With cottage core becoming a sensation over social media in the last few years, and the pandemic making our stay at home more often, it is no surprise that English cottage-style homes have gained popularity. They are comfortable, whimsical and offer a safe retreat from the outside world, especially in times like these. While you may think that this aesthetic is difficult to achieve, especially after seeing the style on your Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards, it is not the case. It is very easy to achieve the cottage aesthetic! Follow along our guide to the best ways to have the perfect English cottage style house! visit here
Imperfection leads to perfection
When it comes to an English cottage style home, imperfection leads to perfection. Don’t try to make everything perfect- cottage style homes follow the maximalist ideology and have various décor pieces with history and meaning behind them. If you look through the lens of creativity, nothing can ever be perfect- so don’t strive for it. If you do not have many such items, a trip to the antique store or thrift store can mend this. One of the easiest ways to make your house fit the cottage core aesthetic is by displaying your passions- whether they are books, records etc. This adds a personal touch to the house. Curated art pieces are always a good idea if you are unsure about the kind of décor you should get. You can also thrift your furniture pieces or bed sheets- go for those with nature-inspired designs such as flowers and plants.
Plants and Flowers
Biophilic designs are the centre of the English cottage style house aesthetic. Make sure you include plants and flowers in your design. One easy way is to get indoor plants that do not require a lot of care, like aloe vera and snake plants. This is especially good for those who want to get into plants and work with them but want to start easy. Succulents are another good choice of plant that does not die easily and does not require a lot of care. You can also use your outdoor space to make a cottage core garden- complete with plants and vegetables and herbs. This is because a big part of cottage style living is being self-sustainable. Growing some herbs or easy plants like green onions and potatoes not only allows you to have fresh, organic food but also makes your garden smell good. Planting a bee garden with bee-friendly flowers is another way you can transition into cottage style living. Consider getting vibrant flowers planted but don’t shy away from weeds either. One way you can maintain this garden is by enabling self-watering through the drainage system. Simply ask a professional to adjust your gutters so that the water gets drained into the soil near the plants. However, make sure it does not drain anywhere near the foundation of your house. You can click here to get free advice.
Colour scheme
When it comes to cottage-style homes, especially English cottage style, warm colours and patterns are the way to go. Go for neutrals in deeper shades like browns, yellows and egg whites. However, make sure you check how the colours look on the walls in the sunlight as colours can look different in different lighting. You can also go for nature wallpapers- designs inspired by plants and flowers and animals. This will bring the nature theme more into the house- adding the English cottage aesthetic to it. You can also go for focal walls in vibrant colours of nature- dark green, blues and yellows. Make sure that your furniture looks cohesive with the wall paint though. For this reason, we suggest that you buy your furniture before you paint your walls as this will make it easier to choose a colour for them. If possible, don’t go for matching furniture pieces as they make the room look tacky and badly done.
Maximise Daylight
The main element in an English cottage style house is the daylight. This can be done by increasing the size of your windows- opt for floor to ceiling windows if possible. If your room does not have south-facing windows, you can go for skylights and mirrors. Skylights ensure that you are receiving the perfect midday sunlight. On the other hand, mirrors placed opposite the windows reflect the daylight, making the room look brighter and more spacious. You can also maximise your daylight consumption by getting French door balconies. This will give you outdoor space, especially on your second and third floors. You can make these balconies into another spot to sit in during the spring or summertime. Add flower pots and fairy light. You can also introduce comfy outdoor furniture complete with cushions and a warm blanket for the colder days.
