Decorating a cottage isn’t quite the same thing as decorating a house. For one thing, your cottage doesn’t always have the same characteristics as a standard home. And for the most part, you tend to have a lower budget, thus a much higher tolerance for tiny imperfections than what you would at home.
Back in the day, cottages were used to stash older, outdated furniture and decor that no longer "fit" with the look of the main home. Even today, it's not uncommon to find cottages full of older furniture and dining room sets that date back to the 70s or 80s. But it doesn't have to be that way, and how you choose to decorate your cottage is entirely up to you.
Every cottage has its charm. Here are some of the most common types out there.
- First, there's the traditional wood cabin that we love and cherish for its quaint warmth. Cottages like this have beams, mouldings, and wooden doors, all of which are enduring elements that bring on the rustic and chic charm all at once.
- Then, you've got vintage-inspired or country cottages with features like stucco ceilings and pre-finished walls panels. If you're on a budget, these features can sometimes get an instant upgrade with a simple—but magical—coat of paint.
- There's also the modern cottage aesthetic, drawing inspiration from a Scandanavian spa out in nature. Minimal clutter and extra space are a must to create a sophisticated feeling. Full of natural wood and light, thanks to their expansive windows, they make it feel like you're spending all your time in nature without even having to set foot outside.
- There are also small cottages, cabins that are well-loved by nature-lovers looking for an "in the wild" experience in the form of luxury camping (called "glamping").
Keep in mind that regardless of the style, location, or type, the cottage should be a place to escape to and unwind in, somewhere to go when we need some downtime. It must be comfortable, pleasant to live in and, above all else, reflect our lifestyle. Decorating your cottage is a pleasure when you know how to make the right choices and highlight its strengths.
Some design tips and tricks
Avoid leaning too heavily into the "cottage" theme, which risks feeling overly cliché—objects like checkered cushions, anything with deer or wood-based furniture. Sure, one or two pieces like this are fine, but you don't need to buy the entire collection.
When you're surrounded by the beauty of the forest or have a view overlooking a magnificent lake, covering up the windows is a faux-pas, unless you're talking about a bedroom that must be kept dark. Let natural beauty do its thing. And, draping your window in too much fabric weighs down the room. The idea is to always focus on nature, and the cottage's windows are like artwork that changes every season.
Pottery and handmade items are very much on-trend. Bringing things back to life or transforming them makes the cottage more welcoming. There are so many items that you can repaint to give them a second life, such as furniture, lamps, frames, mirrors, pots, and beyond. Try it out and let your creativity run free. You might be amazed–and delighted—with the results!
Just make sure you have a good balance of vintage/unique pieces. We often like cottage life because of the old-fashioned charm it exudes, but you don't want your space to feel like a time capsule or museum. There are a few elements here and there that could fit well with the space but avoid too much clutter that can weigh down the cottage.
Imagine your cottage as a place to cocoon. This is your home away from home and it should be an extremely comfortable, ultra-inviting and low-maintenance space made for relaxing, unwinding, and having a good time.
