One Inexpensive Change Instantly Makes Your Kitchen Look More Cottagecore

A cottagecore look can bring some coziness to any space, and adding beautiful paint colors that are perfect for a cottage kitchen can help create this vibe. However, giving your home this aesthetic can be much more challenging when you aren't able to make lots of big changes. One renter-friendly solution is to add some curtains to your kitchen. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Bilal Rehman, CEO and Principal Designer of Bilal Rehman Studio and Founder of Bilal Rehman Gallery, told us his thoughts on this inexpensive change.

According to Rehman, adding curtains to your kitchen is an easy way to bring the cottagecore aesthetic to your living space. "Curtains bring such warmth and charm to a kitchen, creating that perfect touch of nostalgia that defines cottagecore," Rehman said. "They soften the space, adding texture and a cozy, lived-in feel that makes the kitchen feel instantly welcoming. On open cabinets, curtains add a relaxed, casual look that easily hides clutter while keeping the space charming and approachable."

While adding curtains to your kitchen décor may seem simple, there are some key elements you want to keep in mind when choosing fabrics. Luckily, in his exclusive interview with House Digest, Rehman shared what types of curtains he would look for to create the cottagecore vibe.

When choosing a curtain, you want to consider the fabric, size, style, pattern, and color. According to Rehman, the fabric should be light. He suggests looking for cotton, linen, or muslin. The size of the curtain depends where it is being hung. "Café or half-length curtains for windows," Rehman suggested. "Short panels for cabinets." When it comes to style, Rehman shared that you should look for ruffled edges, tie-tops, or rod pockets. This, along with gingham, checks, or floral patterns, will give your kitchen the cottagecore feel, and be sure to pick out suitable colors to decorate with for a cottagecore aesthetic.

To further help with your decision-making when purchasing curtains, Rehman provided some valuable tips. "Opt for semi-sheer fabrics to let natural light in," he said. "Choose easy-to-wash materials like cotton. Keep rods simple — wood or iron works best. Match curtain colors to your kitchen's earthy or pastel tones for harmony." By following these suggestions, you will be sure to enhance the cottagecore look of your kitchen.

Of course, every design decision comes with both its advantages and drawbacks. During House Digest's exclusive interview with Rehman, we asked him about the pros and cons of adding curtains to your kitchen. Evaluating these can ensure that you feel more prepared when making this decision.

According to Rehman, kitchen curtains "require regular maintenance due to dust and grease ... [and] delicate fabrics may wear quickly." He added that curtains can also feel bulky in small kitchens. Accordingly, introducing them to your kitchen can be a challenge. Yet, on a positive note, Rehman says that this addition "adds warmth and charm, hides storage and clutter, provides texture, and softens natural light."

Adding curtains to your kitchen is an easy, renter-friendly way to give your space a cottagecore feel. If you love the look, check out the ultimate guide to cottagecore décor for more inspiration!