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Cottage interior design is familiar to all of us - a cosy armchair by the fire, simple wooden furniture, quilt-covered beds to sink into... We've gathered our most inspiring interiors from around the archive

Is there anything cosier than settling into a plump sofa in a charming country cottage? Being enthusiastic cottage devotees, we think not. Warm colours, plush furniture, and a generous scattering of art and antiques make these country interiors perfect settings for curling up with a cup of tea.

Cottages have been part of the English ideal since the late nineteenth-century, when the Industrial Revolution sparked a longing on the part of city-dwellers for the rural life. It's amazing to think that, up until that time, they were more a symbol of poverty and a cramped, harsh, rustic existence - far from desirable if one had the money for anything grander. How times have changed - all their disadvantages have now become part of their charm - just think of the cottage from The Holiday and Cameron Diaz looking fetching in a tiny bathtub. Now we can't get enough of the look - overstuffed living rooms, wooden kitchens, flagstone floors and metal bedsteads.

The style isn't restricted to cottages themselves though - anyone can bring a touch of this traditional design into their home, whether you're nestled deep in the English countryside or not. Scroll down for our favourite examples of ultra-cosy cottage-style interiors, and prepare to get comfortable.

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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

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White Living Room

An all-white living room is complemented with wooden furniture for a cozy, welcoming look.

SHOP THROW PILLOWS

LAUREY W. GLENN

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Country house design 2022: the main trends

Designers told what trends to consider if you decide to make repairs on the eve of the summer season

Photo: Mike Higginson\shutterstock

Trends in interior design depend on the mood in society. The COVID-19 pandemic has also made adjustments to design decisions, and in 2022 its impact is still being felt. Today, people value their health more than ever, and therefore make the space around them as comfortable and cozy as possible. All major trends are based on this principle.

Experts talked about the main trends in country design that can make summer cottages fashionable in 2022.

Minimalism

www.adv.rbc.ru

Minimalism remains one of the main trends in interior design of suburban housing. “These are plain walls and curtains on the windows, high ceilings. Colors - contrasting or close to each other, a combination of white and gray, a single pastel range, muted dark tones. The furniture in the rooms is only necessary,” comments Stepan Bugaev, founder of the Tochka Design studio.

Minimalism has also come to the landscape, said Peter Lari, curator of the Landscape Design program at the British Higher School of Design, chief architect of the L.BURO studio. He emphasized that when planning the design of the site, it is worth giving preference to clean lines in paving, combining this with monocultural plantings of shrubs and conifers.

Photo: jafara\shutterstock

Sustainability and glass

Environmental friendliness and conscious consumption remain a constant trend in country interiors. Focus on natural materials - wood, stone, brick and concrete are in fashion, Bugaev said. He stressed that the use of glass in country houses is very popular today - maximum glazing, panoramic windows, and sometimes even glass roofs will let in maximum light into the living space and diversify the interior.

The trend towards environmental friendliness has also come to landscaping. “Maximum preservation of the existing forest on the site or planting a new coniferous forest. And not only trees, but also a cover in the form of moss, blueberries and lingonberries. Now people more and more want to see the pristine nature on the site, and we have learned how to recreate it,” said Petr Lari.

Photo: Antoha713\shutterstock

Upcycling and recycling

Upcycling and recycling are also the main trends of this year. “We boldly go to the garage, open the pantries and sort out old pieces of furniture and decor. Or we open "Avito", "Fair of Masters", go to a flea market and buy everything that causes nostalgia. A crystal chandelier from the USSR can take pride of place above the dining table. Old wooden chairs can still be comfortable,” recommends Bugaev. Lace curtains and tablecloths, worn patterned carpets also support a pleasant rural ambience, the designer noted. According to him, it's time to get grandmother's service out of the sideboard - finally, the time has come for that very special occasion.

“Pay attention to local Sunday markets and antique shops, find amazing finds in county towns. For example, old wooden items of peasant life will give the interior of the dacha a warm rustic flavor, and a vintage lace tablecloth will create the atmosphere of a lived-in family home even in the new interior,” recommends Ekaterina Svanidze, partner of the DveKati architectural studio.

