Create The English Cottage Style at Home

Oct 3, 2022by Sarah Hopson

 

Hey, today we are talking about how we can create the English cottage style. The wistful English cottage decor style is instantly calming and welcoming—whether it’s the sense of coziness or the whimsical feeling of the space, there’s just something about the countryside aesthetic that makes you want to curl up with a good book and unwind. 

Thankfully for us city dwellers, the English cottage aesthetic is not reserved for country roads or curated Instagram feeds. In fact, embracing the English cottage style at home is much easier than you might think. 

Read on to get expert advice on how to bring a slice of the cozy countryside aesthetic into your space. 

 

Create The English Cottage Style: Everything Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect 

English homes have history and are usually pieced together with items that are found and inherited,” say the experts. This is great news if you’ve been storing old furnishings or decor from family members—but can be just as easily emulated with a trip to your local thrift store or antique shop. 

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Quirky 

 I think one of the reasons English design is having such a moment right now is that it’s not afraid to be a little playful and weird. Embracing a little quirkiness can be challenging if you’re not used to letting go and allowing for a little weirdness to come out in your decor but will become easier as you lean into themes or interests you’re naturally drawn to. 

Warmer Colours and Patterns  

The English cottage aesthetic leans heavily on playful patterns and bright colors—especially in terms of wall treatments and textiles. Rather than overhauling your space with a whole catalogue of different patterns right away, consider starting with a statement wall or investing in slip covers and going from there. 

Befriend with Mirrors 

Traditional English cottages are often light and airy. Whether you’re working with large windows or you’re dealing with a tighter space, consider placing a mirror opposite your windows to give the impression of more light in the room, and don’t forget to experiment with placement to get the best view! 

Show Your Artsy Side 

Another way to foster a sense of English cottage serenity at home is by curating your own selection of fine art and prints. Consider picking up second hand-done oil paintings (you can usually find them for cheap at second hand shops!) or investing in high quality prints or reproductions of your favorite works of art. 

Design A Cosy Kitchen 

Bright and modern kitchens have become the norm in North America but a cozy cooking space is much more inviting—and is key to achieving a traditional English cottage look. Mismatched wooden furniture, open shelving with colorful enamelware, deep Belfast sinks, and hanging pots and pans are all staples that make the English cottage kitchen so cozy and welcoming.

People Also Asked

How to make your home look like an English cottage?

To achieve an English cottage look, focus on cozy furnishings, floral patterns, and natural materials. Incorporate exposed wooden beams, add a fireplace, and use soft, muted colors. Don't forget to include vintage accessories and plenty of potted plants for that authentic cottage charm.

How to create a cottage style home?

Create a cottage style home by embracing rustic elements, mismatched furniture, and warm textiles. Use light, airy colors on walls, add woven baskets for storage, and incorporate vintage finds. Focus on creating a lived-in, comfortable atmosphere with plenty of personal touches.

What is the English cottage style?

English cottage style is characterized by its cozy, informal aesthetic and connection to nature. It features floral prints, comfortable furniture, and a mix of vintage and rustic elements. The style emphasizes warmth, charm, and a lived-in feel, often incorporating natural materials and soft color palettes.

How to create an English country house look?

To create an English country house look, focus on elegant comfort. Use rich fabrics like chintz and velvet, incorporate antique furniture, and display collections of china or books. Add landscape paintings, use warm color schemes, and include fresh flowers for a touch of natural beauty.

What is the difference between English cottage and farmhouse style?

English cottage style is more quaint and cozy, featuring floral patterns and vintage elements. Farmhouse style is more rustic and practical, with a focus on simple, functional pieces and neutral colors. Cottage style embraces clutter, while farmhouse style prefers a cleaner, more open look.

What is the difference between French and English cottage style?

French cottage style tends to be more elegant and refined, with a lighter color palette and ornate details. English cottage style is cozier and more lived-in, featuring darker, richer colors and rustic elements. French style often includes toile fabrics and wrought iron, while English style favors floral prints and wooden furniture.

What makes a house a cottage UK?

In the UK, a cottage is typically a small, cozy dwelling often found in rural areas. Characteristics include low ceilings, thick walls, a thatched or tiled roof, and small windows. Cottages often feature a garden and are associated with a charming, quaint aesthetic.

How can I make my house look British?

To give your house a British look, incorporate classic patterns like plaid and floral prints, use rich, deep colors, and add traditional furniture pieces. Include vintage accessories, display china collections, and create a cozy reading nook. Don't forget to add some quirky, eclectic touches for authentic British charm.

What is modern cottage style?

Modern cottage style blends traditional cottage elements with contemporary design. It features clean lines, a lighter color palette, and updated versions of classic furniture. This style maintains the cozy feel of a cottage while incorporating modern conveniences and a more minimalist approach to decor.

