Cottage style decor is a classic. It's also the latest design craze. That's understandable, there's so many reasons to love it.
Of course as a longtime cottage dweller, I'm a fan, but here are the top 5 things I adore about it's cozy and charming aesthetic.
Growing up, I lived in high ranch.
My parents had moved out the suburbs and bought a brand new house in a brand new development.
It was situated on a third of an acre, had a built in pool, a fabulous basement with a brick fireplace and a two car garage.
It was home.
I loved it and was sure that when I grew up, I would live in the same kind of house.
I mean, seriously, what more could anyone want?
Well, turns out, a lot.
You see that house, was a builder special.
In the sixties.
While the rooms were large and open, it had absolutely no charm.
My mom had always decorated it perfectly for the times, but the house itself lacked an identity. Since mom had filled it with so much love, and awesome food, I never really noticed.
However, when it came time to buy my own home, I realized that the one I was leaving was really just a boring box.
And I wanted more.
Turns out, at twenty six I couldn't really afford more, so it would be fair to attribute my love of cottage style to empty pockets.
We ended up at the beach.
The houses were much smaller there. True cottages -1920's summer cottages to be exact, that had been renovated them to make them livable year round.
And we fell in love immediately.
Yes, there was the beach, but truly, I'd lived near the beach all my life, that was nothing new. It was all about those tiny houses.
There were arched doorways, heavy wooden moulding, locks that opened with skeleton keys.
Built-ins, window seats, charming little rooms that hugged you tight and a feeling of warmth and home that we just didn't get from the larger floor plans.
Something about the style of those bungalows felt right, decked out in their cottage decor.
So right, as a matter of fact, that when the time to trade up from our first tiny two bedroom came along, we moved directly across the street.
Directly into another cottage.
You can shop my cottage style home here.
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| My Cottage Style Home Circa 1929 |
Yes, yes, I know, it's small.
The rooms can be a challenge to decorate and furnish.
The master bathroom will never have two sinks or a tub.
There is no place for dining room, a guest room or bridal staircase and when I sneeze in my kitchen, my neighbors say, "Bless you!" from theirs.
Over the years, I've heard it all, I'm intimately acquainted with the reasons people do not like cottage style decor and design.
Adjectives such as too small, restrictive, outdated, old-fashioned and, oh yeah, did I say small, are frequently mentioned.
That's ok, to each his own.
And I'm not one to argue. I just listen and smile.
And write about it instead.
5 Reasons To Love Cottage Style
Oh cottage style, how do I love you? Let me count the ways. Oh and by the way, I wrote this piece in 2017. Now, in 2023, cottage style is back in. Look at me, ahead of my time.
1. It's Budget Friendly
No fancy explanation needed here, when it comes to cottage living less square footage just costs less.Less to purchase initially, less space to furnish, less area to heat and cool. Much less.
All the way around.
As far as cottage style decor goes, the look is usually a collected one, pieces gathered over time, mixed not matched, which may include thrift store finds or second hand finds.
Pieces like that don't break the bank.
Of course, if you do prefer high end pieces, well we're back to my initial point, you'll need a whole lot less of them in a cottage.
2. It Works In Any Locale
Not all decor styles work in all locales.Well, I mean technically there are no design rules and I'm certainly not one to follow anyone who says there are.
However.
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| My Cottage Style Garden Blocks From The Beach |
But cottage style, well that works anywhere.
Think beach cottage, lake cottage, mountain cottage, desert cottage.
And my very favorite, vacation cottage.
3. It's Undefined
Cottage style is really very hard to define. Trust me, I've tried. And if you don't believe me, Google it.
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| My English Cottage Style Family Room |
Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
That just means it can be whatever you like.
Oh sure, there are certain uniform elements like a comfortable, cozy vibe, a collected look and obviously the size of the home, but other than that, your choices are wide open.
There's plenty of room for creative interpretation. I mean, just because space may be limited, doesn't mean the decor choices have to be.
