Designed + Baked by Emma

A Cottage Home Designed for Baking, Business, and Everyday Living

When our very own designer, Emma Littlefield purchased her new home, she knew right away she needed a kitchen space to support both daily life and her growing baking business - smart design became essential. This quaint cottage renovation reimagines the space to meet kitchen retail license requirements—without sacrificing warmth, character, or Emma’s personal taste.

Designing for Function Without Feeling Commercial

Emma knew she needed a kitchen that could handle commercial baking—large batches, heavy equipment, and constant use—while remaining comfortable for everyday living and entertaining. Durability, easy maintenance, and workflow were key priorities.

Early on, Emma weighed the differences between Walnut and White Oak cabinetry. White Oak was ultimately selected for its lighter tone, ability to open up the space visually, and ease of upkeep in a heavily used kitchen. The result is a clean, airy feel that still feels grounded and classic.

To stay within budget while keeping the design elevated, the kitchen blends high and low elements. Emma ultimately decided to go with a high quality quick-ship option and the addition of Ashley Norton hardware creates a refined, transitional look that feels thoughtful rather than flashy.

A Smarter Layout for Baking and Gathering

Ample, usable countertop space was essential for cooking, baking, and frosting in large quantities. The layout was carefully planned to maximize prep areas while maintaining natural flow between the kitchen and dining space.

A key change involved relocating the bathroom door, which opened up the kitchen and dining area and allowed the space to feel larger and more connected—without altering the home’s original footprint. Throughout the design, finishes and door styles were chosen to reflect the home’s time period with transitional hardware to make the space feel current and lifted.

Storage Built for Real Use

Anyone that spends a lot of time in the kitchen will know that storage makes all the difference. The kitchen incorporates extensive drawer storage for bowls, utensils, and tools, vertical storage for baking sheets, and a large pantry with reinforced shelving designed to support heavy mixers and ingredients.

By expanding the pantry, the design also made room for a double oven—an essential feature for baking efficiency and overall functionality.

Thoughtful Details Throughout the Home

The renovation extended beyond the kitchen to ensure continuity. Bathrooms feature the same style cabinetry in modern shades, coordinated countertops, and durable but stylish hardware finishes by Emtek and Montana Forge.  

Emma also made smart and economical choices during the renovation by incorporating ProVia Endure vinyl windows in a timeless “2-over-1” divided lite pattern, beautiful solid fir doors by Brosco to both the front and rear exterior entrances and thoughtful trim and moulding decisions throughout to keep in the farmhouse style of the home.

This beautiful renovation shows how smart design can honor the character of a home while quietly working hard behind the scenes—supporting both everyday life and a growing business with ease.

To see more of Emma’s beautiful baking, visit her website Baked By Emma

Work beautifully done by Kettle Cove Construction, RJ Carpentry, & Mark Littlefield