How to make a cottage cosy?

Make a cottage cozy by adding soft textiles like throw blankets and plush pillows, using warm lighting with table lamps and candles, and incorporating natural elements like wooden furniture and potted plants. Create intimate seating areas, add a fireplace if possible, and use rich, warm colors to enhance the snug atmosphere.

How do you make a room look like a cottage?

To give a room a cottage look, use floral or striped wallpaper, add wooden beams or paneling, and incorporate vintage furniture pieces. Use soft, muted colors, hang framed botanical prints, and include cozy textiles like quilts and cushions. Don't forget to add personal touches and natural elements for authentic cottage charm.

What makes a cottage unique?

A cottage's uniqueness comes from its charming imperfections, intimate scale, and connection to nature. Features like exposed beams, uneven floors, and quirky architectural details add character. The blend of old and new, personal touches, and a sense of history all contribute to a cottage's unique appeal.

How to start an English country garden?

Start an English country garden by planning informal, overflowing beds. Include classic cottage flowers like roses, lavender, and foxgloves. Create winding paths, add a water feature, and incorporate climbing plants on trellises or walls. Don't forget to include seating areas for enjoying your garden oasis.

What style is an English cottage?

An English cottage style is cozy, charming, and informal. It features floral patterns, mismatched furniture, and a lived-in feel. Key elements include exposed beams, fireplaces, vintage accessories, and a connection to nature through gardens and natural materials.

How to style a cottage living room?

Style a cottage living room with comfortable, overstuffed furniture, floral or striped fabrics, and warm color schemes. Add vintage accessories, display collections of books or china, and incorporate natural elements like wooden side tables or woven baskets. Create a focal point with a fireplace or large window overlooking a garden.

What is cottage core decor?

Cottagecore decor embraces a romanticized rural lifestyle. It features vintage and handmade items, floral patterns, and natural materials. Key elements include dried flowers, woven baskets, antique furniture, and nature-inspired artwork. The style emphasizes comfort, nostalgia, and a connection to nature.

What is the difference between cottage style and farmhouse style?

Cottage style is more quaint and feminine, featuring floral patterns and vintage elements. Farmhouse style is more rustic and practical, with a focus on simple, functional pieces and neutral colors. Cottage style embraces cozy clutter, while farmhouse style prefers a cleaner, more open look with industrial touches.

How to decorate an old cottage house?

Decorate an old cottage house by preserving original features like exposed beams and fireplaces. Use soft, muted colors on walls, incorporate vintage furniture pieces, and add cozy textiles like quilts and cushions. Display collections of antiques, use floral or striped fabrics, and include plenty of natural elements like potted plants and woven baskets.

What is a cottage style flat?

A cottage style flat brings cozy, rustic charm to urban living. It features comfortable furniture, warm color schemes, and vintage accessories. Key elements include floral patterns, natural materials, and intimate seating areas. The style aims to create a homey, relaxed atmosphere within a smaller space.

How to get the modern cottage look?

Achieve a modern cottage look by blending traditional elements with contemporary design. Use a lighter color palette, incorporate clean-lined furniture alongside vintage pieces, and opt for updated versions of classic patterns. Maintain a cozy feel while embracing minimalism and modern conveniences.

What is the structure of cottage house?

A cottage house typically has a compact, one or two-story structure. Features often include low ceilings, thick walls, a steep roof (often thatched or tiled), and small windows. The layout is usually simple and efficient, with a focus on cozy, multi-functional spaces and a strong connection to outdoor areas.

What is English country style?

English country style is elegant yet comfortable, blending traditional elements with a lived-in feel. It features rich fabrics, antique furniture, and collections of art or china. Key elements include warm color schemes, floral patterns, and a mix of formal and informal touches that create a welcoming, timeless atmosphere.

How to make home cottage style?

Transform your home into cottage style by incorporating cozy furnishings, floral or striped fabrics, and vintage accessories. Use soft, muted colors on walls, add natural materials like wood and wicker, and create intimate seating areas. Don't forget to include plenty of personal touches and connect indoor spaces with nature.

What is the difference between French cottage and English cottage?

French cottage style is more elegant and refined, with a lighter color palette and ornate details. English cottage style is cozier and more lived-in, featuring darker, richer colors and rustic elements. French style often includes toile fabrics and wrought iron, while English style favors floral prints and wooden furniture.

How do I make my cottage cozy?

Make your cottage cozy by adding soft textiles like throw blankets and plush pillows, using warm lighting with table lamps and candles, and incorporating natural elements like wooden furniture and potted plants. Create intimate seating areas, add a fireplace if possible, and use rich, warm colors to enhance the snug atmosphere.

What is English cottage style?

English cottage style is characterized by its cozy, informal aesthetic and connection to nature. It features floral prints, comfortable furniture, and a mix of vintage and rustic elements. The style emphasizes warmth, charm, and a lived-in feel, often incorporating natural materials and soft color palettes.

How to make a bungalow look like a cottage in the UK?

Transform a bungalow into a UK cottage by adding character features like exposed beams or faux thatching. Use cottage-style windows, incorporate floral patterns in fabrics and wallpapers, and add a charming front garden. Paint the exterior in soft, muted colors and include window boxes for added charm.

What style house is a cottage?

A cottage is typically a small, cozy dwelling with a rustic, charming aesthetic. It often features a compact design, sloped roof, and intimate scale. Cottage style emphasizes comfort, connection to nature, and a lived-in feel, blending traditional elements with personal touches.

What is a cozy cottage?

A cozy cottage is a small, comfortable home that exudes warmth and charm. It features soft textures, warm lighting, and intimate spaces. Key elements include comfortable furniture, natural materials, and personal touches that create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding and enjoying simple pleasures.

What is farmhouse cottage style?

Farmhouse cottage style blends the rustic elements of farmhouse decor with the cozy charm of cottage style. It features comfortable, practical furniture, natural materials like wood and stone, and a mix of vintage and modern pieces. The style emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and a connection to rural living.

What is cottagecore style?

Cottagecore style is a romanticized interpretation of rural life. It features vintage and handmade items, floral patterns, and natural materials. Key elements include gardening themes, traditional crafts, and a nostalgic aesthetic. The style emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and a connection to nature.

What is modern cottage design?

Modern cottage design combines traditional cottage elements with contemporary aesthetics. It features clean lines, a lighter color palette, and updated versions of classic furniture. This style maintains the cozy feel of a cottage while incorporating modern conveniences, minimalist touches, and a fresh, updated look.

What is country cottage style?

Country cottage style blends rustic charm with cozy comfort. It features natural materials, vintage furniture, and soft, muted colors. Key elements include floral patterns, comfortable seating, and personal collections. The style emphasizes a relaxed, lived-in feel and a strong connection to nature and rural living.

What materials are used to build cottage houses?

Traditional cottage houses often use local, natural materials such as:

  • Stone or brick for walls
  • Timber for framing and beams
  • Thatch, slate, or clay tiles for roofing
  • Plaster or wood for interior walls
  • Flagstone or wood for flooring
    Modern cottages may incorporate more contemporary materials while maintaining a traditional aesthetic.

How do I make my plain house look like a cottage?

Transform a plain house into a cottage by adding character features like shutters or window boxes. Use soft, muted colors on the exterior, incorporate climbing plants or trellises, and create a charming front garden. Inside, add cozy textiles, vintage furniture, and floral patterns to achieve a cottage feel.

How do you make a modern cottage?

Create a modern cottage by blending traditional elements with contemporary design. Use a light, neutral color palette, incorporate clean-lined furniture alongside vintage pieces, and opt for updated versions of classic patterns. Maintain a cozy feel while embracing minimalism, open spaces, and modern conveniences.

What makes an English style house?

An English style house typically features:

  • Traditional architecture with elements like gabled roofs and bay windows
  • Brick or stone exteriors
  • Formal gardens or landscaping
  • Cozy interiors with fireplaces and wood paneling
  • A mix of antique and comfortable furniture
  • Rich color schemes and classic patterns like plaids and florals

How to make your home look like an English cottage?

To achieve an English cottage look:

  • Add architectural details like exposed beams or wainscoting
  • Use soft, muted colors on walls and floral patterns in fabrics
  • Incorporate comfortable, mismatched furniture
  • Display collections of books, china, or artwork
  • Create a cozy reading nook or window seat
  • Add natural elements like potted plants and fresh flowers
  • Include a fireplace or wood stove as a focal point

What are the characteristics of an English cottage?

Key characteristics of an English cottage include:

  • Small, cozy scale
  • Thatched or tiled roof
  • Thick walls often made of stone or brick
  • Low ceilings and small windows
  • Charming imperfections and quirky details
  • Intimate, multi-functional spaces
  • Connection to nature through gardens and natural materials
  • Warm, inviting atmosphere with a focus on comfort

What is the difference between French and English cottage style?

French cottage style is more elegant and refined, with a lighter color palette and ornate details. English cottage style is cozier and more lived-in, featuring darker, richer colors and rustic elements. French style often includes toile fabrics and wrought iron, while English style favors floral prints and wooden furniture.

What is the difference between English cottage and farmhouse style?

English cottage style is more quaint and cozy, featuring floral patterns and vintage elements. Farmhouse style is more rustic and practical, with a focus on simple, functional pieces and neutral colors. Cottage style embraces clutter, while farmhouse style prefers a cleaner, more open look with industrial touches.

 

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