When most people think of cottages, they imagine quaint, charming homes with white picket fences and rolling green hills in the background. While it is certainly possible to achieve this look in your home, it takes work. Here are our top 10 tips for making your home look like a cottage.
1. Paint Your Walls in Soft and Light Colors
The walls are the foundation of any room, and they play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your home. One of the easiest ways to make your home look like a cottage is to paint your walls with soft and light colors. Pale blues, greens, and yellows can create a cottage-like atmosphere, while darker shades like navy or charcoal can make your space feel more modern.
2. Add Siding
Shiplap siding is a type of wood paneling often used in country-style homes. It gives your home an instant cottage look, and it can be easily added to any room. Simply nail the boards to your walls horizontally or vertically, and you’ll have the perfect cottage wall treatment. You just need to make sure that your walls are properly prepared before you start nailing anything into them.
3. Bring in Nature
One of the defining characteristics of a cottage is its connection to nature. To get this look in your own home, try adding some houseplants or hanging a greenery wreath on your door. You could also incorporate natural elements like stone or wood into your decor. For example, you could use a log as a coffee table or add some river rocks to your vase of flowers.
4. Go for a Cozy Feel
Cottages are known for being cozy, so make your home feel warm and inviting by adding some throws and pillows to your furniture. You can also use area rugs to define different spaces in your open-concept cottage. And don’t forget the candles! Candles can give any room a cozy ambiance, and they come in a variety of scents to suit your mood.
5. Incorporate Rustic Elements
Rustic elements like beams, weathered wood, and wrought iron can add cottage charm to your home. Exposed beams are especially popular in cottages, and they can be used to create a cozy and intimate feel in your space. You can also find rustic elements like weathered wood and wrought iron at most home improvement stores.
6. Hang Curtains
Curtains are a must-have in any cottage-style home. They add privacy and coziness, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your taste. If you want to add a pop of color to your space, go for patterned curtains. Or, if you prefer a more understated look, opt for solid-colored curtains in a light hue.
7. Choose the Right Furniture
Furniture plays a crucial role in the overall look of your home, so be sure to choose pieces that fit the cottage aesthetic. Look for furniture with distressed finishes or natural materials like wood and wicker. And don’t forget about comfort! Cottages are meant to be cozy, so make sure your furniture is comfortable enough to curl up in.
8. Add Architectural Details
One of the defining features of a cottage is its architectural details. To get this look in your own home, try adding some decorative molding or millwork. You could also install some beadboard paneling or wainscoting to give your walls some extra character. These architectural details can be added to any room in your home, and they’re relatively easy to install.
9. Hang Wall Decor
Wall decor is a great way to add personality to your space, and it can really help tie the whole room together. When choosing wall decor for your cottage, look for pieces that fit the overall aesthetic. Rustic signs, weathered frames, and vintage maps are all great choices. And don’t forget about wall art! Hang a few prints or paintings to really give your walls some cottage charm.
10. Accessorize Your Space
The finishing touches are just as important as the big pieces when it comes to cottage style. So be sure to accessorize your space with items that fit the look. Vintage plates, Mason jars, and galvanized metal buckets are all great choices. You can also add some greenery with flowers or potted plants. Just a few well-chosen accessories can really make your space feel like a cottage.
These are just a few of the many ways you can make your home look like a cottage. With a little bit of effort, you can achieve this cozy and inviting style without spending a lot of money. So get started on your cottage makeover today!
