Dear Danica, I Can’t Afford Inset Kitchen Cabinets. What’s The Next Best Thing?

Today I’m talking through two design dilemmas submitted by two readers. The first reader is struggling with the layout and styling of their 90s style living room and sunroom. Spoiler: I see potential for a library! The second reader can’t afford inset cabinets for their cottage kitchen, and they’re curious what the next best option would be. Is it partial overlay or full overlay cabinets? Read on to see!

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Dear danica,

We just moved and our house is very 90s and I have no idea what to do with our living room and sunroom! I’m open to switching the furniture around, changing it out, painting walls, really anything! The only thing I’m set on keeping in some capacity is the table and chairs in the sunroom that belonged to my great grandmother. The living room is almost like 2 rooms? I’m confused about it and would love to know your thoughts.

– Haley

I’d like to take a moment to appreciate just how incredible your great-grandmother’s table and chairs are. I love them SO much! Those are keepers for sure. What I like about your home is that you have lots of opportunity to add layers and your personality to it. Let’s start with the sunroom.

The Sunroom Plan

This room has such an incredible view, and that’s clearly the focal point. I’d introduce some softness and femininity through relaxed/swag roman shades. That would break up all the hard surfaces without obstructing the view. I’d swap the rug for either a jute rug or something with florals.

The Living Room Plan

Just from looking at the photo, it seems like the first space with the fireplace is larger than the second, through the opening. If that’s the case, I like the idea of using the first space as your living room and the second space as a sitting room. In the first room with the fireplace, the sofa looks a little too bulky for the size of the room. I’d recommend something with slimmer lines, perhaps off the ground a few inches with turned legs. That would feel much more proportionate for the room, and then you might even have room for a coffee table. I’d choose a sofa color that’s not beige. While I appreciate the longevity of a neutral colored sofa, it reads a little dull in a room with pale walls. A muddy color is a great alternative that provides color and contrast without being too vibrant. And then I’d add a pair of armchairs (matching or not) on either side of the fireplace to balance the room.

As for the fireplace, I really like the surround! The current color isn’t demanding enough attention for what should be the focal point, so I’d paint it a slightly darker color than the walls. A mushroom color like Mouse’s Back would give it the attention it deserves. I also like the idea of replacing the white tile with something a little more classic, like aged red brick. (Old Mill Brick has thin bricks that I’ve used myself, and they’re great quality.)

Swap out the boob light, add some original artwork to the walls, and infuse more color!

Ok, now for the second “living room”. The sectional looks too bulky for this space as well, so I’d remove that. I envision this room feeling more like a sitting room. Think sipping coffee while reading the newspaper in the morning. A pair of cozy armchairs or a built-in wraparound bench with a little round table would make this feel like its own space. You could paint the room a different color to further define it as its own space; a midtone blue or green is my initial thought. OR, you could turn this room into a little library with wraparound, built-in bookshelves. An armchair and side table in the corner would be ridiculously charming.

Whatever route you take, the opportunity to add character is abundant!

P.S. Tell your dog I said hi!!! 🙂

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Dear danica,

Dear Danica, we are in the process of building a new house and my goal is to make it look old. I love English cottage style and want our home to be timeless! We can’t afford inset cabinets so I’m wondering what kind of cabinet framing we should use to achieve the look we want but on a budget.

– Bethany

I love this question! Yes, inset cabinets are stunning…but I’ve seen so many kitchens with partial overlay cabinets that make me SWOON. I’ll share a few beautiful examples below. Partial overlay cabinets would be my recommendation as they are much more affordable, and they’re a great fit for country cottage kitchens. They naturally feel more casual, so it’s best to lean into that. Avoid full overlay cabinets, as they tend to look the most modern.

I’d avoid painting the cabinets white, as that may cheapen their look. A unique color in the green, blue, brown, or even yellow family would strengthen the cottage feel. I like to pair partial overlay cabinets with either painted wood knobs or unlacquered brass knobs. These are my favorite wood knobs. Some inspiration for your kitchen –

Country Cottage Kitchens With Partial Overlay Cabinets

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