Cottage style homes are one thing, but authentic English cottage house plans are absolutely something else. It's not essential to own a country home in rural England in order to tap into a genuine and stylish English cottage decor aesthetic, but there are certain motifs that need to be copied, in order to emulate the look effectively and with a touch of authentic charm.
Professionals like Architects have mastered the art of creating picture-perfect homes that seem to effortlessly capture the cottage home look and feel, thanks to identifying and showcasing very particular furniture and décor items, which are catalogued and explained in this guide. The following elements are essential for anybody that longs for those charming English cottage interiors that fill the pages of every interior design magazine and make for homes that instil a year-round holiday feeling.
Homes in the country need to be warm, cosy and ready for every seasonal change, which is why a layered approach to textiles is vital. But just feast your eyes on this splendid cottage living room design. Cushions, throws, rugs and blankets will all feature majorly and do not have to be perfectly matched in colour pattern. In this country cottage living room, we can see how a little diversity will go a long way.
When it comes to choosing the perfect patterns to include in a country home, traditional motifs tend to work best. Tartans, florals and muted heritage colours are great choices not only for textile accessories, but actual furniture upholstery as well., from dining chair seat pads through to sofas.
Cottage homes necessarily feature beautiful and warm rugs that feel soft underfoot and not just because the floors are usually cold due to being made from stone or natural wood. More modern cottage homes tend to feature eye-catching and bold luxurious rug fabrics that are deep-pile.
From traditional cottages through to contemporary rural retreats, plants are ideal for creating a gentle variation in colour, as well as an organic and all-encompassing natural vibe. In older homes, they can help tackle damp in the air as well, if the right varieties are chosen.
Take a tour of any rural English home and there will be some inspired use of patterns, most notably, florals and paisleys. They work so well in a cottage setting, as they have a naturally traditional yet fresh and pretty finish that can add light and a little flirtiness to even the darkest corners.
A perfectly made-up guest room is a staple in any country home. Luxury bed linens, antique furniture, fresh flowers and a few fluffy towels will help to create the look and feel of a high-end hotel suite, which is perfectly attuned to any rural property that wants to feel cohesive.
Country houses and wood-burning stoves go hand-in-hand as a multi-sensory experience. Not only is warmth a key factor, but smell and ambiance is as well. There's nothing like the odour of burning logs to create a sense of country cosiness, other than the amber hue that will radiate throughout a space.
A key motif in any country home but especially cottages, exposed brickwork instantly adds a tactile and beautiful element to any room, from living rooms through to bathrooms. Organic warmth is important in any rural house's interior design scheme.
Muted colour schemes might sound a little dull, on paper, but in terms of country cottages, it simply means taking inspiration from natural tones. Any shade that can be found in a pretty rural garden can be be used inside a home, to amazing effect, but they should be kept understated.
Books take on a new identity in country homes, as beautiful interior design accessories. Housed in pretty shelving units, books can be a great way to add in some serious colour, in an organised and structured way. They can even be stacked in rainbow colour, for more drama.
Modern light fixtures are great but can create a jarring juxtaposition in a cottage, which is why traditional fabric lampshades are a better choice. This ties into the idea of layering textiles as well and patterned fabric would not be a bad choice.
No country home is complete without a furry friend or two, but they need their own beds and baskets. It's never been easier to tap into a high-end rural aesthetic in terms of accessories, as there are countless designer brands tapping into the market to make pet beds a little more beautiful.
When taking on the interior design of a cottage, don’t be scared to mix and match different patterns and textures. As we’ve said, English cottage interiors are all about cosiness and warmth, but don’t overlook visual splendour.
See how that timber-clad wall, brick chimney, and eye-catching floor rug introduce character and detail into this living room without taking up much legroom.
What’s your garden looking like? Is your yard in decent enough condition to contribute to your interiors (visually speaking)? In this example, open doors and generous windows usher in fabulous countryside views and fresh air, boosting the raw and natural ambience of these country cottage interiors.
Next up for your inspiration: 8 materials perfect for exterior façades.