Cottage Style Is the Old-Meets-New Secret to Elevated Lived-In Interiors
Words by Rebecca Deczynski
Photography by Aaron Leitz; Design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
If history really does repeat itself, cottage style is the perfect example.
By the early 19th century, a lot had changed. The Industrial Revolution rapidly reconfigured the world as bold new technologies transformed daily life—so much so that some found themselves dreaming of an earlier, calmer existence, in which one could be at peace with nature. It’s no surprise that the Romantics, with their landscape paintings and pastoral elegies, emerged in response to a period of great turbulence. And it’s just as unsurprising that in today’s fast-paced world, the same genre of nostalgic aesthetic has enraptured design lovers hoping to make their homes as calming and enchanting as possible.
Cottage style mixes old and new elements to create spaces with a homey, lived-in feel. They favor colors commonly found in nature and natural materials like wood and wicker that, together, evoke a curated, yet perfectly imperfect atmosphere. Far from minimalist, cottage style embraces a mixture of traditional patterns—like gingham and florals—and furnishings that you might unearth at a particularly great flea market. In a storybook-inspired house, things should not feel too new; instead, it’s all about incorporating traditional elements with modern touches, like punchy accent lamps and textiles.
Details like antique paintings and vases make cottage-style spaces feel wistful, while chintzy fabrics and rustic architectural details, like exposed wooden beams or beadboard walls, can push these designs into maximalist territory. While the look naturally suits country escapes, it works just as well in city apartments and suburban homes. With its pastoral charm, it can make just about any room a visual respite from today’s chaos.
Here’s how nine Experts tackle cottage style.
Photography by Boz Gagovski; Design by Brandon Schubert
Rustic Traditional
The architectural details of this stately bedroom—rustic wooden ceiling beams and a classic fireplace and mantel—are not natural complements. But with soft, nature-inspired patterns, traditional furniture, and a lush sage green wall paint, the room comes together beautifully.
Book a consultation with Brandon Schubert.
Photography by Ngoc Minh Ngo; Styling by Mieke ten Have; Design by Halard-Halard
Light Eclectic
This sunroom’s stone floors and ceiling-tall windows create a truly indoor-outdoor feel, making al fresco furniture like iron chairs and a daybed a natural choice. A splash of color in the form of a tablecloth and a coverlet infuse this simple space with a bit of eclecticism.
Book a consultation with Halard-Halard Design.
Photography by Kate S. Jordan; Styling by Brittany Albert; Design by Jersey Ice Cream Co.
Contemporary Country
With its perfectly patinaed walls and wooden ceiling beams, this bedroom has a naturally quaint appeal, but its curated furnishings make it harmonious. The bed’s natural wood grain keeps in line with the country look, while its sleek, wavy silhouette feels more modern. A playful nightstand lamp and a diamond-printed wall detail err on the side of contemporary cool, while a standout quilt makes for a traditional statement.
Book a consultation with Jersey Ice Cream Co.
Photography by Aaron Leitz; Design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
Graceful Garden
Ample florals and foliage transform a sunroom into a bonafide potting shed, but a few accents give it a charming, traditional feel. A wooden pedestal table surrounded by French bistro chairs makes a lovely spot to arrange fresh stems or drink a cup of tea, while brass hardware and an under-sink skirt make a functional kitchenette feel well-considered.
Book a consultation with Jessica Helgerson Interior Design.
Photography by Sarah Barlow; Design by Leanne Ford Interiors + Grace Mitchell
Elevated Al Fresco
If you favor a more minimalist look, but love the relaxed, homey look of cottage style, follow Leanne Ford’s lead: opt for a warm neutral color palette and incorporate plenty of rustic elements, like weather-worn iron tables and melty candles.
Book a consultation with Leanne Ford Interiors.
Photography by Chaunté Vaughn; Design by Meta Coleman
English Charm
Cottage style is all about creating spaces that feel lived-in, which is why this eclectic kitchen opts for open shelving over clean, simple cabinetry—better to have a charming dishware collection on full display. Bold details, like a patterned tile wall (and range hood!) and red beadboard cabinetry strike a balance between traditional style and modern maximalism.
Book a consultation with Meta Coleman.
Photography by Noe Dewitt; Design by Miles Redd
Floral Maximalism
Gingham upholstery, floral vine wallpaper, and a diamond-printed rug create a kaleidoscope of patterns in this kid-friendly bedroom. Some natural elements, like a wicker lamp and an antique desk that blends into the room’s architectural details, add to the room’s cottage style while keeping it elevated.
Book a consultation with Miles Redd.
Photography by Joseph Bradshaw; Design by Sabbe Interior Design
Pastoral Study
A lush green view is an enviable asset in a home office; when you’re lucky to have such surroundings, consider the outside a part of your internal design scheme. Simple colors—cream-colored walls and rich wooden furniture—put the spotlight on the outdoor landscape, but finer details make the indoors just as sumptuous. Narrow beadboard paneling on the walls and ruched gingham curtains give the space a country charm.
Book a consultation with Stephanie Sabbe.
Photography by Christian Torres; Design by The Misfit House
Moody Romanticism
Intimacy is a core tenet of cottage style—that means embracing spaces that aren’t naturally bright and airy and leaning into their inherent coziness. In this kitchen, plum-colored cabinetry creates a moody atmosphere, while berry-printed wallpaper and linen scalloped pendant lamps add a playful twist.
Book a consultation with The Misfit House.