Cottage decorating pictures
13 cottage decorating ideas: cottage decor and design ideas
(Image credit: Neptune)
Are you looking to decorate a cottage? Or do you simply love cottage decor ideas and style and adore swooning over chocolate box homes? If so we've got plenty of inspiration for creating this cosy look in your home, however large your space.
From stylish wall colors and finishes to pretty but practical flooring and window treatments to characterful decor schemes to copy, these cottage decorating ideas are the perfect place to start planning your scheme.
See: Cottage kitchen ideas – design inspiration for homely spaces
What is cottage style?
Cottage style is all about showcasing and preserving prized original features as well as creating cozy, homely spaces. Small but beautiful, cottages are awash with historic stone and timber floors, rustic ceiling beams and quirky angles, and its these elements which give cottage interiors their unique character.
Prized features of the rural landscape, chocolate-box cottages are entwined with geology and the landscape, so taking decorating inspiration from the natural surroundings is a fitting place to start thinking about a scheme. Think colors inspired by the nature, botanical prints and an eclectic mix of handmade and antique wooden furniture.
1. Decorate in earthy, natural tones
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)
Cottages are inextricably linked with their rural setting and brimming with natural materials with soft weathered textures so what better palette to decorate in than with the gentle colors of the countryside?
Here, Little Greene’s greenish neutral – North Brink Grey 291 – sets a relaxed mood and a calm foundation for furniture in a mix of Vanessa Arbuthnott's nature-inspired fabrics including a vintage german sofa in Fruit Garden Straw, Pigeon, Charcoal and armchairs in her May Blossom Pigeon/Charcoal.
Don't miss our cottage lighting ideas for pretty, practical solutions.
2. Mix and match wooden furniture
(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)
Embracing natural materials is the perfect complement to the rustic features of a cottage, as Susie Watson, founder of Susie Watson Designs , explains.
‘Using natural wood furniture, connects a space to its surroundings and adds character,’ she says. ‘Antique furniture can blend well with newly bought furniture, don’t worry about matching the color of the wood just make sure the era of the pieces feels coherent.’
3. Choose warm, earthy colors
(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby )
Cottage style is all about creating that warm welcome and homely feel. Choosing warm shades based on natural earth pigments is an easy way to enhance the mood of a space; try creams, and earthy stone and honeyed yellow shades through to warm plaster pinks and rich terracottas for instant coziness.
When decorating an old cottage with original plaster it is advised to use a breathable formula made such as Edward Bulmer's Natural Paint , for similar shade to the above try Brick.
For cottage kitchen ideas, don't miss our inspiring image gallery.
4. Choose a Shaker-style kitchen
(Image credit: Devol)
Based on the Shaker principles of simplicity, utility, and craftsmanship, the elegant proportions and fuss-free, linear design of Shaker kitchen cabinetry make it perfect for a humble cottage, mixed in with reclaimed unfitted pieces for a relaxed feel.
If low ceilings are an issue, limiting storage mainly to base cabinetry is a good way to keep a cottage feeling bright and open, while also allowing beautiful stone walls to stand out, as this beautiful deVOL kitchen proves.
(Image credit: Devol)
Cottages are loved for their warm and welcoming feel, and key to creating this is including a rustic farmhouse table and chairs for social gathering, as Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL explains.
'The charm of a cottage kitchen is often the quirky and eclectic mix of old and new that gives the feeling of a cosy and welcoming space.
A vintage kitchen table and chairs is a must, all cottages need a spot for chatting and drinking tea and the ubiquitous jug of wild flowers.'
6. Fill your home with garden flowers
(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby / Styling Pippa Blenkinsop)
When it comes to cottage style 'fresh garden or hedge row flowers are a must and can mark the difference between urban and country living,' reveals Vanessa Arbuthnott.
For a pretty floral centerpiece on your kitchen table, gather a selection of vessels in different materials and sizes such as apothercary vases, chippy enamel just, jam jars and stoneware pots and fill with your fresh pickings. Don't worry about stems being different lengths or about colors clashing, this variety of blooms jostling for attention is key to the quaint cottage look.
See: Cottage garden ideas – pretty ways to embrace rustic style outdoors
7.
