Create a Cosy Cottage Feel in Your Home: Affordable Tips and Inspiration

Ahhh, the Cotswold cottages have my heart. The honey-coloured walls, slated roofs, topped with chimneys puffing smoke from a fireplace, whimsical cottage gardens and views of the surrounding countryside (ideally with sheep grazing)—sounds just perfect, right?

Some of us are lucky enough to live in such locations, but the reality is that many of us live in new-build homes in towns or even cities—and there’s nothing wrong with that. Life isn’t ruled by aesthetics, and many factors influence where we live: work, children’s schools, access to public transport, housing prices, proximity to family and friends, and so much more! For example, one of the most important factors for my home location (and any future homes I will live in) is the distance to the sorting office. We drop off your orders every day, so a reasonable driving distance is vital for our business—no remote locations for us.

But what if you scroll through Pinterest and “ooh” and “ahh” (just like me) over some cute cottages hidden in the English countryside? Just do what I did (and keep doing): create the cosy feeling of a cottage wherever you live.

Your house is your personal space, where you’re meant to feel safe and at peace. There are no rules for how you decorate it. While many of us follow beautiful home accounts that showcase different decor styles and draw inspiration from them, ultimately, we all put our own spin on our homes, decorating them to our heart’s content.

When it comes to bringing the feel of a cottage to your home—no matter the location—a lot depends on your budget. Today, we’ll focus on small, inexpensive ways to add the warmth and cosiness of a country cottage to your home.

1. Natural Materials

The first rule of cottage living is using natural materials—wood, rattan, linen, cotton, stone, dried flowers etc. Whitewashed walls, stone floors, and exposed beams are signature features of an English cottage. I personally removed any cheap-looking plastic or shiny decor that doesn’t give off a rustic vibe. Ideally, we would use all-natural items, but they can come with a high price tag. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly alternatives, such as linen blends or second-hand furniture, that can still achieve the rustic look. Take your time finding pieces that give you a cosy, rustic feel without breaking the bank.

2. Earthy Tones and Patterns

Cottage style is closely connected with nature and the seasons, and your home’s colour palette can reflect that. I love my house to be quite neutral, with browns, whites, and the shades in between being dominant, but earthy tones also include deep forest greens, lighter shades of sage, ocean blues, autumnal oranges, and reds, and so much more!

For those with a braver style than mine, patterns are the way to go! Patterns are iconic in traditional British design, and incorporating them into your home will instantly add a quaint cottage feel. Florals, stripes, plaids, and more will give your space character and cosiness.

3. Vintage Finds

Cottage style is a blend of new and old. Don’t be afraid to look for second-hand decor and furniture. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items that come with history. Their imperfections are what make them special and add charm. Even better if you’re lucky enough to own items passed down from family. I have pictures, paintings, ink bottles, a salt box, a mortar, and more, and these are some of my most cherished possessions. They definitely add character and soul to my home.

Second-hand and vintage items can also inspire your creativity and become a project. I’m not much of a DIY person, so I can’t speak from experience, but there are women out there like us who sand, paint, upholster, and more—all on their own. I bet it gives them huge satisfaction and makes their home decor truly one-of-a-kind.

4. Rustic Home Decor and Candles 

Candles add incredible warmth and comfort to any home, and if you're trying to create the feeling of a cosy cottage, they are the way to go! We offer Autumn and Christmas collections for the seasonal living enthusiast, but I also recommend "Cosy Cottage" and "English Countryside", which are inspired by the scents of the countryside.

Be sure to check out our curated home decor section, which includes linen cushions, natural baskets, charming cottage-style candle holders, and more. I carefully select pieces for our shop that could easily be found in a cottage somewhere in the Cotswolds countryside.

I hope this post gave you some ideas or perhaps just a gentle nudge toward things you already knew. Either way, making a house a home is a slow and mindful process, so take your time finding pieces that bring charm and warmth to your space.

Thank you for reading,
Adriana x