31 Country Cottage Decorating Ideas for a Cozy Home

By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDSEN | Published on July 11, 2022 | Updated January 17, 2024

Country Cottage Decorating Ideas: There is something magical about a country cottage’s cozy, inviting vibe. With its rustic charm and quaint decor, it’s no wonder that so many people dream of creating a haven in the countryside.

But achieving that perfect country cottage style can be easier said than done. From choosing the right furniture to selecting the ideal accessories, there are many factors to consider when creating your cozy retreat. In this article, I’ll delve into the country cottage style and explore tips and tricks for achieving that perfect look. 

Whether starting from scratch or looking to update your existing decor, you will find some inspiration and ideas to help you create the cozy haven you’ve always dreamed of. Cottage-style homes are known for their cozy charm, casual comfort, and sense of warmth. 

This style is versatile and not limited to cottages in the English countryside. It’s a style that also goes hand in hand with rustic homes as it embraces the antique aesthetic that lovingly pairs the old with the new.

It’s easy to infuse your home with the quaint character of country cottage style by introducing moody and soft colors, natural textures, plush furniture, and chunky textures. The primary goal is to create a home that is inviting, homey, and reminiscent of decades past. 

These interiors provide the perfect setting for curling up with a cup of tea with their layered chintzy floral prints, lovely wallpaper patterns, bouquets of garden flowers, and a generous scattering of art.

Featured Interior Designer: Heidi Callier 

I’ve included the interior design work of Heidi Caillier in this post as her work showcases her design philosophy that homes should be comfortable and livable while at the same time beautiful and comfortable. If you are looking for an interior designer specializing in this field – look no further!

Her style mixes old with new, integrating textures and color, layered with pieces that feel traveled and have history. Heidi expertly combines vintage furniture and materials with raw and natural textures that balance this appreciation of color and pattern to create practical and effortless spaces. Her use of color and pattern throughout the spaces she creates is stunning. I hope you enjoy viewing a few of my favorite images of her gift for design.

Interior designer Heidi Caillier designed this guesthouse on a new project on Fox Island in Washington state. She created a brooding all-black kitchen, mismatched artisan bath tiles, and discordant florals and plaids that somehow blend into a perfect balance.

“I love the wallpaper in the dining room,” Caillier says of the Belfry Historic wallcovering. Initially, the living room, dining nook, and kitchen were designed as one giant great room. “These open concept spaces—I think they’re finally going out of vogue,” Caillier says. She introduced archways to give each area a distinct look and cozier feel. A pair of kitchen sconces glimpsed in the distance are also from Lumfardo. ~ Architectural Digest

What is Country Cottage Design?

Country cottage style is a design aesthetic that creates a warm and inviting home. This style is characterized by its use of natural materials, vintage accents, soft colors, and cozy textures. 

Natural materials often include wood, stone, and brick. The overall look is charming and inviting, focusing on comfort and simplicity. The style is often associated with traditional English and French country homes, but it can also be adapted to suit a variety of other design aesthetics.

One of the key elements of country cottage style is its emphasis on comfort. Furniture and decor are selected to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space, focusing on creating an environment that makes you feel at home. Whether creating a cozy retreat in the countryside or adding some rustic charm to your urban dwelling, country cottage design is a timeless and versatile choice.

Modern cottage style is an evolution of a modern farmhouse that incorporates many of the same design elements while embracing quaintness and charm. It reflects more of a country feel with traditional English elements while maintaining a similar casual feel that represents farmhouse design. 

Here are a few tips on achieving the Country Cottage Style of Design:

1. Use Soft and Muted Colors

One of the most essential elements of country cottage design is using soft, muted colors. These colors, such as pastel pinks, greens, and blues, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They bring in calmness and tranquility, essential for any cozy home.

2. Include Natural Materials

Another important element of the country cottage style is natural materials. These materials, such as wood, stone, and linen, help to create a sense of rustic charm. 

3. Incorporate Natural Elements 

Bringing the outdoors in is a key element of country cottage design. Use natural features like plants, flowers, and raw wood to add texture and warmth to your home.

4. Keep it simple

Country cottage homes are known for their simple and uncluttered design. Keep your decor minimal and focus on functional pieces that serve a purpose.

5. Mix in Plenty of Patterns & Textiles 

Traditional patterns such as toile, florals, plaids, gingham, and stripes add color, personality, and visual texture to a country cottage home. Here, mismatched patterns complement each other, creating a space that feels lived in and loved.  

