Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board

Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends for a kitchen is the cottage look. The cottage kitchen makes use of simple, utilitarian designs. It is functional and simplistic, yet utterly charming. The cottage look also uses a liberal amount of white in its decor. White counters, white cabinets, and white walls are all trademarks of a cottage kitchen. Any easy way to install a cottage feel into an already white kitchen space is to install beadboard.

Beadboard is a type of wainscoting that has panels divided into narrow sections It is relatively easy to install with the proper tools, patience, and time. Some home improvement stores, as well as, online retailers sell bead board as a kit that makes installation run smoother.

Getting Started

Measure the length of the area that will be getting beadboard. Then measure and mark the height that is desired. Besides the beadboard, a base rail and top rail must also be purchased. Once the materials are in hand it is time to begin the installation of the beadboard in the kitchen.

Step 1

Begin by installing the base rail along the floor. This will create an even and level surface for the beadboard to rest on. Resist the temptation to install the beadboard panels first and screw or nail the base rails into the beadboard. This makes the baseboard stick out from the wall in an unnatural way. If the floor is vastly uneven, installing the beadboard first may be best, but usually, the baseboard is the best piece to begin installing.

Step 2

After the baseboard is installed around the kitchen walls, it is time to hang the beadboard. Newer and more expensive bead boards come with grooved bases that slide onto the baseboards. This is a great way to ensure that all the beadboard is properly aligned. Traditional beadboard, however, will come in small sections and need to be nailed into the wall. Since the kitchen will be getting a cottage look, use white beadboard and white nails, as well as, white base rails and top rails.

Step 3

The final step is to install the top rails. If it is possible, place the top rails along the top edge of the beadboard instead of directly on it. This will create a more aligned look and keep the base and top rails even. Nail or screw the top rails into the wall. When selecting a top rail, keep in mind that the cottage look is all about simplistic styling and classic function. An ornately carved top rail would look completely out of place in a cottage kitchen.

If the beadboard came unpainted, paint it carefully with white paint. It is a wise and time-saving idea to purchase beadboard for a cottage kitchen that is already painted. Painting beadboard can be a challenging and time-consuming task, because the small nooks and grooves are difficult to cover. Enjoy the beautiful, white beadboard and the look of a new cottage kitchen.

Veronica Smith with AmericanArtisanArt.com has developed an interest in expanding the use of abstract metal wall art as well as wooden wall art decor.