Did you see this house tour on Apartment Therapy last week? We just loved this cottage-style kitchen, so open, green and bright!

This cottage kitchen is in Hoboken, New Jersey, and it belongs to Karen, who owns the store MackeyBlue as a side business. She recently renovated the kitchen with the help of her brother and sister-in-law, who are architects. (Wouldn't we love to have a pair of architects in the family!)

Karen says that she is not an extremely passionated cook; she leans more towards home design and gardening. So she wanted a open, free-flowing space where friends and family could over and cook while she provided the kitchen and all the trappings. She says that everyone loves to be in the kitchen and she loves having everyone over. It's a win-win.

She also says that part of the concept of the kitchen renovation was to create a 20s-style kitchen while integrating modern appliances. She installed new appliances, including a down-draft exhaust for the stove, which was less expensive and kept the clean lines. Part of creating this look involved cabinets with legs; Karen wanted the cabinets to be like furniture and look free-standing. But, cleverly, she says that to accommodate cleaning, they installed a recessed kick plate which is painted black and goes unnoticed unless you know it's there.

She paid particular attention to the lighting; each type of lighting can be turned on/off individually as well as dimmed.

We love this kitchen's breezy cottage style; it looks like a great place to cook and to entertain.

• See the full tour: Karen's Urban Cottage at Apartment Therapy

Related: Michelle's Gracious Craftsman Kitchen

(Images: Sparrow King)