Cozy Kitchen Ideas

In this kitchen makeover, paint transformed oak cabinets, bought off the rack at Lowe's and topped with Ikea's birch slabs, while the same white semigloss brightened stools from Walmart. For a cheery touch, an old tablecloth was used as a skirt for the farmhouse sink, and classic glass cannisters, also Walmart finds, were used for storage instead of upper cabinets.

In this Georgia lake house, soapstone counters and a matching backsplash complement the kitchen's cabinetry, including an island framed with salvaged heart-pine beams. The iron-and-mahogany stools are by Wright Table. The cabinets and island side is painted Dawn Mist by Pratt & Lambert.

The late-1800s Belgian butcher's table, now a kitchen island, still bears traces of newsprint from the table's hardworking industrial days. The owner of this Georgia home left the Carrara marble counters unhoned to show wear, creating a homey feel. The walls are painted Country Stove White by Ralph Lauren.

The homeowners of this Austin home replaced the awkward upper cabinets with shelving that makes the most of the kitchen's pitched ceiling. They also ditched the lower cabinets for freestanding components, including a stainless steel rolling island and a mango-wood Crate & Barrel console fitted with a marble top. A red Aga gas stove offers a serious upgrade over the old electric model, while the oversized rug helps to mellow out the room.

Ruard Veltman, the architect of the kitchen of our 2012 House of the Year, introduced character—not clutter—by cladding the walls in reclaimed barn wood from Tall Cotton Supply. Instead of overwhelming the cottage with cabinetry, he limited himself to lower units, and an island by Cornell Cabinets & Millwork. And though he sited the Whirlpool cooktop and Porcher farmhouse sink here—both set into Silestone countertops—bulkier appliances find shelter in an alcove to open up the space and create a calmer feel. The architect even tucked a dishwasher, also by Whirlpool, into the back side of the island, which is painted Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore.

Bright Idea: A trash chute cut into the island gets rid of food-prep trimmings fast.

A custom-made cupboard and plate rack offer original storage strategies in the kitchen of this New York home. With lots of white subway tile, soapstone countertops, and a bold yellow stove, the space feels soft and comforting at the same time.

The owner of this Northern California home crafted the kitchen's redwood farm table and Douglas fir shelving; the aged-brass sconce is from Pottery Barn.

Bright idea: Simple S hooks turn a pipe into a pot rack and help to fill out the wall.

The owner of this New York home purchased the ax-handle stool—the room's most prized perch—years ago in Los Angeles, and ordered the cheery yellow roman shades from Smith+Noble. The rustic bench cost $40 at a yard sale.

Bright Idea: Salvage a damaged rug by having it cut down and rebound into a chichi kitchen mat.

Antique milk-glass pendant lamps illuminate a soft glow in this Tudor house's homey kitchen, which sports custom cabinetry and an Anthropologie rug.

The pedestal table in this 1850s farmhouse's kitchen was ordered from Ballard Designs. Cushioned chairs with wide backs provide a comfortable place to dine.

The kitchen of this Kansas home gets its warmth from cherry counters, an antique island, gingham-check wallpaper, and an apron sink. Free up cabinet space, and create a clever spot for collectibles, with above-window shelving.

In the kitchen of this Kansas City home, sage and cream cabinetry is paired with butcher-block countertops and a marble backsplash, giving the room a welcoming feel.