Cottage design ideas for every room

From the cute and quaint to the dark and atmospheric, cottages come with their own unique character – it’s what makes them such special properties to live in. But how do you ensure your cottage decor stays true to your home’s origins while working for modern day living? These cottage design ideas will have you covered, whether you’re looking to update your living room, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom.

Cottage living room ideas

First things first, you’ll want to nail your cottage living room decor. After all, this is your dedicated space to unwind, socialise with friends, or spend time as a family. Check out these cottage living room ideas to get the compliments flowing.

Maintain original features

Original features are what makes your cottage stand out from all the new builds springing up every year. So, whether you’ve been gifted with original beams, fireplaces, windows, or floors, be sure to make the most of them. This homeowner has added tartan cushions, leather sofas, and a reclaimed wood coffee table to capitalise on the olde-worlde feel of the property and infuse it with atmosphere.

Include panelling in your cottage style decorating ideas

Panelling is a great addition to a cottage as it’s a traditional feature that’s remained on-trend. Here, dark green wall panelling has been paired with wooden furniture and plenty of plants to create a timeless look that’s calm and inviting.

Invest in alcove cupboards

Bespoke alcove cupboards with shelving on top are a fantastic way to make use of awkward nooks and crannies in your living room while adding character and storage to the space. In this living room, the shelves have been styled with photos, plants, books, and vases. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but having personal items on display makes it feel like home.

Make a log burner the centrepiece of your living room cottage decor

There’s nothing that says country cottage quite like a roaring log burner. Here, the exposed brick chimney breast makes it even more of a feature. Meanwhile, a quaint picture frame, log basket, copper kettle, and fireplace tools complete the picture.

Include eye-catching cottage wallpaper ideas

Wallpaper can be a fantastic way to add personality to your living room. Cottage wallpaper ideas to consider include soft florals, botanical prints, and traditional patterns. However, we also love the idea of a wallpaper feature wall like this one depicting a stack of logs – not only is it fun and playful, but the logs are in keeping with the rustic nature of this country cottage too.

Go hygge with your cottage style decor

Cottages often feature small (yet perfectly formed!) rooms and thick walls, making them the perfect homes for embracing the hygge mindset. Fill your cottage living room with plush cushions, cosy throws, fluffy rugs, and everything you need for curling up on the sofa with a good book or film. This homeowner has left no stone unturned, even incorporating a sofa arm tray for that all-important mug of tea or hot chocolate.

Create a cosy reading corner

On the topic of hygge, try to make use of every corner and alcove to create cosy moments. For instance, the area beneath a window sill could make the perfect reading nook, while adding an armchair, side table and floor lamp to a corner of the room could create the ideal spot for jigsaw puzzling! We can’t think of a better spot for people watching than this cosy window seat surrounded by an indoor garden.

Plan lighting into your cottage design ideas

Cottages can often be dark, so planning lighting into your cottage design ideas from the outset is crucial. We love bright living room ceiling lights such as recessed downlights to brighten up gloomy days – however, layering these with floor lamps, table lamps, and low pendant lights will add versatility and help you to zone your space. For instance, this floor lamp over the sofa creates the perfect spot for reading in the evenings.

Cottage kitchen ideas

The kitchen is the heart of most modern homes, so it’s an important room to get right! These cottage kitchen ideas will help you to get that perfect balance of character and practicality.

Let in the light with cream kitchen cabinets

Many cottages have small windows, so it’s important to find ways to increase natural light in your kitchen. White or cream cabinets serve to bounce light around the space, making a small kitchen feel bigger than it is. This cream kitchen even boasts white chairs, a cream fridge, and a white cooker hood for a consistent look that makes the space feel bright and airy.

Prioritise cottage kitchen designs that bring the outside in

Increasing your connection with the outdoors can boost your mood and reduce your stress. This cottage kitchen extension concept boasts French doors and skylights to flood the room with sunlight. We also love how the space is filled with potted herbs, trailing vines, and plenty of natural wood, all helping to blur the boundaries between inside and out.

Make kitchen storage part of your cottage decor

Get that quaint cottage look while increasing your kitchen storage by filling your walls with shelves, storage rails, and hooks. Here, wooden worktops and a panelled splashback add to the rustic kitchen vibe. Read our selection of pretty and practical kitchen wall storage ideas to get more inspiration.

Pick out the perfect cottage kitchen colours

Heritage colours can work wonders in a cottage kitchen. We love this sage green teamed with white walls and countertops. Not only does it add a pop of colour to the space, but it ties in perfectly with the natural elements both inside and out, such as the fresh flowers adorning the worktops.

Incorporate natural cottage decor ideas

Another sage green cottage kitchen to make it onto our list! Here, sage green walls are teamed with trailing plants, potted daisies, wicker storage baskets, and wood kitchen cabinet doors. Together with the black kitchen sink and taps, the result is a timeless space that merges classic and contemporary elements perfectly.

Consider traditional cottage dining room ideas

It’s said that the fondest memories are made when gathered around the table – so, whether your dining table is located in your kitchen or a separate dining room, it’s important it gets the attention it deserves. Here, a round table capitalises on the cottagey vibe while allowing for easy conversation. It’s beautifully styled with a tablecloth and flowers.

Make a statement with copper touches

Copper is a traditional material that fits perfectly with a rustic aesthetic. Plus, it’s antimicrobial and antibacterial to boot! Incorporating copper touches such as this copper sink, tap and kettle is a fantastic way to elevate your cottage kitchen with a hint of understated bling!

Cottage bedroom decor ideas

Your bedroom should be your retreat, so it needs to be calm, comfy and, let’s face it, a little bit luxurious! But how do you achieve that in a cottage? These cottage bedroom decor ideas will help.

