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 bead board.

Bead board 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 bead board. Then measure and mark the height that is desired. Besides the bead board, a base rail and top rail must also be purchased. Once the materials are in hand it is time to begin installation of the bead board in the kitchen.

Step 1

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

Step 2

After the base board is installed around the kitchen walls, it is time to hang the bead board. Newer and more expensive bead boards come with grooved bases that slide onto the base boards. This is a great way to ensure that all the bead board is properly aligned. Traditional bead board, 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 bead board 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 bead board 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 bead board came unpainted, paint it carefully with white paint. It is a wise and time saving idea to purchase bead board for a cottage kitchen that is already painted. Painting bead board can be a challenging and time consuming task, because the small nooks and grooves are difficult to cover. Enjoy the beautiful, white bead board 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.