6. Vary the Scale

Patterns, like furniture, have different scales. The goal is to vary the scale (pattern size) while maintaining a consistent color palette. Mix large, medium, and small-scale designs to create balance and harmony. 

Blend both simple and complex patterns. A great place to start is with your throw pillows. You can also introduce patterns with area rugs, curtains, wallpaper, and accent chairs.

7. Include Some Solid Prints

When decorating with multiple patterns, it’s essential to include some solids to give prints breathing room. Solid colors break up the lines and shapes of the pattern and prevent the space from looking too busy or overdone. Be sure to add plenty of throws and cozy quilts to the mix!

8. Choose an Airy and Neutral Color Palette 

Focus first on one neutral, such as white, cream, or warm grays, then introduce bold accents. These light neutrals reflect the bright natural light that streams into country cottage rooms and provide the perfect backdrop to warm pastel hues such as greens, yellows, blues, and pinks.  

10. Fill Your Home with Fresh or Faux Flowers 

A beautiful bouquet of your garden favorites is the perfect finishing touch to bring the cottage look into your home.

11. Make the Most of Architectural Features 

Show off your home’s unique character and celebrate rather than hide original stone walls, arched doorways, and exposed natural beams.  

12. Use Wood Accents & Natural Materials 

Wood furniture grounds the country-cottage style and adds a homey warmth to the space. Pieces that blend in perfectly are distressed and worn and pair well with homey patterns such as gingham, florals, and stripes. Original and reclaimed wide-plank wood flooring also imparts a natural warmth.

14. Vintage Inspired Décor 

Every country cottage home has a few vintage-inspired accent pieces, such as worn watering cans, wicker baskets, old crates, and unique floral vases.

15. Wood Accents & Natural Materials

Wood furniture grounds the country-cottage style and adds a homey warmth to the space. Pieces that blend in perfectly are distressed and worn and pair well with homey patterns such as gingham, florals, and stripes. 

Original and reclaimed wide-plank wood flooring also imparts a natural warmth. Natural materials include reclaimed wood, stone, wicker, and cotton upholstery. Matte finishes and low-shine materials create warmth and style.

16. Large Oversized Furniture 

Large-scale furniture emphasizing comfort and function promotes conversation and brings a cozy feel; rather than purchasing matching furniture collections, mix and match your favorite pieces uniquely and interestingly.

Other key pieces include rustic wooden furniture, such as a farmhouse-style dining table or a wooden chest of drawers. These pieces help to create a sense of warmth and are perfect for adding texture to a room.

17. DIY Projects 

One of the best things about country cottage style is its emphasis on DIY projects. Creating a reading nook is a popular DIY project for a country cottage-style home.

Achieve this by selecting a cozy armchair or sofa and adding soft furnishings, such as cushions and throws. Add a small side table and lamp to create the perfect reading spot.

Making throws is another popular DIY project for a country cottage-style home. Select a soft, cozy fabric, such as wool or cashmere, and create a simple blanket stitch around the edges. These throws are perfect for adding texture and warmth to a room and make the perfect decorative accent.

18. Lighting for a Warm & Inviting Atmosphere 

Lighting is an important element of any cozy home; country cottage style is no exception. When it comes to lighting, be sure to create a warm, inviting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

One way to achieve this is through soft, warm lighting. Incorporate table and floor lamps and pendant lights. Choose pieces for their ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, focusing on creating a sense of coziness.

19. Mismatched Furniture

A mix-and-match approach to furniture gives the space a collected-over-time appearance. It adds to the eclectic and casual nature of country cottage interiors.

20. Rustic Accessories

Decorative elements such as woven baskets, pottery, and vintage kitchenware contribute to the rustic charm of country cottage design.

21. Floral Arrangements

Fresh flowers and greenery are common in country cottage design. They bring a natural and vibrant element to the interior.

22. Exposed Woodwork

Exposed wooden beams on ceilings or wooden floors contribute to country cottage design’s rustic and natural aesthetic.

23. Comfortable Seating

Furniture tends to be comfortable and inviting. Overstuffed sofas, armchairs, and plush cushions encourage relaxation and create a welcoming environment.

24. Country Cottage Style in Different Rooms 

For a cohesive design, apply the country cottage style to all rooms in your home, including the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Each room requires a slightly different approach, but the overall goal remains the same.

Create a cozy seating area in the living room with a comfortable sofa or armchair and plenty of soft furnishings. Select a comfy bed in the bedroom with plenty of pillows and a warm duvet. 

