How To Create A Colorful Cottage Kitchen

Buffet Lamp

Proving that task lighting’s not just for your desk, this polished-brass fixture offers extra illumination for kitchen counters. About $204; bellacor.com

Cabinet and Trim Paint

Cool tones pop against white walls. Natura Semi-Gloss in Nantucket Fog (AC-22) on cabinets and Harrisburg Green (HC-132) on trim. About $51 per gallon; benjaminmoore.com

Round Stool

This simple seat ensures there’s always room for one more at the table. Give it an aged look by sanding the wood, then coating it with a dark paste wax. About $42; stacksandstacks.com

Striped Fabric

Add some French flavor to windows with café curtains stitched from durable cotton. About $7.99 per yard; ikea.com

Enamelware Coffee Pot

Because it’s designed for camping, this 12-cup glazed-steel vessel is ultra-durable. About $23; gsioutdoors.com

Bistro Folding Chair

Fermob’s classic design, made with beechwood slats and a lacquered steel frame, looks just as good in the kitchen as it does on a patio. About $264 for two; dragonflydrygoods.com

Retro Drink Mixer

Satisfy a thirsty crowd by whipping up milk shakes with this vintage-style chrome appliance. About $49; hamiltonbeach.com

Painted Plate Rack

To match the custom piece at left, we coated this pine unit in a fiery red (which also brightens the island). Plate rack, about $212; doorcountywoodworks.com. Paint, Regal Matte Finish in Ryan Red (1314), about $16 per quart; benjaminmoore.com

Bridge Faucet

This Victorian-style faucet from Glacier Bay looks elegant—and its high neck makes filling large pots a breeze. About $104; homedepot.com

Weathered Farm Table

The homeowner built his table from old floorboards. This pine option features similar distressing and seats up to 12. About $1,395; katemadison.com