Decorate with heritage prints(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)
Pay homage to the beautiful rural setting of your cottage by decorating with papers and fabrics that capture the charm of the countryside. William Morris – artist, designer, poet, socialist and ‘Godfather of the Arts and Crafts Movement’ – created hundreds of designs that celebrate the beauty of nature.
Mostly created around the late 19th-century, his stylized flora and fauna prints are still available to buy today, in original and refreshed colorways, and are the perfect way to bring the beauty of nature into the bedroom.
8. Add in upcycled vintage furniture
(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer / Styling Pippa Blenkinsop)
The great thing about creating a cottage look is that it can be created on a shoestring using vintage pieces and a bit of imagination. Easy to come by at specialist furniture shops and flea markets, dated brown furniture can easily be refreshed with some chalk furniture paint into original and rustic pieces, as this pretty desk proves.
Don't worry about the finish or the wood color, instead look for beautiful shapes that will shine once painted. When you have spotted the perfect piece, simply sand down, coat with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint and sand again once dry to create this weathered French look.
9. Choose a traditional, curvaceous sofa
(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)
With elegant curves and a Howard-style silhouette, this small Classic sofa from Susie Watson Designs is a great choice for zoning a snug kitchen-cum-living room, and is layered with paisley, ticking and statement floral cushions, plus a wool throw, for a cozy cottage feel.
10. Get retro with your textile treatments
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)
Thought that the curtain pelmet and sink skirt were things of the past? Think again if you're looking for cottage bathroom ideas. Vanessa Arbuthnott shows how these vintage-style designs can look fresh and stylish in this bathroom using her pretty mix and match fabrics.
To stop the look feeling too cutesy, embrace contemporary color combinations, such as the the Dark Hay/ Charcoal colorways of these French Ticking, Herbaceous Border and Dainty Daisy fabrics.
- See: Cottage curtain ideas – inspiration for a pretty, cozy home
‘The yellow and grey botanical fabrics bring the countryside in and the pretty striped frill around the sink softens and warms up the space too.’ says Vanessa. ‘The bathroom is given a light and airy feel, with its painted wooden floor, and free standing bath.’
11. Paper with romantic botanical wallpapers
(Image credit: Colefax and Fowler)
Prints inspired by nature are a mainstay of quintessential cottage interiors. A master of timeless style, Colefax & Fowler is the go-to brand for romantic botanical prints. New from its Jardine Florals collection, Greenacre features distinctive fan-like gingko leaves with dancing blossoms to produce a contemporary foliage design, and is available across wallpaper.
For a vintage botanical bedroom try using this Leaf Green colorway wall to wall, as well as on a quilt, chair and valance.
12. Use a neutral palette to highlight rustic features
(Image credit: Neptune)
There’s something truly magical about sleeping up in the rafters. Let original oak beams stand out against a palette of simple neutrals or pastels. Complement the rustic patina of aged wood with a natural seagrass carpet, then try delicate patterns, such as Neptune’s Emma linen in Sage for upholstery and cushions.
'As spring is on the way, natural colours like pinks and greens, complement the light and contrast harmoniously against darker greys,' says Amber, home designer at Neptune . 'Alternatively, an all-white look can go a long way in lifting the room to create a lighter space, and our Grace scatter cushions are perfect for adding a little texture.'
13. Create a cozy reading spot
(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)
There's lots of Marie Kondo-inspired talk about living clutter-free these days, but when it comes to cottage interiors, a little clutter is a good thing.
Shelves of books make homes look cozy and lived in. Having bookshelves floor to ceiling in the living room will keep books organised and will mean they're close at hand when you want to curl up with one by the fire.
This feature was created by H&G's sister brand, Period Living magazine
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Period Living is the UK's best-selling period homes magazine. A subscription provides you with all you need to know about caring for and improving a traditional house and garden.
Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes.
She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.
21 Best Cottage Decor Ideas
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You'll never want to leave.
