I’m giving the modern, colourful kitchens a bit of a rest today. August is nearly upon us and that means I’m craving Ontario/Quebec cottage country. Reading on the dock, barbecues on the porch, campfires on the beach- it’s what summer should be about, no? 

Obviously, food and cooking is an important part of any cottage experience. So what makes a successful cottage kitchen? Lots of light, warm wood, a dose of vintage charm and a healthy appreciation of clutter sets these spaces apart from their city counterparts.

In this space from thekitchendesigner, an old wood table is made modern by the addition of a practical range:

From the same source, this space has a great mix. The patterned wall is modern and funky, but the wainscotting and fabric valence are pure county cool:

Perhaps a bit too “finished” to be a real cottage, this space from Canadian House and Home nonetheless does a great job of bringing the outside in with the use of stone and wood. After all, that’s what cottage living is all about: 

Now, this kitchen, found via Coastal Living, is pure cabin in the woods. I love how the white units pop in the rustic space:

I found this Copenhagen Cottage on my favourite design blog, Decor8. Originally from Swedish mag Hus & Hem, it’s got style and cottage charm in spades:

I love the candy colours in this Long Island bungalow kitchen, found on Martha Stewart. Definitely cottage-y, but oh-so-fun, too: