Cozy and comfortable; that’s what a cottage is all about. Born from the simplicities of country life, these homes have a little rustic flare and loads of personality. If an interior filled with vintage charm, comfort, and sophistication is what you’re after, look no further. Our top online interior designers have put together 7 tips for creating a cottage interior design to help you get it right.
1) Neutral Base
Start with a neutral wall color like oatmeal, white or off-white. Homes with a cottage interior design often have a light unifying palette that gives the usually smaller rooms an airy feel. Add one or two darker furniture pieces for a balanced contrast.
Wooden floors can give a lovely contrast to the light walls of a traditional cottage. However, if the floor is a similar shade to the wall, use dark colored scatters and furniture to add visual depth.
2) Vintage & Thrifty Collections
Cottage style decor and furniture tend to be interesting because they tell the story of a life lived. Weathered vintage and antique items from different design periods are essential as they add a little sophistication to the relaxed style.
Look out for thrift-store finds to build up an eclectic cottage style and don’t shy away from mixing design eras. Make these items match by keeping to a unified color scheme or material like wood, brick or metal.
3) Wood Furniture
Reclaimed, weathered or painted wood always feature in a cottage interior design. Dark natural wood is a brilliant alternative for those who want to add depth and contrast to their home without adding another color. Similarly, weathered or painted wood can add color and break up the white base.
Classic white shiplap paneling is also an essential wood element to add to your collection of cottage design ideas – even if you make use of a faux wood finish. This paneling trend is also popular as external cladding and in contemporary house designs.
4) Patterned Textiles
A mix of patterns is a must! Since cottage interior design resembles a life’s collection, all pattern styles are welcome. Cottage homes are perfect for experimenting with different textiles, with a mixture of florals and stripes a firm favorite.
It can be challenging to come up with a balanced color combination on your own, but use inspirational images to guide you with cottage design ideas.
5) Must Love Books
Even if you are not an avid reader, a bookshelf fits in perfectly with a cottage home. Alternatively, use the quaint shelf to showcase your favorite cottage style décor.
You can also incorporate bookshelf-like cupboards in the kitchen or bathroom to display utilitarian items or your favorite vintage pieces. Most importantly, let the bookshelf blend in with the walls by using the same paint color on the shelves. This approach will make your decor pop even more.
6) Antique Light Fixtures
Decorative vintage brass and porcelain pendants and chandeliers fit beautifully in a cottage interior design, but it also lives comfortably with more modern light fixtures. As with the other décor items, you can mix and match from different eras to get the right look.
Warm light is essential to create the ultimate cozy room, so mix your lighting to create layered light: general lighting, task lighting, focal lighting, and decorative lights are all equally important.
7) Decor, Decor, Decor!
To keep your cottage style decor looking great without going overboard, use these style tips. Choose the best items and arrange them in sets of two, three or five to create a cohesive look.
Comfy rooms and family-oriented living are at the heart of a cottage style. So, decorate and design your home with your family at heart.
We hope you’re eager to try your new cottage design ideas, and if you need any advice or help with your home journey contact us.
Schedule your Free Interior Design Consultation with an expert interior designer today!
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