Cottage Design Style 101

While just as inviting, cottage style is a bit more buttoned-up and traditional than sister-style Cottagecore. Think, “plenty of pattern, painted furniture and weathered finishes, paired with baskets, natural-fiber rugs and a garden palette,” says designer Kerrie Kelly, who is chairwoman of the board of the American Society of Interior Designers. Cottage design is a culmination of French vintage, shabby chic and rustic, though how much of each style influences your preferred cottage ambiance is up to you. Whether you lean traditional or rustic, it’s about creating a natural, vintage-y space — but in the lightest, airiest way possible. We’ll show you how with our tips below.

Cottage Style Is Cozy

What makes a space cottage-cozy? Pattern pairings. Namely florals against stripes or plaid. For extra comfort accessorize further with fluffy pillows, cheerful art, woven accents and flowers from the yard — like Bria Hammel did in this cheerful breakfast nook.

Cottage Style Can Be Vintage

“Cottage style resembles a life’s collection,” says Kerrie. Incorporating trinkets, vintage pieces and meaningful accessories (like books, art and plates) is key — and don’t be afraid to mix old and new. Here, shelves full of colorful books act as the perfect backdrop for Leanne Ford’s vintage vignette: a 70-year-old typewriter atop a new concrete table.

Or, Cottage Style Can Be Homemade

If you want to take vintage to a whole new level, do like DIY-expert Marian Parsons and turn old furniture cottage-style-cool. She used fabric, thread and cotton cording to create a slipcover for a drab ottoman. Other DIY ideas to inspire your cottage space: distressing wooden furniture, stitching homemade quilts, revamping old lamps.

Cottage Style Embraces Natural Elements

Weathered accessories and woven materials are subtle, yet pertinent parts of cottage design. If you err on the side of rustic-cottage, try decorating with reclaimed wooden furniture or wicker baskets — like blogger Maison de Mings did in her garden shed. If your preferred cottage style is cleaner, opt for natural-fiber rugs or woven accessories (rattan coffee table trays or lamps, for example).

Cottage Style Includes Shades of Pastels

Pastels and florals. What could be prettier? Designer Sarah Richardson certainly thought so when she took this airy bedroom full-on cottage with floral printed pillows and shades of light blue. Extra points for the old-fashioned alarm clock and tea tray setup — two cottage-style staples. Other colors you can use: light apricot, dusty pink, sage, muted yellows.

And, Cottage Style Can Be Simple

Despite its numerous influences, cottage style revolves around one main element: simplicity. Just the right number of trinkets and textures convey nostalgia, architectural elements are able to breathe, vintage and DIY statement furnishings shine — all amidst a mix of bright, homemade and natural. Its familiar simplicity will wrap you up in a welcoming, happy hug.