If you want to add coziness to your home, cottage style is the way to go. This design aesthetic is all about creating a warm and inviting space that feels like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Many homes featuring this look utilize vintage and antique items that bring warmth and a homey feel to the space. They also bring the natural world into their home spaces, so fresh flowers and branches are always welcome. In addition, handmade items are given pride of place.
Not sure how to get started? Don't worry; we're here to help. Keep reading for our top tips on designing a cozy cottage-style interior in your own home.
1. Start With a Neutral Color Palette.
Cottage style is about creating a warm and inviting space, so you'll want to start with a foundation of neutral colors. Think whites, creams, light grays, and pale blues. Once you have your foundation in place, you can start to add in some pops of color with accessories like furniture, pillows, throws, and artwork. But be careful not to go too crazy - too many colors make your space feel cluttered and busy.
Need help picking the right paint colors? Here’s your cheat sheet!
2. Bring In Nature
One of the best things about cottage living is being surrounded by nature. To bring this feeling into your home, incorporate natural elements like wood furnishings, stone fireplaces, and plants. You can also use nature-inspired prints in your furniture fabrics and wallpaper. And don't forget about incorporating botanical elements into your decorating scheme! Flowers, leaves, and branches can all be used to add a touch of nature to your cottage home.
3. Select the Right Furniture.
Cottage-style homes are known for their mix of furniture styles - think traditional pieces mixed with antique finds and even modern items. The key is creating a cohesive look by choosing pieces with similar colors or finishes. For example, if you have a wooden coffee table, consider adding side tables or lamps with the same finish. Not everything has to match perfectly, but there should be some sort of thread that ties everything together.
Another key element of the cottage style is furniture with soft, round edges. This is in contrast to the sharp, angular lines of mid-century modern furniture or the sleek, minimalist lines of contemporary pieces. When picking out furniture for your cottagecore space, look for pieces that have curved legs or arms, or even better, both. A curved sofa or armchair will instantly make your space feel more inviting and cozy.
4. Add Plenty of Cozy Details.
Cozy details are what really make a cottage-style interior feel special. Throw blankets draped over chairs or couches, fluffy pillows, and candles burning on the coffee table - these are all small touches that can really elevate the atmosphere of your space. And don't forget about the curtains! Curtains are essential for achieving that cozy, cocoon-like feeling in a cottage-style home. Choose curtains made from heavyweight fabrics like velvet or linen for an extra touch of luxury. When it comes to furniture, comfort is also key. Look for pieces that invite you to sit down and relax. Sofas and chairs with plump cushions are perfect for sinking into after a long day.
5. Incorporate Vintage Finds.
Cottages often have an eclectic mix of old and new furnishings—a weathered armoire and a delicate antique teacup. This mix gives spaces character and personality while also lending them a sense of history. A little bit of paint (or even just elbow grease) can go a long way toward transforming an old piece of furniture into something beautiful and unique. And don't forget about vintage-inspired furniture that can easily add to your space like the real thing!
6. Create Cozy Nooks.
Cozy nooks are essential in any cottage—they're places where we can curl up with a good book or nap on a lazy Sunday afternoon (or both!). To create your own cozy nook, start with an unused corner or alcove in your home—somewhere that gets good natural light but isn't too close to high-traffic areas. Then add a little of everything. Add comfortable seating like a daybed or armchair, some pillows, and blankets, and finally, accessorize with items like bookshelves, plants, or anything else that makes you feel at ease. Voila! You now have your very own cozy cottage nook!
Time to Start Shopping
Designing a cozy cottage-style interior in your home is all about creating a warm and inviting space that feels like an escape from the everyday grind. By following our tips above, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect cottage-chic aesthetic in your own home sweet home! And you’re already at a good place to start – Westco Home Furnishings! With our selection of comfy seating, tables, chairs, and more, you’ll find all the pieces to complete your cottage-style home. If you have any questions while you shop, just give us a call!