement bar area. I really love the way it turned out. I still need to add a trim piece to the top to finish it off. It’s on my mile long punch list for the renovation.

Add Brass Accents for a Vintage Feel

To keep inline with my classic cottage vintage vibe, I chose brass accents with a few touches of black thrown in. We installed this antique brass hardware from Signature Hardware, and it really elevated the look of these cabinets.

Brass sconces above the window are the perfect task lighting.

What about appliances?

Since this is largely a guest space/my office we really didn’t need a full on kitchen appliance package. From the beginning I envisioned this cute vintage looking fridge in here.

It is the perfect size for a smaller kitchen space. I mentioned in my last post we chose a toaster oven/air fryer instead of a full size oven as well.

There is still the option to remove the black cabinet, and add a range if we feel we need one. We also skipped a dishwasher here as well. I have plans to build out this kitchen closet to store the toaster oven, and add a microwave. Again that’s on the dreaded punch list. Why finish persnickety trim details when you could hang wall art and decorate instead? :)

Island vs. Eat-in Kitchen

We went around and around in the planning stage to decide if we should attempt to put a small island in this space. Ultimately we decided having an eat-in kitchen area with a table was best.

It provides flexible seating and allows us to seat 3 people instead of just two.

Kitchen Storage

While 80% of the cabinets are still empty I thought it would be nice to have an extra storage option. I picked up this black cabinet from Target. I love how it balances out the dark countertops. It also carries through all the black accents I have throughout the cottage.

There you have it, our complete Cottage Kitchen Renovation! Well, 95% complete anyway.

BEFORE –

DEMO –

DESIGN BOARD –

AFTER –

I have to say this is one of the most satisfying projects I’ve ever worked on. I doubted myself a bit that we would pull this off, but it really is the sweetest kitchen space now. From dark and gross to light and bright, it’s been such a fun project!

Guest Cottage Kitchen Accessories

I’m finally sharing an update on the Guest Cottage Kitchen today! It’s not quite the whole kitchen. I’m still waiting on a few things to arrive for this room, but it’s a nice sneak peek. And whoa baby we have come a looooong way from where we started!

I’m so excited to partner with the Home Depot today to share some great kitchen accessories I added to this space. Obviously the complete overhaul of this kitchen made a world of difference, but those finishing touches make a space feel like home. The Home Depot is one of my go to places to shop online. They have everything from appliances to home decor. You can find everything you need to complete your project! I love the flexible delivery options, which includes free shipping on orders over $45. The easy in-store returns are a major plus too. They have thousands of products to fit your style.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Just click on the BOLD links.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see where this kitchen started…

BEFORE –

AFTER –

So crazy! Charlie clearly approves of the upgrade.

This is probably the most fun makeover I’ve done to date! I can hardly believe this is the same guest cottage kitchen we started with. I’ll be spilling all the exact details from the cabinets to the countertops in my next blog post, so hang tight. I’m waiting on a few deliveries yet, and I need to finish the trim above the tile. Today I wanted to share some kitchen styling tips and products.

Guest Cottage Kitchen Accessories

I love to look for kitchen accessories that are practical and pretty. The Home Depot has a great selection. I want our guests to have everything they need for a weekend stay.

Marble Cutting Boards // Wood Cutting Board

I started with a few pretty cutting boards. They look great on the shelf, and they are the perfect size to prepare a cocktail garnish or quick snack.

While this will be a guest space, it’s also my office. I try to limit myself to one cup of coffee a day, but I love tea in the afternoon so I added this adorable electric kettle. It will also be great for hot chocolate for my kids, since our fire-pit is right outside the door. Additionally this space will also serve as the snack station for fun bonfire nights.

So I stocked these pretty canisters with all the s’mores supplies we need!

I decided to go the french press route instead of a full drip coffee machine for this space. It looks great with the kettle.

Remember when I said we decided not to put a full oven range in this kitchen? It would take up so much room, and I don’t think it would be used very often. You all suggested I look into a toaster oven/air fryer/oven combo – genius!

The Home Depot had several great options. I loved the look of this Cuisinart one, and after watching the informational video I was sold. I think this is the perfect appliance for a smaller space, and it can cook pretty much anything! Not gonna lie, I may need to steal it for our house when we don’t have guests.

I have plans to put it in the kitchen closet, once the shelving is done. In the meantime, it looks great on the counter as well.

I’ll link all of my favorite The Home Depot kitchen accessories below, as well as a few other favorite products we have in our home. Stay tuned in the next few days for my full kitchen reveal with all the details!

UPDATE: You can now read all about the full Cottage Kitchen Renovation here.

Front porch Christmas decorations featuring red planters, pre-lit Christmas trees, and garland.

Simple Christmas Mantel Decor featuring a black mirror, asymmetrical garland swag and candlesticks.

How to make a full looking Christmas garland with faux greens

Christmas Tree with Black and Brass Ornaments. Mercury glass and black velvet bows add to a classic look.

Christmas Tree with Black and Brass Ornaments

Inexpensive Tips to Change your Tree

How to create warm and inviting Thanksgiving Table Decor. Using neutral colors, candle light, and natural elements.

Decide on a Theme

Placemats vs Tablecloth

Dinnerware

Flatware

Glassware

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Finishing Touches

Guest Cottage Living Room

Gift Guide For Teen Girls

Gift Guide for Him

Gift Guide for Her

Cottage Kitchen Renovation – Cottage kitchen featuring gray cabinets, soapstone like quartz, white tile backsplash and brass accents.

Where should you start with a Cottage Kitchen Renovation?

Where to find kitchen cabinets?

What countertop material did we use?

Backsplash tile

Add Brass Accents for a Vintage Feel

What about appliances?

Island vs. Eat-in Kitchen

Kitchen Storage

Guest Cottage Kitchen Accessories

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