In the kitchen, focus on creating a warm and welcoming feel with plenty of natural materials and rustic charm. And in the bathroom, focus on creating a spa-like atmosphere with soft lighting and plenty of plush towels.

25. Country Cottage Decorating Ideas for Kitchens

Designing a country cottage kitchen can be a fun and exciting project. The first step is choosing a color scheme that reflects a cottage kitchen’s rustic and cozy feel. Soft pastels or warm earth tones are popular choices. 

Farmhouse sinks, and open shelves add to the cottage charm. When selecting appliances, opt for vintage-inspired models or those with a retro look. Finally, add personal touches such as floral curtains, vintage dishware, and decorative accents to create a warm, inviting space that feels like home.

26. Cottage Country Living Room Ideas

First, consider the color scheme for a cozy country cottage living room. Soft, muted colors like cream, beige, and pastel shades are perfect for creating a traditional cottage atmosphere. Add warmth with accents of warm reds, oranges, or yellows.

Next, choose comfortable and inviting furniture, such as overstuffed chairs, sofas, wooden coffee, and end tables. Add lots of pillows and throw blankets for extra comfort.

For flooring, opt for natural materials like hardwood or stone, and add a comfortable area rug for extra warmth and texture. Window treatments should be light and airy, with sheer curtains or lace panels.

Finally, add personal touches like family photographs, vintage decor, and rustic accents like old-fashioned lanterns and baskets of fresh flowers. With these elements in place, your country cottage living room will be welcoming, relaxing, and charming.

27. How to Design a Country Cottage Bedroom

Designing a country cottage bedroom can be an excellent way to create a cozy and inviting space that feels like a retreat. Choose a color palette that complements this style’s natural wood tones and rustic finishes. Soft neutrals like cream, beige, and gray can be a great choice, as can muted blues and greens.

When it comes to furniture, look for pieces that have a vintage or handmade feel, such as a wrought iron bed frame or a distressed wood dresser. Layering textures like wool, linen, and cotton can also add to the cozy feel of the room.

Finally, incorporate plenty of cozy lighting options like table lamps, sconces, and candles. With these design elements, you can create a charming, inviting country cottage bedroom that feels like a true sanctuary.

28. Country Cottage Bedding Ideas

Cottage country bedding features mix-and-match florals, plaid, gingham, and toile patterns in soft blues, sage green, and warm yellows.

29. Country Cottage Dining Room Ideas

When designing a country cottage dining room, include a few key elements. First and foremost, you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to linger over their meals. 

To achieve this, consider incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and linen into your decor. These materials not only look beautiful, but they also have a tactile quality that makes people feel comfortable and at home.

When it comes to furniture, you want to choose functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces. A large farmhouse table is a classic choice for a country cottage dining room, and you can pair it with a mix of antique and modern chairs for a touch of eclectic charm. Feel free to mix and match different styles and textures to create a look that feels lived-in and welcoming.

Finally, consider incorporating personal touches into your decor to make your dining room feel unique. This could be anything from heirloom pieces to vintage finds from your favorite flea market. Whatever you choose, make sure that it reflects your style and adds to the overall ambiance of the space.

30. Achieving Balance in a Country Cottage Style Room

When it comes to creating a country cottage-style room, it’s vital to achieve a balance between comfort and functionality. This means selecting furniture and decor that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

One way to achieve this is through the use of multi-functional furniture. Pieces, such as a coffee table with built-in storage or a sofa bed, are perfect aesthetically and provide practical functionality.

Another way to achieve balance in a country cottage-style room is through decorative accents. Accents, such as candles, vases, and picture frames, add a personal touch to a room.

31. Incorporating Vintage and Antique Pieces

Vintage and antique pieces add character to a country cottage-style home. Use them to create a sense of history and nostalgia and to add a personality to the room. Search for antique finds and cottage style decor at local flea markets and antique stores. 

Choose pieces that complement the room’s overall style when incorporating vintage and antique elements. Pieces such as an antique rocking chair or a vintage mirror create a sense of warmth and depth while adding a touch of old-age charm.

Country Cottage Decorating Ideas: Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an English cottage style home is all about bringing warmth and comfort to your living space. Whether starting from scratch or simply updating your existing decor, there are many tips and tricks to help you achieve that perfect look.

From selecting the right colors and materials to choosing the ideal furniture and decor, each element plays an important role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. So why not embrace the cozy charm of country cottage style and design your own haven in the countryside?

Country Cottage Images Optimized for Pinterest

View Recent Posts