Let your original features take centre stage

To start with, if you’re lucky enough to have original features in your bedroom, let them take centre stage. This homeowner has dressed their rustic bedroom with muted colours and simple wooden furniture. In this way, they’ve helped to draw focus to the exposed stone wall and flagstone floor instead of detracting from them.

Favour light and airy country cottage bedroom ideas

Light neutrals such as white, cream, and beige can help to bounce light around your cottage bedroom and make it seem bigger and airier than it is. Here, a white dressing table and mirror work together with floaty voile curtains and dried flowers to create a light space that’s both classic and romantic.

Incorporate natural materials in a kids’ cottage bedroom

Rugged materials such as wood, wicker, and linen are hallmarks of rustic interior design – and this kids’ bedroom features them all! We love the classic patterns on the duvet cover and armchair, and how the child’s toys fit perfectly with the neutral scheme (at least the ones on view – it’s safe to assume there are plenty more garish ones hidden away behind those beautiful louvre wardrobe doors!). Check out our selection of toddler bedroom ideas for more inspiration.

Fill your cottage bedroom with vintage furniture

Vintage furniture is a great way to add character to any bedroom, including new builds – however, we think it works particularly well in cottage bedrooms. Finding pieces that were made at around the same time as your property was built feels like a wonderful way to respect your cottage’s roots and celebrate them in your own unique way. This homeowner has gotten creative with an upcycled trunk, lace wall hanging, mirror, and alarm clock – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Make your cottage bedroom into a cosy retreat

In the spirit of hygge, why not turn your bedroom into a cosy retreat that’s made for hunkering down with a good book or movie? This homeowner has created a headboard out of bookcases, so you don’t even need to leave your bed to pick out a good book. A knitted blanket and lap tray are the perfect finishing touches.

Use warm neutrals

We love warm neutrals for a cottage bedroom. Not only are these colours super versatile, but they’re also great at making your space feel cosy and inviting. This homeowner has teamed greige walls with terracotta pots, burnt orange pillows and throws, and wooden furniture to create a space that’s full of natural warmth.

Incorporate shelving

Open shelving is a great way to maximise on your cottage-style decor while displaying some of your favourite items in your bedroom. This homeowner has framed their bed by placing it in front of a long shelf, featuring picture frames, pots, sprigs of greenery, and other trinkets. In this way, they’ve been able to add some personality in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Bring it to life with a cottage style floral bedspread

Nothing says ‘quaint cottage’ quite like colourful florals. Here, the homeowner has embraced beautiful blooms with a bright bedspread, which stands out in this otherwise completely white bedroom. A wicker picnic hamper and tasselled blanket displayed on top of a shabby-chic chest of drawers add to the cute cottage vibe.

Cottage bathroom designs

Last but not least, creating a comfortable bathroom that meets the demands of modern-day life without detracting from your cottage decor can seem easier said than done. But don’t worry, here are some cottage bathroom designs that will see you ace it.

Include a feature wall in your cottage style bathroom ideas

A rustic feature wall can be all the interest you need in a small bathroom – whether you achieve that with wallpaper, paint, or even an exposed brick wall like the one pictured. The feature wall here works perfectly with a traditional-style bathroom suite, framed print, and basket. The result is a cottage-style bathroom that’s simple yet effective.

Add warmth with natural wood accents

Natural wood accents are a great way to bring a hint of cottage style to your bathroom. This homeowner has decked their bathroom in white tiles to make the small space feel bigger and brighter. However, a wooden storage ladder, shelves, toilet seat, and wicker laundry basket add a cottage-style twist to the otherwise modern space.

Fill it with vintage finds

Freestanding items of furniture are a great way to infuse a bathroom with cottage style. Here, an upcycled vanity with baskets underneath provides valuable storage and adds some shabby-chic character to the space. Terracotta tiles and a wooden picture rail complete the picture to add texture and warmth.

Extend a warm welcome

Your bathroom design can make an impact before anyone’s even set foot in the bathroom itself. We love the idea of fixing a vintage ‘bathroom’ sign to the door. Not only is it a fun nod to times gone by, but it’s also a practical way to let visitors know where the restroom is!

Consider cottage bathroom panelling

Instead of tiling your bathroom walls to protect them, why not consider panelling? It’s a great way to respect your property’s period roots while adding charm and character to the space. The purple panelling in this Victorian-style bathroom complements the bathroom suite – as well as the original beam and door – perfectly.

Experiment with modern cottage bathroom ideas

Finding the right balance between cottage style and modern living doesn’t have to be rocket science. This bathroom teams a modern suite and mirrored bathroom cabinet with honey-coloured floor tiles and mustard wallpaper. The result is a contemporary bathroom that incorporates subtle nods to its cottage roots.

Dress it with plants

A great way to add a cottagey feel to any bathroom is to dress it with plants. Here, every ledge is filled with greenery – from cuttings propagating by the sink to succulents on shelves and a yucca plant by the bath. Wooden surfaces and a green mirror help to tie the look together.

Soften the look with Roman blinds

Roman blinds can be a fantastic tool if you’re looking to soften the harsh edges of your bathroom and add a bit of cottage style. Plus, they’re great for privacy too! The voile blind in this black-and-white bathroom is an ideal bathroom window idea as it lets in plenty of light while still providing all the privacy necessary.

Cottage design ideas key takeaways

• Maintain any original features and let them take centre stage
• Find ways to increase natural light and bring the outside in
• Prioritise hygge and lean into all things cosy
• Vintage and upcycled finds can help you celebrate your cottage’s roots and add plenty of personality

Find approved tradespeople to bring your cottage design ideas to life

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