19 English Cottage Decor Ideas For The Coziest Cottage Home
Get ready to transport yourself to the charming world of Jane Austen. Whether you’re mourning the end of Downton Abbey or yearning for a home makeover that captures the essence of an English cottage, you don’t need a professional decorator to achieve this look. The term ‘cottage’ originated from the phrase ‘cotter,’ describing a peasant living in a small home with a lush lawn today, it evokes images of a quaint, countryside abode that’s equal parts cozy and romantic.
This style has captivated hearts worldwide, regardless of whether you reside in an urban apartment or a rural retreat. If you’re eager to bring this charm into your own home without breaking the bank, look no further than these 19 budget-friendly ideas for styling an English cottage-inspired abode.
19 Quaint Ways To Style Your Home Like A Cozy English Cottage
Get ready to transport yourself to the charming world of Jane Austen. Whether you’re mourning the end of Downton Abbey or yearning for a home makeover that captures the essence of an English cottage, you don’t need a professional decorator to achieve this look. The term ‘cottage’ originated from the phrase ‘cotter,’ describing a peasant living in a small home with a lush lawn today, it evokes images of a quaint, countryside abode that’s equal parts cozy and romantic.
This style has captivated hearts worldwide, regardless of whether you reside in an urban apartment or a rural retreat. If you’re eager to bring this charm into your own home without breaking the bank, look no further than these 19 budget-friendly ideas for styling an English cottage-inspired abode.
Make some floor magic.
In the past, Britain’s textile mills produced luxurious rugs that were only accessible to estate owners. However, with a little creativity and some old t-shirts, you can create your own unique and cozy rag rug that adds character to any room. This DIY project is perfect for those who want to add warmth to their cottage floors or simply give their space a personal touch. With affordable options like Alibaba’s range of colors available online, making your own rag rug is easier than ever.
It’s about the little things.
To create a cozy cottage atmosphere, consider swapping out ceiling fan paddles and pulls for more rustic alternatives. Fill your bookshelves with collections of hardcover books, even if you haven’t had a chance to read them yet. Showcase unique items like porcelain pigs, pottery jars from English creameries, or antique dolls that add character to the space. And, cleverly hide your big screen TV within a distressed cabinet or vintage media console to maintain the cozy feel.
Ultimately, the cottage style celebrates embracing the little details and imperfections that make a space truly special.
Go bold with your wallpaper & paint.
For those who take a meticulous approach to home decorating, the process begins with gathering friends, ordering pizza, and unleashing them on the walls with paintbrushes. Alternatively, you could opt for wallpaper, but be prepared for a significant expense. Designers recommend paisley or bold patterns that create a busy yet pleasant visual effect, effectively conveying an English-style aesthetic.
When budget is a concern, Brit Emma Sims-Hilditch, an expert in transforming Cotswolds manor homes, suggests painting as a cost-effective way to achieve a fresh look. She advocates for dramatic color combinations featuring shades of green, burgundy, and brown, paired with lighter hues to create contrast that ‘brings it to life’. In her words, ‘Contrast is like the mascara on a face – it completely brings it to life.’
If you are really hands-on, go dutch when it comes to your entryway.
Dutch doors, also known as double-hung doors or half-doors, feature a unique design where the bottom half remains stationary while the top half swings open. This distinctive configuration allows for optimal ventilation and natural light while maintaining the flexibility to keep the lower portion closed. Although installing Dutch doors may require more effort or investment, the end result is undeniable charm and character that can elevate the overall aesthetic of your space.
Prioritize comfort above all else.
The ultimate goal of home styling is not just to decorate rooms, but to create a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel snug and comfortable. To achieve this English cottage-inspired look, oversized chairs with matching footstools are a must-have. The combination of patterned and upholstered seating adds a touch of warmth and character to any space. When scouring resale shops, antique emporiums, and estate sales for affordable decor ideas, having a clear vision in mind is key.
Take inspiration from this layout featured on Architectural Digest, which showcases the perfect blend of frugal finds and stylish flair. By having a sense of what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to spot bargains with confidence and create a home that truly reflects your personal style.
Say it Stripes, Florals, Plaids, Burlap, & Canvas.
Forget the conventional wisdom about mixing patterns. The absence of at least two distinct ones in an English cottage interior is a telltale sign that the space was designed by someone with Scandinavian sensibilities.
When it comes to adding character to a cozy retreat, certain patterns stand out from the rest: stripes, florals, plaids, and burlap are all great options, but it’s the quintessential toile paisley pattern that truly brings a Yorkshire-inspired charm to lavish upholstery and cushions.
Think Paisley when adding extra details.
The quintessential English cottage requires more than just a cozy armchair and drapes adorned with traditional prints like toile or paisley. To truly capture the essence of this charming style, incorporate an abundance of these decorative details throughout your space, including on curtains, upholstery, and accessories.
Old rustic woods will always bring old English charm.
There’s something quintessentially charming about a long wooden farm table; its rustic beauty is reminiscent of classic lake homes from bygone eras. It’s where memories are made and stories shared around gatherings with loved ones. The addition of lively floral wallpaper or textured bricks only enhances the English charm that oozes from every corner for those seeking to create a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a countryside retreat, this setting is hard to beat.
