Welcome back to the cottage makeover series. Kitchens are the heart of the home with family gathering to prepare meals and share the day’s stories together. I see many outdated kitchens that need just a little TLC to brighten the space. Join me in this blog to see how I simply use Fusion products to bring this already beautiful cottage kitchen new life.

If your kitchen is older or maybe the cabinets need an update. Most original cabinets are solid wood, which is a great opportunity to save money by simply refinishing them. This not only helps reduce the amount that goes to landfills but also your pocketbook! I have a great tutorial on how to upcycle your own kitchen cabinets with Fusion Mineral Paint. 

UPDATING THE COTTAGE KITCHEN

This cottage kitchen was absolutely beautiful and didn’t need to be painted. I love the two-toned look of the bright light surrounding cabinets and the darker island. I changed nothing here. In fact, I was so taken by the colour of the cabinets that it inspired me to create a matching white for Fusion, named Cashmere. It’s a good idea in a classic white kitchen to add some colour contrast and the island, painted to match Fusion’s Ash does just that, as do the red island stools.

I love how large this island is, and I LOVE the wood butcher block style. It brings a real cozy warmth to this cottage kitchen, it makes it feel more informal.

THE COTTAGE KITCHEN

To keep the island looking in great shape, the butcher block wood needs some ongoing maintenance. You want to ensure you use a food-safe finish on your prep surfaces. It will keep your wood top in good condition for many years to come, I recommend using Hemp Oil, It’s like liquid gold! It’s so easy to use, completely natural and smells incredible! It will hydrate the wood and bring out its beautiful wood tones. The older the wood, the darker it will go. It leaves a beautiful lustre and shine. 

If you want to add more durability and lustre, you can add our Food Safe Beeswax Finish on top of the Hemp Oil. Keep in mind you will need to use this wax moving forward and can’t re-oil over it. With your wood surface protected you don’t need to worry about stains or spills. 

Having a large working space for prepping meals, or laying out charcuterie and appetizers when your guests are over is essential for family gatherings and entertaining. 

REFINISHING THE BUTCHER BLOCK WITH HEMP OIL

To start you first need to clean your surface well with TSP and allow it to dry. Use 220 grit sandpaper/block to even out the surface to accept the Hemp Oil. This helps you get a consistent overall look.

The next step is to pour your Hemp Oil over the surface. You can use a brush, a rag or even your hands spread the oil all over the surface allowing it to soak in. If you see areas that ‘drink’ up the Hemp Oil don’t be afraid to apply more. Let the wood tell you how ‘thirsty’ it is.

You can leave the Hemp Oil to soak in for up to 12 hrs or remove it before. Just use a clean rag to remove the excess oil that hasn’t soaked in. It couldn’t be simpler to refinish your counter, blocks and utensils with Hemp Oil. A wonderful food-safe natural eco-friendly wood finish.

See the full cottage kitchen butcher block refresh

COTTAGE DINING

I replaced the oversized dining table with a smaller version that doesn’t overwhelm the space. The contemporary Scandinavian design seats six but can be opened up to seat ten when the company arrives. The table, designed by Ethnicraft, is beautiful and easy to keep looking fresh with the occasional addition of oil. Hemp Oil or even our Stain and Finishing Oil will work well for this. I love the combination of white and wood.  It’s an iconic pairing that is natural and soothing.

Catch up on the cottage makeover so far

 If you enjoyed this makeover and want to see more of this series, check out these room makeovers we have shared so far!

• Introducing the cottage series
• The nautical-themed bedroom
• The Roots-themed bedroom
• The kid’s room makeover
• The HBC bedroom makeover
• The Laundry and Mud room
• Complete bathroom makeover

Let us know in the comments which one is your favourite so far.