By Erin Cavoto
DAVID TSAY
Whether you own a cottage or just want to be inspired by some quaint decorating tips, you'll want to check out these best cottage decor ideas to create a slice of paradise right in your home. These styling ideas are perfect for maximizing space if you live in a tiny house, or even just adding simple touches that will make the space feel more like home. Each room is covered in these tips, including ideas for designing a peaceful patio, sprucing up your mudroom, or fitting in a home office.
You'll be on the way to the kitchen of your dreams with sweet breakfast nook ideas, as well as tips for making the most-used room in the house a little more country-chic.
You might also want to look to some inspiration for your living room, whether you'd like to add some white living room ideas or opt for some rustic touches. Of course, there are several tips for creating an adorable cottage bedroom, including accent walls, bright colors, and comfy bedding. No matter what style you're trying to achieve in your home, whether it's a modern look or you prefer farmhouse décor ideas, there are cottage decor tricks for any type of home.
KIM CORNELISON
1 of 21
Attic Bedroom
Many cottages have bedrooms with sloped ceilings. This use of an accent wall is a great idea, because it adds dimension to the room without making it feel crowded.
SHOP PLAID BEDDING
DAVID TSAY
2 of 21
White Living Room
An all-white living room is complemented with wooden furniture for a cozy, welcoming look.
SHOP THROW PILLOWS
LAUREY W. GLENN
3 of 21
Eclectic Cabinetry
These cabinets use metal ventilation inserts for the cabinet doors that create a rustic, whimsical look perfect for a cottage kitchen.
SHOP NICKEL CABINET KNOBS
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
4 of 21
Corner Office
You don't need a dedicated room for a home office, just a cozy corner to tuck an upcycled desk, chair, and cabinet into.
SHOP DESK SUPPLIES
DAVID TSAY
5 of 21
Tiny Cottage Kitchen
A cheery palette and narrow fridge turn make this kitchen feel open and airy rather than tight and cramped.
SHOP BACKSPLASHES
Lucas Allen
6 of 21
Sweet Schoolhouse
Max Kim-Bee
7 of 21
Quaint Sitting Area
Planks from Habitat for Humanity's ReStore line the sitting-room ceiling in this renovated Texas cottage. The homeowner was inspired to turn cow-feed sifters found at the Round Top Antiques Fair into artful sconces with burlap fringe.
Dana Gallagher
8 of 21
Sunny Breakfast Nook
This New York cottage's beadboard-panelled breakfast nook features Eames chairs bought at a Brooklyn stoop sale and a farm table the owner made with salvaged wood.
RELATED: 16 Insanely Adorable Dining Nooks
Mark Lohman
9 of 21
Peaceful Patio
On the patio of a Victorian cottage in Arkansas, the wicker patio set was a hand-me-down from the homeowner's friend. Another pal sewed the love seat's cushion and pillow from fabric the homeowner scored at a Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.
Mark Lohman
10 of 21
Victorian Dining Room
The rooms of this Arkansas home were stuffed with mismatched furniture covered in musty 1980s linens, but the homeowner spotted enough gems in the mix to buy the place fully furnished. She saved only the pieces with potential or items that were stunning as is, like the sage cupboard and the chippy dining table.
Lucas Allen
11 of 21
Vibrant Bedroom
In the master bedroom of this Catskills home, sunny-yellow paint and an exuberant green-and-white print enlivens the small space.
The low-pitched roof created a seemingly unusable three-foot-high gap on each side of the room. A carpenter was contracted to fill one side with bookshelves, and the other with cabinets and storage drawers.
Mark Lohman
12 of 21
Stylish Bedroom
The homeowner of this restored Arkansas home upgraded the fixtures with chandeliers, and the Jenny Lind-style bed is one of the few furnishings she kept in the bedroom. The shams and duvet cover are West Elm; the coverlet is Garnet Hill.
Steven Randazzo
13 of 21
Country Kitchen
You'd never guess that most of this 1900 Texas cottage was recently built. To add this kitchen, plus a living room, porch, and bathroom, the homeowners scoured the Texas countryside for materials others might overlook—from rusted pressed tin for the ceilings to salvaged windows, doors, and cabinets.
Max Kim-Bee
14 of 21
Rustic Living Room
While this Connecticut cottage's living room's upholstered furniture is white, the sofa and chairs are also purposefully deconstructed, with tufted fronts and exposed burlap-and-wood backs.
