10 Ways You Can Create Cottage Style

Cottage style seems to be growing in popularity these days and I think part of that is because people are yearning for simpler living. I have elements of cottage style in my own home … bead board, painted furniture, and light colors to name a few. To help you see how you can create cottage style in your own home, I scoured Houzz for some pretty examples and came up with 10 ways you can create cottage style.

 1. Cheery Fabrics

Farmhouse Kitchen by St. John’s General Contractors CapeRace Cultural Adventures

The gingham tablecloth and flowery cafe curtains add a whimsical touch to this light and bright cottage kitchen. Even the apron hanging on the wall has a fun polka dot print. Simple patterns in fun colors are important elements of cottage style.

 

2. Planked Walls

Rustic Porch by Columbus Design-Build Firms J.S. Brown & Co.

Planked walls add lovely texture in this lavender room. Paired with white trim and furniture, the look is crisp and clean. The rustic wooden trunk keeps the room from looking too sweet.

 

3. Painted Trim

Beach Style Bedroom by Atlanta Architects & Designers Historical Concepts

This cottage bedroom is the perfect example of how painted trim can help you create cottage style. Note how this room has cafe curtains like the kitchen in our first picture, and planked walls like the photo of the lavender room. Are you starting to see the common threads from one cottage style room to the next?

 

4. Slipcovered Furniture

Beach Style Family Room by Atlanta Architects & Designers Historical Concepts

Slipcovers create a wash-and-wear lifestyle and cottage living is definitely relaxed and fuss-free.  Here again, we see cafe curtains in a fun fabric and painted trim. Red oars on the ceiling beams add color and playfulness.

 

5. Vintage Elements

Kitchen by Wilmington Interior Designers & Decorators En Vie Interiors by Melanie Bowe

This charming kitchen has beautiful cabinetry and countertops, but vintage elements give it a cottage vibe and keep it from looking too formal or traditional. Folk-style artwork, a vintage fan, and a shabby chic glass front cabinet add the appeal of cottage living.

 

6. Painted Furniture

Bedroom by Chicago Interior Designers & Decorators Tom Stringer Design Partners

A black-painted bed frame, white dresser, and apple green chair … all enveloped by planked walls that are a staple of cottage style. One of my favorite elements of cottage style is painted furniture due to its versatility. You can always change the color … or transform a rough and tumble piece of wood furniture with a simple can of paint.

 

7. Functional Spaces

Farmhouse Entry by Millbrook Architects & Designers Crisp Architects

A cottage typically has a smaller foot print than traditional homes so their living spaces have to be functional, like this entry way with hooks, a bench, and trays for muddy boots. Bead board on the walls and a painted front door enhance the cottage style.

 

8. Skirted Sinks

Bathroom by Peachtree City Architects & Designers Our Town Plans

Skirted sinks are quintessential of both the farmhouse and cottage style. Again, it emphasizes that casual, comfortable style of living that cottage decorating embraces.

 

9. Painted Floors

Bedroom by Harbor Springs Interior Designers & Decorators Cottage Company Interiors

I’m a HUGE fan of painted floors! Most of the floors in my home are painted but I haven’t worked up the courage to paint a pattern like the diamond-studded floor of this elegant cottage bedroom. Painted floors can take a little more wear and tear than carpet or even stained floors … and if they get a little worn and beat up, it just adds to the cottage appeal.

 

10. Under the Eaves Bedrooms

Rustic Kids by Athens Photographers Corynne Pless

Since cottages are typically smaller homes, it’s important to use every square inch of space. It’s not uncommon to see under the eaves bedrooms in a cottage home. While you might not have this architectural feature in your home, you can create the illusion with draped fabric over a bed.

Cottage style is casual and easy and should always be comfortable to live in. Do you think you could live in a quaint cottage?