How to Get a Modern Cottage Look
Discover ways to combine the warm and welcoming feel of a cottage interior with a simple, pared-back aesthetic
Love the idea of a cottage aesthetic, but want to bring it more up to date? Modern cottage style takes the warmth and cosiness of traditional cottage style, but pares it down a little to create a cleaner, more airy look. Placing an emphasis on natural materials, soft tones and a link to the outdoors, but avoiding some of the fussier elements, modern cottage style is fresh, inviting and comfortable to live with. Here’s how to make it work.
Include natural materials
Natural textures are key to this look. Wood, stone, jute, linen and wool will all provide a link to nature, as well as working together effortlessly to create a fuss-free scheme.
Go for clean-lined furniture shapes for a contemporary take. Choosing unpainted wood that allows the grain to show through and undyed fabrics in natural tones will help to create a tactile and earthy scheme that provides a link to the outdoors all year round.
Smaller elements, such as jute or seagrass baskets, can also help to introduce pleasing texture in a simple way, as in this design by Lydia Allen Interiors.
Natural textures are key to this look. Wood, stone, jute, linen and wool will all provide a link to nature, as well as working together effortlessly to create a fuss-free scheme.
Go for clean-lined furniture shapes for a contemporary take. Choosing unpainted wood that allows the grain to show through and undyed fabrics in natural tones will help to create a tactile and earthy scheme that provides a link to the outdoors all year round.
Smaller elements, such as jute or seagrass baskets, can also help to introduce pleasing texture in a simple way, as in this design by Lydia Allen Interiors.
Tone down traditional patterns
Cottage style has always drawn heavily on florals, checks and gingham patterns. Modern cottage style references this, but dials it down a notch; while traditional patterns are still key, their use is more grown-up and subtle.
Florals, ticking or stripes are used with restraint and layered up with plenty of crisp plain linen, as seen here in a design by Marion Lichtig. Different patterns can also be mixed together, but try to keep the tones similar to avoid too much clashing.
Find a local interior designer on Houzz today.
Cottage style has always drawn heavily on florals, checks and gingham patterns. Modern cottage style references this, but dials it down a notch; while traditional patterns are still key, their use is more grown-up and subtle.
Florals, ticking or stripes are used with restraint and layered up with plenty of crisp plain linen, as seen here in a design by Marion Lichtig. Different patterns can also be mixed together, but try to keep the tones similar to avoid too much clashing.
Find a local interior designer on Houzz today.
Layer cosy textiles
Warmth and comfort are essential to getting this style right. Layer up beds with plenty of deep cushions and soft throws, hang thick curtains right down to the floor to eliminate draughts, and choose upholstered furniture with soft curves – nothing too ornate – and generous padding.
In a living room, choose armchairs and sofas that have deep, comfortable seats, ensure throws and blankets are close at hand, and layer up soft texture underfoot with a thick rug or natural wool carpet.
More: 15 Bedrooms with Curvy Headboards
Warmth and comfort are essential to getting this style right. Layer up beds with plenty of deep cushions and soft throws, hang thick curtains right down to the floor to eliminate draughts, and choose upholstered furniture with soft curves – nothing too ornate – and generous padding.
In a living room, choose armchairs and sofas that have deep, comfortable seats, ensure throws and blankets are close at hand, and layer up soft texture underfoot with a thick rug or natural wool carpet.
More: 15 Bedrooms with Curvy Headboards
Weave in vintage or reclaimed furniture
History and heritage are key to this style, and antique furniture can help to provide a link to the past. The secret is to mix a few found or inherited pieces in with more contemporary furniture to bring this look up to date.
Antique writing desks, chests of drawers and armoires are all standalone pieces that add plenty of vintage charm, and they can often be found at antiques sales or online marketplaces. Choose pieces that have plenty of character and personality and embrace the chips, dents and marks that hint at a rich previous life.
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
History and heritage are key to this style, and antique furniture can help to provide a link to the past. The secret is to mix a few found or inherited pieces in with more contemporary furniture to bring this look up to date.
Antique writing desks, chests of drawers and armoires are all standalone pieces that add plenty of vintage charm, and they can often be found at antiques sales or online marketplaces. Choose pieces that have plenty of character and personality and embrace the chips, dents and marks that hint at a rich previous life.
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
Soften your scheme with wild flowers
A link to the seasons and a connection to the natural world is essential to cottage style. Bring in large bunches of foraged flowers or seasonal greenery for an instant link to the outdoors and to create that effortless cottage charm. Using glass or clean-lined vases, as in this scheme by Nicola O’Mara Interior Design, will give it a contemporary twist.
Potted plants or windowsill herbs are another way to get a hit of fresh greenery in your home and growing fresh herbs to cook with can further create a connection to the seasons. Looking after plants indoors is also a way to embrace slow and mindful living, which still very much applies with modern cottage style.
A link to the seasons and a connection to the natural world is essential to cottage style. Bring in large bunches of foraged flowers or seasonal greenery for an instant link to the outdoors and to create that effortless cottage charm. Using glass or clean-lined vases, as in this scheme by Nicola O’Mara Interior Design, will give it a contemporary twist.
Potted plants or windowsill herbs are another way to get a hit of fresh greenery in your home and growing fresh herbs to cook with can further create a connection to the seasons. Looking after plants indoors is also a way to embrace slow and mindful living, which still very much applies with modern cottage style.
Favour simple wood panelling
Wood panelling is another key element of this style. As shown here, it can be used as a practical and hardwearing wall treatment in any room from a kitchen to a hallway or even a bedroom.
As opposed to a more decorative style of wall panelling, simple shiplap boards or tongue-and-groove panelling painted in a pale neutral are a practical choice that can be wiped clean when used in a hallway or high-traffic area, or as a splashback, as in this scheme by Studio Mônty.
Tell us…
Is this a style you feel drawn to? Share your thoughts in the Comments
Wood panelling is another key element of this style. As shown here, it can be used as a practical and hardwearing wall treatment in any room from a kitchen to a hallway or even a bedroom.
As opposed to a more decorative style of wall panelling, simple shiplap boards or tongue-and-groove panelling painted in a pale neutral are a practical choice that can be wiped clean when used in a hallway or high-traffic area, or as a splashback, as in this scheme by Studio Mônty.
Tell us…
Is this a style you feel drawn to? Share your thoughts in the Comments
Sponsored
Forget crisp whites and cool greys, modern cottage style draws on a warmer colour palette, often inspired by nature and designed to create a soothing and welcoming space, as in this scheme by Dalrymple Studio.
Keep things on the paler side for a modern take – think soft sand tones, warm cream and pinky beiges – and avoid anything too dark or bright, as the aim is to create a wash of colour that feels organic and soothing. This will allow you to create a soft backdrop against which to layer textiles and furniture.
To help choose neutrals that suit your home, look outside for clues and be inspired by the tones found in your local landscape.