Look at my kitchen. It's full of primitive roosters and red toile, a deacon's bench and ball fringe.
That's one room and Rustic Farmhouse, French Country, Early American and English Country Garden elements are all cohabitating peacefully. And, beautifully, if I do say so myself.
4. Fabric, Fabric, Fabric
Whether you choose to feather your cottage nest in neutrals or bold colors, fabric accents are a must.
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| My Easy DIY Cottage Style Chair |
They create a cozy, lived in look and add a bit of personality to the room.
Pillows, window coverings, upholstered pieces, shower curtains, and woven floorcloths each play an essential part in defining the personality of a room.
Mix and match - or just mix - to add a healthy dose of cottage style flair.
5. It's Timeless
My home was built in the 1920's and much of it looks exactly the same as did back then. The woodwork is original, so are the doors, hardwood floors, the fireplace and its custom mantel.
All completely untouched. Ok...well, we did recently update the mantel...but just a little.
And we painted our wood floor. So a few changes.
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| My Cottage Style Living Room |
However, the bones are the same. The beams on the living room ceiling, deep window seat, glass French doors and our covered porch are all features in high demand today.
They're classics and will remain so, long after bonus rooms and open floor plans have come and gone.
I'm sure of it. There are just some things that never go out of style.
Like I said, cottage style, like country style, is classic style.
And there are way more than five reasons to love it,
But this seems like a good place to pause.
And there are way more than five reasons to love it,
But this seems like a good place to pause.
Because you know I could go on and on.
But I'll spare you.
Are you a cottage style fan?
Cheers Cottage Friends!
5 perfect reasons and I love every one of them! I just need to find a cottage to live in and all will be well in my world!! Love, love, love your decorating "technique" and will continue to hunt for my cottage-style home...wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Karolyn! I I hope you find your perfect cottage style home! Good luck!!
DeleteI can so see why you love your cottage at the beach. We are in the process of down sizing and I'd love to end up with something similar. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn! I have to say, I am a tiny house lover....the beach helps! 😉
DeleteI love this post and have tons of ideas, but I have a question. We have wonky walls, so would it be way too much to do a room in all beadboard? Those walls need h-e-l-p! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI think that it would look great, Betty!! We have wood paneling floor to ceiling in our living room and family room...and shiplap is all the rage. I say if you like it, it's great!
DeleteLove, love cottage style. It is my next dream home :-) although I am trying to make my old Victorian into one now!
ReplyDeleteOld Victorian cottage style! I love it...and from what I've seen that's exactly what you have. Fabulous!
Deletethat's a beautiful little cottage. and it's story that is now part of yours is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI like small. I always have. I had larger before widowhood. but I like to think Bob would like this cozy little apt too!
I live in 550 square feet. 25 more feet than my last apartment! so I've moved up in the world.
only in America it seems that people feel they have to have 'walk in' closets for their hundreds of shoes... or a spa bath or a master bedroom en suite with a sofa or reading table!
the rest of the world is living quite well on what some of us would consider unbearable.
I once said to someone on a décor blog that I live in a 550 sq ft apartment and she said...
"how quaint!" LOLOL! kind of like marie antoinette when she said "let them eat cake!" :)
Our first home was 900 square feet, Tammy. We lived there for seven years with two little ones and a kitty. Never felt squished even one day, but people constantly said, "Oh you must be ready to move on up. You're outgrowing this place." Nope, not me. I like "quaint"!!
DeleteI love your sweet little house! I also love my sweet little house & am always trying to make it better.
ReplyDeleteRight there with you, Jenny...I'm always tweaking and fluffing! And thank you!
DeleteIt's all very beautiful and I love your roses!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ronda! They’ve been bargain priced lately and I am loving them!
DeleteGreat post. I live in a small house too. Story and a half. Three bedrooms, one bath,six rooms total. I wouldn't have it any other way but it does have its challenges.
