How to Get The English Country Cottage Style

10 Tips to Get the English Country Cottage Style

Welcome to the enchanting world of English country cottage, where comfort meets style. Historically, cosy English cottages were symbols of poverty—cramped, rustic, and basic. Our first home was on a terraced row of miners cottages in Cornwall, where workers would return home afte a long day down the mines. However, after the industrial revolution, people began to seek out homes in rural England, yearning for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. I know this was true for us when we found our first cottage. We were completely in love with its charm and history, now a sign of comfort and style. Since moving to our current Georgian country home, we have lovingly embraced colour, pattern, and antiques to get that lived-in country style.

Today, living in these charming cottages is a significant investment, with the very aspects that once seemed like disadvantages now adding to their allure. With the rise of #cottagecore showing just how popular this style has become all over the world. This design aesthetic invites you to create your own sanctuary.

Imagine curling up with a good book, sipping tea by the fire, and enveloping yourself in cosy blankets—this is the essence of an English country cottage. Keep scrolling for the key elements that define the English country cottage style, offering tips and inspiration to help you transform your home, wherever you live, into a comforting retreat filled with personality and joy.

TAKE A LOOK AROUND: House Tour – My Georgian Country Home in Cornwall

Patterns on patterns

In a classic English country cottage, patterns are everywhere – from florals to stripes, paisleys to geometrics. These varied patterns tell a story of generations, with pieces lovingly handed down or collected over time. The result? A charming, eclectic mix that feels both cosy and timeless. Don’t be afraid to get creative: consider wallpapering an entire attic bedroom wall (and even the ceiling!) or pairing matching curtains and cushions for a harmonious look. For the ultimate inspiration, look to Morris & Co., masters of traditional English pattern design.

Don’t be afraid of colour

Colour is key to the charm of an English country cottage. While the modern cottage look draws from Scandinavian minimalism, traditional style leans into vibrant hues. Blues, greens, reds, yellows, pinks, and purples create a warm, inviting atmosphere and are often inspired by English country gardens. Nothing is off limits. To bring this look into your home, think painted kitchen cupboards, colourful bedspreads, and multicoloured sofas. Our favourite place to start is with paints from Farrow & Ball, Lick and Little Greene Paint.

It’s all about the fabrics

If you prefer simpler tones on your walls, or can’t commit to a paint colour, let fabrics bring colour and pattern into your space. Multicoloured cushions, embroidered sofas, antique rugs, and patterned curtains are all staples of English country style. A neutral backdrop allows fabrics to stand out, making it easy to refresh seasonally. Similarly, colourful walls or woodwork allows you to compliment with carefully chosen fabrics. Choose two to three colours and layer them throughout the room for a cohesive and charming look. This approach brings warmth and character while keeping your decor flexible over time.

Embrace the rustic charm

Bring a touch of rustic charm to your home by honouring the humble roots of traditional cottages. Originally, these modest homes focused on practicality over decoration, with simple designs and natural materials. If you’re not drawn to bold colours, opt for rustic neutrals, aged woods, and organic textures. Think Welsh dressers, flagstone floors, antique kitchenware, wicker baskets, and antique stoneware that feel as if they’re trapped in time. Embracing the rustic nature of an old home honours it’s history. Our old miner’s cottage was a great opportunity for us to embrace it’s rustic aesthetic in our decoration choices when renovating.

A celebration of wood

Wood is an integral material of traditional English homes, adding warmth and character. From wooden cabinets, ceiling beams and original floorboards, different kinds of wood are across all period homes. For a traditional look, consider exposed wooden beams or elegant mahogany desks. If you prefer a more rustic vibe, opt for reclaimed wood panelling or open wooden kitchen shelving. Incorporating wood not only enhances the character of the English country cottage, but also brings a sense of timelessness to your space.

Antiqueing

There is no better way to style an English country cottage than with antiques. They immediately add history and character to your home. Source unique pieces from local flea markets, antique shops, or charity shops. Or bring back treasures during your travels. A lived-in aesthetic is created through this mix of curiosities collected over time, reflecting the places you love and time periods that inspire you. They don’t need to expensive or grand, but are even better off being simple and incongruous. From Central Asian patterns to classic English designs, your collection can be wonderfully eclectic. Pick antiques and artfrom different periods of time, to really capture that eclectic look. When I’m not hunting in antique and charity shops, my favourite places to shop online for antiques are Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and Ebay. Plus it’s far more sustainable to opt for pre-love homeware over new!

Minimalism is out, maximalism is in

To get that traditional look, embrace maximalism. Fill your home with beloved antiques and cherished items that bring you joy. This approach creates a beautiful blend of personal treasures, adding character and warmth to your space—a true reflection of you. Picture books stacked on shelves and tables, layers of patterned cushions adorning the sofa, and bowls and vases artfully arranged on every surface. This curated clutter fosters a homely atmosphere, inviting comfort and creativity into your English country cottage.

Books, books and more books

For book lovers, there’s no better way to decorate an old home than by showcasing your book collection—ideally, every room should have them! Highlight your favourite authors, gather titles on subjects that fascinate you, or collect beautifully bound editions. Display them on ottomans, side tables, bookcases, and even dressing tables. Don’t hesitate to place books on any surface that can accommodate them. Books invite you to curl up in the cosy atmosphere of the English cottage.

Let nature be your guide

When finding inspiration for your home look outside. Consider wallpapers adorned with flowers, cushions featuring leaf patterns, and lampshades embroidered with petals. Decorate with vases filled with seasonal flowers, and art showcasing the beauty of rolling English landscapes. Draw inspiration from your own garden and the natural world around you to infuse your home with the joy of the outdoors.

Comfort over style

A true cottage embodies comfort above all else, creating spaces that beckon you to curl up with a good book or warm up by the fire. Picture yourself wrapped in cosy blankets and cushions, sipping tea, and letting the world fade away. This inviting atmosphere comes from friendly fabrics, warm colours, cherished antiques, and a touch of delightful clutter. Prioritising comfort ensures that every room feels welcoming and lived-in, making your home a sanctuary of relaxation and joy. So don’t overthink it, as a cottage is designed first and foremost to be lived in. Just think, there anything better than a cottage at Christmas?

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