A settee and two armchairs by Restoration Hardware cozy up to a Zentique coffee table. The boat propeller and oil paintings are secondhand scores.
Lisa Romerein
15 of 21
Chic Kitchen
In this Los Angeles home, orange mohair revives a vintage maple stool in the kitchen, where Carrara marble upgrades Ikea cabinets. Task lighting comes in the form of suspended Edison bulbs, covered with Victorian wire shades. The cast-aluminum fox wine cooler was designed by Arthur Court.
Bright idea: Matching wood frames transform food-themed ephemera (labels, grocery ads, and menus) into a polished collection.
Victoria Pearson
16 of 21
Simple Mudroom
This California cottage's mudroom boasts a 1930s factory stool, which retains its original green paint, while the iron hooks on the coatrack swivel from side to side.
Stacey Brandford
17 of 21
Colorful Guest Suite
The truth about this room's walls? The paneling didn't match the rest of the house, so instead of whitewashing the wood, Sarah Richardson, interior designer and host of HGTV's Sarah's House, camouflaged it with an opaque paint, The Plaza by Glidden—a compromise that comes off as intentional.
Roger Davies
18 of 21
Elegant Dining Area
Casual eclecticism rules in this Chicago cottage's dining nook, furnished with a reclaimed-oak table, a Belgian sofa from the early 1900s, reproduction caned chairs, and a vintage footstool upholstered with an antique carpet.
Lisa Romerein
19 of 21
Unique Laundry Room
In the laundry room of this California cottage, photo-realistic wallpaper from Anthropologie fools the eye into thinking that books have been stacked floor to ceiling. A jute basket from World Market, filled with colorful quilts, sits beneath a reclaimed-oak table.
Max Kim-Bee
20 of 21
Numbered Stairs
The family of this renovated Texas cottage stenciled numbers on plywood, which they nailed to their stair risers (painted Black Suede by Behr).
Victoria Pearson
21 of 21
Small Space Decorating Ideas
A cheap curtain wire kit—not brackets and drapery rods—supports these panels in the den of this California home.
Pretty Accent Wall Ideas to Brighten Up a Room
Erin Cavoto Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
26 photo: New Year's illumination of a country house - how to decorate the house outside and the plot for the New Year
It is important to organize the lighting decoration of the house for the New Year to stable sub-zero temperatures. The fact is that in the cold some types of cable windings tan, it will be difficult to mount them. Street garlands are taken to decorate the house outside - do not use “home” (interior) lights for these purposes. If you buy or rent a set of holiday garlands to decorate a garden or a country house, be sure to check the moisture protection index (ip-44) and frost resistance (up to -40C).
ABOUT THIS…
It's time: How to choose the right garland for the facade
Servicepoint
and above the entrance.
3
Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc.
2. Garland - fringe
The decorative effect depends on the chosen type of garland. In this photo - the New Year's illumination of a country house according to the "fringe" principle. There are also curtains (item 6), threads and balls (next photo).
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Nite Scapes
3. Theater lights
The larger and brighter the lamps, the more theatrical effect they create. Google "retro garlands"). Pay attention to the distance between the lamps in the garland: with the same length, you can get, say, 20 or 25 lamps - more or less lights, respectively.
To decorate the house outside for the New Year, you will need at least 10 garlands of 10 meters each.
Light Up Nashville
4.
Front only
Did you know that most users do not decorate the whole tree, but only one side (the other side is pushed against the wall anyway)? The same with real estate - decorating the outside of the house for the New Year is enough only from the side of the facade.
Landscape Illuminations
5. Add sockets
Lots of lights are not always good: modesty and saving electricity are in fashion. Look how effectively this garden plot is decorated - just a dozen large snowflakes on a tree, and a shining wreath as a facade decoration for the New Year. Of course, it could not have done without a garland along the contour of the roof.
Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes
Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes
6. Cascading Christmas lights at home
This solution came from the world of municipal Christmas decor.
But if you live in a townhouse and decorate three floors for you, a similar option for decorating for the New Year is a godsend.
This is how the New Year's illumination of a country house looks from afar from the previous photo.
