Whether it’s the sense of cosiness or the whimsical atmosphere of the space, the nostalgic English cottage decor style is immediately soothing and welcoming. There’s just something about the rural design that makes you want to curl up with a good book and unwind.
Thank goodness, the English cottage aesthetic is not just for country lanes or well managed Instagram feeds for those of us who live in cities. In actuality, adopting the English cottage aesthetic in your home is much simpler than you may imagine.
Learn how to incorporate a touch of the homey country aesthetic into your area by reading on.
Don’t try to make everything perfect
English homes typically consist of inherited and found artefacts that have a history. This is fantastic news if you’ve been keeping antique furniture or home décor from family members, but you can also simply replicate the look by visiting your neighbourhood thrift store or antique shop.
- Comfort Should Rule
Your best bet will be comfortable furniture, both for the aesthetics of an English cottage and for the general cosiness of the English countryside. The traditional English cottage will have comfy and informal pieces, albeit there won’t be a La-Z-Boy. Whether it be a comfortable accent chair with rolling arms or a slip covered sofa.
- Accept a Little Originality
In comparison to our self-deprecating counterparts on the other side of the pond, Americans tend to take ourselves a little more seriously. The fact that English design isn’t scared to be a little quirky and whimsical, in my opinion, is one of the reasons it’s currently having such a moment. If you’re not used to letting go and allowing a little craziness to come out in your decor, embracing a little quirky might be difficult. However, as you lean into the themes or interests you’re naturally drawn to, it will get easier.
- Take Care of Your Plants and Flowers
There are numerous things you can do to the front of your house to give it an English cottage feel, despite the fact that many people believe the interior is more significant. Smaller alterations include adding a stone path and lots of lush, green plants to your garden.
- Warm to Colours and Patterns
According to Richard Petrie, Interior Expert at Thomas Sanderson, the English cottage aesthetic greatly favours lively patterns and vibrant colours—especially in terms of wall treatments and fabrics. Instead of immediately redesigning your area with a wide variety of patterns, think about making a statement wall or buying slip covers as a starting point, then building from there.
- Consider Strategically
Adding Mirrors, Traditional English cottages are frequently bright and airy. Consider putting a mirror opposite your windows to provide the appearance of extra light in the area, whether you have large windows or a smaller space. Don’t forget to experiment with positioning to achieve the greatest view.
- Accept Wacky DIY Projects
Smaller DIY projects can be an eco-friendly way to spice up your room without spending a lot on new furnishings. They’re also a terrific way to create an English country atmosphere in your home. Simple things like making wicker storage baskets and changing the handles on your wardrobes and doors to old-fashioned vintage types will also add to the genuine cottage vibe.
- Make Your Own Gallery of Art
Curating your own collection of fine art and prints is another approach to encourage an atmosphere of English cottage tranquillity in your house. Think about purchasing used oil paintings (you can frequently find them for cheap at second-hand stores!) or spending money on premium prints or replicas of your favourite pieces of art.
- Encourage a passion for reading
There are numerous bookshelves, shelves, and heaps of books in traditional English cottages that are just waiting to be discovered. If you want to create the similar ambiance in your home, think about inserting a small bookcase into your sitting area or living room or creating a casual reading nook in a spare bedroom corner.
- Key: A Cosy Kitchen
In North America, bright and modern kitchens have become the standard, yet a warm and inviting cooking area is essential to attaining a traditional English cottage aesthetic. The English country kitchen is particularly warm and inviting because of the mismatched wooden furniture, open shelving with colourful enamelware, deep Belfast sinks, and hanging pots and pans.