Natural tones

Colors for decorating a summer house should be chosen depending on preferences, but shades that are close to natural are now in trend. “Think about what basic color base you like - light or dark? The base color is the color that carries the main load in the interior of the house. Both bases are in trend today. The main thing is not to overdo it with a dark base, so as not to make the space of the house depressing and gloomy. Then you can experiment with colors on small surfaces. Earthy tones, tones of natural greenery in all their manifestations are relevant, with the exception of flashy fluorescent ones, woody tones in composition with honey, calm sunny yellow shades of the “muted sun,” says Inna Kaminskaya, designer, founder of the Grande Familia (iRoomproject) studio.

The main thing, she says, is to avoid flashy and overpowering colors. But fresh and airy blue, as well as vintage blue, which comes from warm blue, will provide peace and well-being in the house.

Photo: jafara\shutterstock

Fewer sharp corners

Curved furniture and rounded edges are another rustic design trend. They give a sense of individuality, softening the lines in the interior and creating a more welcoming space, emphasized the founder of Tochka Design.

“First of all, the interior of the house should convey the maximum atmosphere of order, peace and quiet in the form of furniture. A home that gives birth to a feeling of warm embrace and security. These are soft and fluid forms of furniture, doorways and decor, excluding sharp corners and overly complex details,” Inna Kaminskaya explained.

Photo: Pinkystock\shutterstock

Arches and high doors

Another trend in the interior of country houses is high arched doors and openings, Kaminskaya specified. "It's 90, you say? In vain. When we look at that period of time, the arches seem unsightly ironic to us, and this is solely due to the lack of the necessary proportions and ceiling heights. Today, the geometry of the arches is more elongated, they themselves are structurally lighter and look great in the presence of high ceilings,” the designer emphasized.

If you beat such a design feature with color, you will get a stunning interior dominant that will please you for a long time and will not go out of fashion for many years, said the founder of the Grande Familia studio (iRoomproject).

Photo: myboys.me\shutterstock

Spa-style bathroom

The role of the home during the lockdown has been completely rethought and pushed property owners to create previously unpopular spaces in their summer cottages. When people were faced with the fact that their favorite fitness and beauty salons could close, the decision came to make a spa area in their home, said Stepan Bugaev.

To recreate the atmosphere, textures that are pleasant to the touch are used - marble, wood and linen, the designer emphasized. He also recommended giving preference to multi-level lighting, which, depending on the number of lamps included, can be either bright or subdued.

Photo: Julia Vadi\shutterstock

Practical garden

Another summer trend for 2022 is the practical garden. “Firstly, this is a space that is intelligently zoned: a wide terrace, an ornamental garden, a recreation area with a fire, a barbecue area and, as a new element of the garden, a gazebo used as a remote office (a building separate from the house, equipped for a comfortable, but working atmosphere). Secondly, competent logistics: the main and secondary directions are highlighted, snow removal is thought out. Thirdly, a practical garden a priori should not require much maintenance. In our understanding, this service is one or two times a month,” explained the chief architect of the L.BURO studio.

And of course, as a global trend, the new purpose of the garden. In times of uncertainty and stress, we are looking for sources of replenishment, Lari emphasized. According to him, the garden is becoming a very important place where we must recover.

Photo: Spring_summer\shutterstock

  • "Growth slightly below inflation": what will happen to the prices of dachas in the suburbs

    • Cottage or country house interior: 70 photos, design ideas

    The interior of the cottage should be as comfortable and cozy as possible, so that its residents can really relax and take a break from the noise and everyday life outside the city. The possibility of arranging a large area, the presence of high ceilings, as well as proximity to natural beauties - all this contributes to the use of a creative approach to creating a truly ergonomic space. To decorate the interior of a cottage or a country house, you need to follow a number of recommendations, which we will discuss below.

    What designers advise

    If the interiors of apartments in the city do not always depend on the features of the building, then the design of private houses will depend directly on the design of the building. For example, an Art Nouveau design is unlikely to look harmonious inside a wooden frame with traditional elements. In other words, the first recommendation is to maintain harmony between the interior and exterior of a country house.

    As for the interior design of the room, we can say about the following nuances:

    - Choose a single style for interior design;
    - Provide the necessary color scheme;
    - Choose high-quality modern finishing materials;
    - Choose pieces of furniture that match the style;
    - Make good use of decorative elements and artificial lighting.

    All these factors must be taken into account in order to create a beautiful cottage interior.

    Colors

    When designing any interior, including a country house, it is important to choose the right color solutions. The wrong palette can make you feel bad and reduce productivity. Of course, it all depends on individual preferences, but there are general patterns.