Choose furnishings that always tell a story.
Troll resale shops, estate sales, and lawn sales can help you refine your home styling expertise. Be discerning in your selections, opting for affordable pieces that exude ‘antique’ charm, even if they’re not genuinely vintage. In search of unique accents that evoke a classic English cottage atmosphere.
Seek out paintings featuring serene landscapes, portraits of individuals clad in 18th-century attire, antique-style kitchenware like butter churns, glassware with an air of nostalgia, and memorabilia reminiscent of rural life. To complete the look, consider adding a portrait of an adorable lap dog – specifically, an English spaniel – to bring warmth and character to your space.
Consider a British kitchen with patterned wallpaper paired with curtain coverings.
When it comes to English cottage home styling, there’s no need to undergo a full renovation when you can achieve the desired look by incorporating vintage charm through creative reuse of hardware. By scouring yard sales and flea markets for unique bin pulls, knobs, and porcelain fixtures, homeowners can give their cabinets a fresh makeover without breaking the bank.
Alternatively, Brits have perfected the art of concealing unsightly cabinets behind shortened patterned curtains, providing a simple yet effective solution for those who are keen to hide imperfecvations.
Bring the English garden indoors.
Even for those with limited outdoor space, it’s possible to bring a touch of classic elegance to your surroundings. A small yard or patio can easily be transformed into an inviting English-inspired haven by incorporating window boxes and selecting low-maintenance plants that thrive in smaller spaces.
Plants peeking from windows are as English as tea.
Whether your green thumb is more of a brown or black thumb, there’s no need to feel discouraged from bringing some beauty into your space. Instead of traditional houseplants, consider creating a unique arrangement with silk flowers in decorative boxes or vases. You can also enhance the ambiance by filling vases with mixed bouquets and using a diffuser that disperses lavender essential oil fragrances throughout the home.
To add an extra touch, look for unique old porcelain vases to display your arrangements and don’t forget to incorporate indoor hanging plants to bring some added visual interest.
Patterned & whimsical curtains are a must in an English cottage home.
English cottages are renowned for their cheerful red-checked and patterned curtains and valances, which beautifully frame tranquil views. If you’re skilled with a needle, why not create your own custom valances in contrasting patterns? Alternatively, consider transforming a plain closet door into a charming focal point by stitching a patterned curtain using fabric-like options available on this website.
And to make it even more budget-friendly, look for discounted prices per yard at your favorite store.
Ask Mother Nature for even more help with your home makeover with seashells and dried flowers.
English cottages are renowned for their cheerful red-checked and patterned curtains and valances, which beautifully frame tranquil views. If you’re skilled with a needle, why not create your own custom valances in contrasting patterns? Alternatively, consider transforming a plain closet door into a charming focal point by stitching a patterned curtain using fabric-like options available on this website.
And to make it even more budget-friendly, look for discounted prices per yard at your favorite store.
Light up your world with accent lighting that is deemed to be the perfect cozy light.
For that quintessential English cottage-inspired ambiance, pattern lamp bases are a timeless choice. But why stop there? Take it to the next level by scattering affordable lights throughout your space to create an inviting atmosphere without relying on traditional lamps. And don’t forget to string those lights in unexpected places – like the bathroom – to elevate even the most mundane moments into a heavenly retreat.
Sprinkle in some handmade TLC.
Considering taking on a DIY project, why not try crafting a unique lamp? Lamp-making kits are readily available and often include straightforward guidance to help you get started. With options ranging from affordable to investment-worthy, there’s something for every skill level and budget. Explore the world of creative lighting solutions and find the design that resonates with you – it’s an excellent excuse to unleash your inner maker.
When it comes to creating a cozy English cottage-style kitchen — where you place your table matters.
While a central location for your cottage-style table is ideal, it’s not always feasible; however, even a small nook or cozy corner can serve as a charming focal point. In fact, strategically placing a table in a quiet recessed area can create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for casual gatherings and relaxed meals.
Add signature touches & acquire “something ugly” to really give your home that English cottage feels.
As you curate a unique sense of charm in your home, whether through the incorporation of whimsical yard decor or the acquisition of eclectic accessories, you’re showcasing not only your decorating prowess but also your affinity for country-inspired design. Nancy Lancaster, renowned tastemaker of English cottage style, advocates for introducing ‘something a bit unusual’ into each room to complete your home makeover.
To achieve this unconventional aesthetic, simply combine and contrast elements that might have initially seemed disparate. The result is an authentic, frugal expression of cottage charm that’s refreshingly within reach.
Idea theft is totally okay when it comes to English Cottage home decor.
Indulge in the whimsical charm of an English cottage by perusing 425 inspiring ideas on Pinterest. Let yourself be swept away by frugal yet creative decor solutions that are just begging to be replicated. For added motivation, revisit the iconic tale of ‘Little Women’ and let its characters guide your home makeover journey.
And remember, the beauty of an English cottage lies in its uniqueness – no two will ever share the same character, making each one a true reflection of its owner’s personality.