ReplyDeleteSounds totally perfect, Lorri! Yes, challenges for sure, storage comes to mind right away, but then I just have to take care of less stuff, right? 😉
DeleteI love the cottage style and I adore your home. We awant our next house to be smaller than what we have now and finding it hard to find one. We have 2 1/2 more years til Hubby retires, but we are already looking for what is on the market now. We would love to find a smaller cottage to live the rest of our lives in. Easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteHouses are being built bigger and bigger these days. True cottages are harder to find and honestly, they're not necessarily cheap. Hopefully, you'll be able to find something that suits you both. You still have time!
DeleteDo you know what you left off the list? Cottage style just makes you feel good! It feels like home just looking at cottages. Our house is not the size of a cottage but I definitely love incorporating a few of the details you mentioned. You cottage is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteExactly, Stacey! I felt like my house just hugged me when I walked into it. Best part!
DeleteI'm a fan. It's cozy and not trendy and full of COLOR!
ReplyDeleteColor!! My favorite!
DeleteYes, I am a fan of cottage style! As well as small homes. I absolutely love your home. If I had my pick between all the blogger homes I've seen and yours, I'd pick yours. It has a warmth that can't be easily replicated by "new designer trendy stuff." And the fact that it is close to the beach would put me over the moon.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Brenda, I have to tell you that it’s been a super busy week. I haven’t had a chance to answer comments, but I read your comment when you posted it and I printed it up and pinned it to my desk. It made me smile from ear to ear. There are some really outstanding, gorgeous homes out there in blogland and to hear that you really like mine is a true compliment that I take to heart. Thank you my friend. ❤️
DeleteSee, Kim? I'm far from the only one who would choose your style over the many beautiful but overdone trendy stuff! You're my favorite design blogger, hands down!
DeleteThank you, Nancy! xo
DeleteKim, I couldn't agree more! When it comes to decor, I identify more with cottage style than any other, though my own may have more of a French cottage feel. I especially love the charm of older cottages like yours! Great post ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Cecilia! I love to see people's unique take on cottage stye, but you can spot that innate charm a mile away.
DeleteI love cottage style and your kitchen will always be one of my favorites. Our house isn't big either, but you're right...the bigger the house, the more to clean, maintain, heat and air condition, etc. There are definitely benefits to owning a smaller home. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa! You are too sweet. I have to say, I do enjoy less cleaning!
DeleteOur home, a rancher that I've made into a cottage, is 1400 sq ft. We love it. Its perfect - not too big, but big enough to have raised 6 kids in shared bedrooms etc. Cottage is my style! English cottage is what I am working towards! I love your cottage, and I think you're smart to keep all the original things that people are longing for now!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna! I know a lot of people rip out the old stuff, but my neighborhood has a lot of it left. People really respect the sweet interiors (and exteriors). Every house is really very unique.
DeleteYes to your cottage style! It's real and honest and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janey! High compliments coming from you!
DeleteI love cottage style! I had no idea that's what kind of house you lived in! I would love to live in a cottage style house. We live in an aluminum siding clad ranch house - rather boring. Not much I can do to the outside (well, except for landscaping), so I focus on the interior.
ReplyDeleteI am a cottage dweller, Melanie! I never would've believed it if you had told me that when I was young, I dreamed of a mansion wth a large crystal chandelier in the foyer. Funny how tastes change isn't it! 😊
DeleteThank you for the photo of the fireplace, my favorite. Your kitchen is my next favorite.
ReplyDeleteWe also live in a home with character, a 100 year old house, with lots and lots of arches, real wood floors and oak trim. And just a few outlets. LOL ... we have changed that in almost every room.
There's nothing like an old house, Carla! I just know you have 100 years of charm in that home of yours....and I totally hear you about the outlets!!
DeleteOne word . . .
ReplyDeleteCHARM.
Perfect, Lynne! Thank you!
DeleteKim, you have it decorated so pretty, I would love to see your little cottage! It always has such charm, and I think that's what's so attractive about cottage style, are the charm, the fabrics, and the architectural details. I'm definitely a fan.