The Perfect Light
7. For the economical: spruce branches + garlands
Spruce branches allow you to save on lighting - it adds the missing volume to decorations. Please note: two types of garlands are used here at once, as a street decoration for the house for the new year.
8. Sculptural: outlining the roof
An option for minimalists how to decorate a house for the New Year is to decorate only the roof, literally outline it.
ilumus, llc.
9. Not a facade, but not a house either
Garlands on the terrace are perhaps the most common decoration of houses for the New Year. Easy to hang by yourself, no problem with power connection.
The main trick is not to save on the number of garlands: there should be several cascades.
The Cousins
10. Budget: Chinese lanterns
If you are looking for a budget decor option for your summer cottage, you most likely do not consider a full-fledged facade decoration for the New Year. But you can definitely stretch a couple of garlands on the terrace. Add IKEA paper lanterns to them: large balls will add the missing volume of light to a modest backlight.
todd hamilton
11. Lamp with shadows
You will need a perforated lampshade - the sharper the contrast between the outer darkness and the bright light from the inside, the more distinct will be the lacy shadows on the walls and ceiling.
Garden beds and flowerbeds can be decorated with similar lamps.
ABOUT THIS…
Tip of the week (22/52): Replace landscape light
RénoDéco etc.
12. Containers and balloons
Another way to decorate your terrace for the new year is to use battery-operated garlands. Wrap balls of rods, place fireballs among containers with spruce branches.
The Perfect Light
13. Fire bowl
Garlands in pots without plants will perfectly complement the decoration of a country house. You can use both plant-free garden pots and options with New Year's street compositions.
RELATED…
Outdoor Planters Winter Decor: New Year Rehearsal
Neave Group Outdoor Solutions
14. Wreaths with garlands
the outer side of the windows are wreaths wrapped in garlands.
Pay attention, in addition to the stroke along the roof contour, here - the curb in front of the house is glowing.
PollyPapier
Advice: If there is no wreath, but you want to decorate the house outside for the New Year, we wrap the hoop with a garland.
Add spruce branches to complete the composition. We recommend installing the composition under the window or near the porch.
Grandin Road
15. Curtains
At first glance, this is an easy way to decorate the front of the house for the new year. It will take 30 short garlands. But think in advance where to connect so many outlets. Therefore, immediately look for such garlands that are connected through a splitter.
Christmas Lights, Etc
16. Spiral
A simple country house decoration is to wrap a garland around the stair railing.
Grandin Road
16. Poplar scene
You can get by with a small number of light paths that effectively descend from a tree into a snowdrift. The secret of success is luminous stars. And of course the “correct” corner of the garden, which is perfectly visible from the house, but does not interfere with the passage.
Sarah Greenman
17. Н garden lighting for garden buildings
Outside for the New Year, not only the house and trees are decorated - a children's complex, a playground, a bathhouse, a greenhouse are suitable ... Fantasize!
ABOUT THE PROJECT WITH PHOTO…
Houzz USA: Magic tree house with Christmas lights
Brite Creations
basket-manipulator has already entered the site). It is not necessary to use traditional garlands - luminous stars are enough.
Assiniboine Lights and Landscapes
19. Garland cascade
Good old Christmas decorations for the garden are the best. Hang in a cascade
Smalls Landscaping
20. No Christmas tree - decorate the trees
Illuminated fruit trees look quite impressive.
Check if there are adapters and splitters connecting several garlands. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to achieve a “burning trunk” and a uniform distribution of luminous beams over independent Christmas tree legs.
Traditions Specialty Lighting Professionals
21. Shaping the lower part of the trunk
Why not? Make sure that the backlight ends at least half a meter above your height. Such decoration of the site for the New Year harmoniously works together with the existing landscape lighting - only shining trunks in the middle of the darkness will look strange.
Designs by Sundown
21. Whirlwind Garland
The solution is a little easier than decorating each luminous branch - wrap the garland in a circle around the crown.
Brite Nits Inc
22 Combine garlands
along with traditional New Year's garlands based on small LED lamps, you can decorate a street garland with large lamps (
Smalls Landscaping
23.
