Remodeling Kitchen Ideas- Southern Cali Style

Cottage kitchen styles in Hermosa Beach, CA can be anything from farmhouse, to French or English provincial. If you want your kitchen to evoke that inviting cottage feel, there are products from lighting and plumbing fixtures to cabinets, counter tops, appliances and flooring, that help create a cottage kitchen look. Many times beach cottages in Redondo Beach, CA have been altered and no longer have that antique charm. So what are the elements needed to create you revive the nostalgia of your old beach cottage style kitchen?

Must-haves for a cottage kitchen

1. Cabinets:  Here in the South Bay, warm, medium-hued woods with the natural knots still in place are the signature of a cottage kitchen.  Knotty pine is the traditional wood of choice, but there are several others to choose from for personal preference, such as; cherry, hickory, maple, and oak.  Between them you can choose the color, degree of visible grain, and knot size.  Replace existing cabinets and take advantage of new trends such as roll-out under-counter cupboards with roll out drawers, narrow slide-out pantries, and excellent suspension systems.  Or to save some money you can stain and reface existing cabinets with drawer fronts, and hardware. 
2. Counter tops:  For a real cottage feel, butcher block counter tops are the way to go. The downside to the butcher block is that they are terribly difficult to maintain because they breed bacteria, unless cleaned diligently.  Opt for a small area of butcher block for food prep and that can be easily disinfected.  You can also use soapstone. This natural stone can be used for counter tops, sinks, stoves and floors.  Applying oil or wax to soapstone periodically will help retain its rich colors.
3. Appliances: Try to find retro-looking refrigerators and stoves. There are many restored appliances with current features, but with historic colors and shapes.
4. Plumbing:  Plumbing fixtures for a cottage style are not at all difficult to find. Almost every manufacturer carries them.
5. Lighting:  Many rustic lighting styles are suitable.  In Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach, CA the salt air may affect the metal finish of your light fixture. Keep in mind the way the sun light illuminates your home through out the day. Stained glass lighting and lights wound with metal motifs are all possible styles.
6. Flooring:   Choose waterproof, abrasion-resistant materials. Tile, stone, and cork are the best options for beach cities
7. cottage kitchen feel.