ReplyDeleteCome on over, Florence! We'll have tea and I'll give you the tiny tour!
DeleteI couldn't agree more...We recently sold our cottage, but we're looking for another one! Great post!
ReplyDeleteCottages are the best, Ann! Good luck on your new cottage quest. 🙂
DeleteI often get so confused by all the various home decor styles! I probably grew up cottage style and never knew it as my mother was into the blues and yellows, and there was so much fabric-covered "stuff"! Visiting from Dishing It and Digging It party.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many different terms to describe decor, today, it is confusing Victoria, no doubt but "stuff" is a definite hallmark of cottage style, Victoria! 😂
DeleteI love cottage style too. That chair! Gosh, it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolann! That chair is one of my favorites….and super easy to do.
DeleteI love your house. I would chose cottage style over a big house any day. It is so charming.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Debra! I like a house that hugs, too!
DeleteLindas imagens. Uma casa repleta de coisas lindas e com muito conforto. Feliz semana. Cumprimentos.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sandra!
DeleteCottage style is just so super cozy, happy, warm, wonderful and inviting! Your cottage home and décor is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteInviting is such a fabulous word to describe cottage style, Jemma! Thanks so much for your own warm and wonderful words!
DeleteYou know I am a big fan too. We've lived in big homes and I loved them but there's just something about a cottage.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Kristi! Nothing like a cottage!
DeleteCharming and I do love the fabric!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'm kind of a fabric junkie.
DeleteTo me cottage style, means livability and comfort. Anything that is washable and yet cozy---and color with lots of vintage thrown in. Not the kind of antiques you can't touch, but the usable kind. Your home is all those... and more!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, 100%. That would be my definition, as well! And thank you. 🙂
DeleteBeautiful Kim, I will always love and live with cottage style. Your cottage is gorgeous, cozy, warm and inviting. That never goes out of style!!! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Celestina Maria...I agree, it's a classic decorating style.
DeleteYour home is very cute-I love cottage style. You furniture fabric looks like it's right out of Cabbages and Roses.
ReplyDeleteI would love to live in a charming cottage and wow, to be so close to the beach.
It was great to see more pics of your pretty home, Kim!
Jane x
Thanks Jane. And I feel the exact same way about your charming lake house! Water lovers unite! xoxo
DeleteWhen I think of Cottage style I think of cozy and that is how a home should feel. I really love your home.
ReplyDeleteI am a cozy kind of girl, Mary! Thanks!
DeleteI do love cottages! I especially love yours, and you certainly can't beat the location. I think cottages always look best for Christmas. They are smaller, which means they're more intimate, and you can't over decorate because there's no room! But I do also love mid century modern, like what we grew-up in because it does seem like home. Although your style home is my very favorite, I love what Rachel Ashwell has done with a few mid century modern homes in California. I bet I could pull something similar off here in Birmingham. Have you ever seen any of those? I'd like your opinion since you grew up in one like I did....
ReplyDeleteI agree with all five of your reasons! Super post!
I totally agree about Christmas in a cottage. It is the perfect style house for decorating and actually my favorite season in this house, especially in the living room. I think it was made for Christmas with that big fireplace and the beams. I love Rachel Ashwell, been a fan for a long time, but I’m not sure I have seen her take on mid century modern. I just made a note to Google that. I would love to see. I will definitely let you know my thoughts!
DeleteHi Kim, I love cottage style living and this is the kind of house I grew up in. You have decorated your house to look country too and that is just my style of decorating too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home and easy tips. Just wish I could sew! LOL.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the week.
Julie
Thanks so much, Julie. I have to say that cottage style is a comfortable and homey feel. And I'll trade you sewing lessons for crocheting ones! 😉
DeleteI agree with every word you said! Less is so much more. And likely, people with McMansions actually use about the same number of square feet you do. Why pay for more, when you have the perfect amount of cosy home?
ReplyDeleteLess is so much more and it is indeed cozy! Thanks so much for weighing in.
