The traditional style of an English country cottage includes distinctive patterns and types of furniture, making it a simple look to imitate or incorporate in your own home.
Whether you are looking to completely decorate your home in the style or only draw inspiration, here are some of my top tips for including the English country cottage style in your home decor.
English Country Cottage Furniture
The English Country Cottage style is largely shaped by the choice of furniture. A frequent quality of authentic English country cottages is the contrast of soft, worn, plush sofas and armchairs with wooden pieces, like coffee tables made from hardwoods such as oak.
The English country cottage style also often incorporates furniture made from woods like pine, particularly with kitchen pieces like chairs and dining tables.
Our English Pine Farmhouse Tables are the perfect option to help channel this style in your kitchen or dining room. The inclusion of comfortable and rustic – preferably antique – pieces is one of the main staples of this style.
Choosing the Right Colours and Patterns
While minimalistic and warm colour schemes can work well with the country cottage style, don’t be afraid to embrace vibrant hues, particularly those which reflect the colours of an English country garden, like lush greens, sunny yellows, and botanical pinks.
I recommend choosing a scheme of two or three main colours that are reflected in your walls, furniture, and soft furnishings. Curtains, rugs, and cushions are a wonderful way to explore vibrant colours if you would rather stick to muted or minimalistic wall colours.
Patterned wallpaper is also a fantastic way to channel this style, especially with nature-themed designs like florals.
Incorporating Nature
In order to decorate in the style of an English country cottage, embracing the countryside vibe is important. Choosing decor that displays nature, for example, floral motifs or depictions of wildlife, is a core part of the English country cottage style.
Cabbageware, the whimsical ceramic style inspired by the garden vegetable, is a staple of the English country style and can serve as unique decoration as well as trusty dinnerware. Any depiction of English garden vegetables or native animals is a great and simple way to incorporate the style into your home’s decor.
The best way to do this is, of course, to display real seasonal flowers in your home. Including as much nature as you can in your home’s decor is the best way to channel the English countryside.
Antiques and Eclectic Decor
While this style embraces the traditional and simple, the inclusion of personal taste is a central element of the English country cottage. Including antiques wherever possible amplifies this style, no matter how simple or eclectic they are.
Some of the best ways to do this are by displaying old books, statues, vases, and artwork that celebrate the countryside. An important part of the country cottage style is embracing individual style, so don’t be afraid to show off a varied assortment of unique pieces.
The lovable pastoral style of an English country cottage is simple to recreate in your home. Designs and decorations that revolve around nature and wildlife are always a must, as well as items that promote comfort and warmth. Imitating the country cottage style is a wonderful way to embrace nature and simplicity through your home’s decoration.