    Furnishing a private house involves the use of several basic (more than four) shades of those colors that seem most attractive to the owner. But only one color should prevail for decorating the walls. It is recommended to give preference to neutral calm tones, while colorful shades should be used as accents. Remember that in a cozy cottage there is no need for excessive variegation, but it all depends on the style you choose, so there may be various color options.

    One way to create an original interior is to combine smooth and embossed surfaces with different textures. In such a situation, even a monochromatic design looks contrasting and attractive.

    Keep in mind that even just one textured detail can significantly enliven the space. For example, in a Scandinavian-style house, you can combine discreet curtains made of plain fabric and the same furniture upholstery with wicker chairs, large-knit covers, etc.

    Furniture

    In cottages or country houses it is better not to clutter up the space with a lot of furniture. Moreover, modern trends dictate the fashion for minimalism. This is especially true for small houses, where it is best to pick up multifunctional pieces of furniture, possibly folding ones. In spacious country houses, large-sized furniture looks better.

    It must be remembered that the combination of large objects and small details will look the most harmonious. If you place exceptionally large structures in rooms, they will not be perceived expressively. But too many small elements will sooner or later begin to annoy the residents and guests of the house.

    Lighting

    Luminaires are selected based on their appearance. It is important that during the day they fit into the overall style. Depending on the background, chandeliers, floor lamps or sconces are selected, they can be dark, light, golden - the main thing is that the atmosphere of a country house is stylistically coherent.

    It is important to choose a lampshade wisely, so decide in advance which style you prefer - country, classic or minimalist. In large rooms, it is recommended to install large chandeliers, and for small rooms, compact lamps are more suitable.

    Interior style for a country house

    In country cottages you can embody any design delights. However, in addition to fashion trends, be sure to take into account the individual preferences of the owners of the house. Consider the main characteristics of the most popular styles for interior design of cottages: country, provence, chalet, as well as Scandinavian and modern style.

    Country cottage

    This style is suitable for lovers of rustic romance and family traditions. Country is the best option for owners of wooden houses.

    Modern materials such as metal, glass or plastic are unacceptable in such interiors. For decoration, they often use wallpaper with floral motifs or stripes, decorative plaster or stone, imitation of a wooden beam.

    Color solutions should be as natural as possible. For the living room, the main focus can be a fireplace, it is recommended to choose furniture that is not high. In the kitchen, put an old sideboard with shelves, a massive wooden table, linen or chintz curtains, and painted dishes.

    Provence style cottage

    This style is considered the ideal solution for creating a cozy countryside atmosphere. Mandatory attributes of the Provence style are considered to be the use of natural materials and floral motifs.

    This trendy French trend assumes an important role for furniture and decorative elements. Choose solid furniture, perhaps vintage or aged. It is best if it is in light shades.

    As for decor, wicker elements, vases with lavender, porcelain and baskets look good in Provence style interiors. All this brings a unique atmosphere to the house and makes staying in it comfortable, which is very important for cottages or suburban buildings.

    Chalet-style cottage

    For wooden cottages, the chalet style is also suitable, which will create a fabulous cozy interior with minimal decoration. As a rule, the floor and ceiling in such buildings are wooden, and the ceiling beams remain visible.

    The main characteristics of the style are conciseness, the use of natural materials with a minimum of processing, as well as environmental friendliness. A mandatory detail is the fireplace, which occupies a central place in the living room.

    Decor includes wool, leather and fur skins. Household appliances in the kitchen are hidden behind cabinets so that the atmosphere of antiquity is preserved in the house. As a chandelier, plafonds made in the shape of a candle are ideal.

    Scandinavian style cottage

    This direction is distinguished by restraint, minimal inclusion of decor and the use of high-quality natural materials. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on home improvement, but prefer modern trends and want to create a spacious, bright interior, pay attention to the Scandinavian style.

    It is enough to level the walls in the house and choose a neutral background - most often it is just white paint. Wood is used as decoration. If necessary, the interior can be bright accents.

    As for the furniture, it should be soft and comfortable, but the shape should be as simple as possible. In the Scandinavian style, natural wood is welcome. You can dilute the strict atmosphere with the help of pleasant little things, for example, unusual curtains or plants in a flower pot.

    Modern style cottage

    Interiors decorated in a modern style often use furniture made of inexpensive materials - wood, glass, plastic.

    Learn more