DeleteYou have such a beautiful home Kim!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!! I could sit here all day taking a peek at your cozy sweet home!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sam. Sometimes I do just that, sit and stare. It's more fun than mopping. 😉
DeleteI love your cottage home. I have down sized and am loving it.
ReplyDeleteNow I see things and think, I love that but have no room for more.
Right there with you, Frances! When something comes in, something else has to go out...or I have to be very creative about my storage. Thank you for your comment and enjoy your cottage! ❤️
DeleteI'm turning 60 in December and as I look to buy a house for my next few decades next year, I'm having to balance my love of cottage style with realizing I need everything to be on one level - no basement (won't be missed) but also no beloved dormer room studio. So I'm already figuring out how to add fabric and charm to otherwise non-cottagey spaces.
ReplyDeleteI say it can be done, Sharon! I have no attic space, just a few rooms and lots of cottage style. Keep us posted!
DeleteMy #1 favorite style. Always has been, always will be. Nice post, Kim. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteFrom one cottage lover to another, thank you, Nancy! ❤️Hugs!
DeleteMy favorite style as well. Your home looks so lovely and inviting, Kim.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks so much, Amalia! I am a cottage girl.
DeleteWell, if you were to look at the outside of our home, you would say 1950's ranch, but as you put it so eloquently...the inside can look however a person wants it to! I love "stuph" and "red" and cozy and squishy, so yes, I think I fit into the cottage persona!
ReplyDeleteOur kiddos are buying us gas logs for our antique brick fireplace for Christmas. I can HARDLY wait. Wood has become a problem for us to cut, haul, stack and haul again, so we have been "fireless" for two years. I am so excited I can hardly stand to wait until they all show up to install the firelogs.
I have always been in love with your home...these pictures are wonderful and I am just drinking them in like the crazy old lady that I am!!
Blessings,
J
You are going to love the gas logs, J! It makes having a fire so easy. We just turn it on and off with the flick of a switch and there's no mess or smoke or wood to deal with. Best Christmas present ever! And thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you're drinking my pictures in...makes it all worth it!!!
DeleteYou’ve nailed it when it comes to defining cottage style and what makes it so charming. I think part of what makes it so appealing is that you have free reign to mix so many different style and put your own personal stamp on it.
ReplyDeleteYour cottage looks adorable- I especially love that stone fireplace!
Thank you, Melissa! I think you're right, it's that element of free reign that has made me a cottage style addict!!
DeleteYour home is filled with charm. So warm, so welcoming. You have the best of both worlds, a cottage and close proximity to the beach. Perfect. I downsized from a 3b/3ba home to a 570' farmhouse cottage in the Appalachian mountains. I enjoy the relaxed vibe of cottage style, and mix in french farmhouse as well as some primitive. I just pick pieces and items that make my heart sing and go from there. Your fireplace is lovely. I so could live happily in your sweet cottage. Oh - and Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteTonita, thank you so much for the visit and the very kind words. I have to say I love my tiny cottage by the sea. It’s just big enough for right now, but I could totally do even smaller. I just popped by your site and wow, how beautiful! I didn’t realize that the house was only 570’, that’s amazing. You decorate big, I just assumed it was much larger! Your bedroom is lovely and that prayer bench is the perfect addition. I’m going to have go back and peek around some more. I’m hooked! Happy New Year to you, as well. I can’t believe it’s almost February. How did that happen??
DeleteI am a cottage lover, we live in one as well! They are cozy, but so hard not to love. Your home is a lovely cottage too!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! Cottage style grabbed my heart years ago and I'm still fully in love!!
DeleteKim, I love your home. I need to have a couple homes.LOL You have nailed the cottage look. I love that you are not afraid of using color. I love the touches of red and all the lovely fabric patterns.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tammy! I do love color and I'm so glad that it's coming back into vogue. Of course, I never thought it left!! Haha!!
DeleteBeautiful post
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the visit and the comment.
Delete