Cottage style aims to recreate the relaxing and casual vibes of a small, rustic house in the countryside. As such, you can expect homey furnishings, fresh colours, organic textures, weathered finishes, traditional lines, floral patterns, and plenty of natural elements.
There are so many cottages to capture your creative spirit from the traditional 19th-century English cottage, red-painted Swedish cottages, grey-wood shingled American cottages, or closer to home, South African ‘langhuis’ cottages with their thatched roofs. With this in mind, you can create a warm and inviting cottage-style design in your bedroom.
Your property inspiration
Built in 1937, this captivating seven-bedroom house in Constantia is an “original manor house”. While it has been given modern-day fittings, it still has yesteryear charms throughout the property.
One bedroom has exposed wooden trusses, a dainty pink floral wallpaper, and woven carpeting. Together with some wicker furniture, it all adds up to a welcoming cottage-style look. Another bedroom has a gorgeous neutral palette; white walls and bedding and beige flooring combine for an understated look. In keeping with the tranquil cottage feel, floor-length white curtains frame the windows. The details here are simple but well thought out to make you feel at home the moment you enter. And you can recreate the look in your own bedroom.
Cottage style design bedroom ideas
After a busy day, nothing quite beats coming home to your cottage-style bedroom. This space should ooze calm and contentment. The best part is that you can do as much as your budget allows and draw on a range of influences to keep your space interesting. Here are the places to add cottage-style appeal:
Ceiling: If you have ceiling beams, leave them exposed as this is a cottage-style staple. They add texture, interest, and a traditional feel.
Walls: Neutral shades like white, beige, and cream will create an airy feel for your bedroom. Wooden panelling is also popular and wallpaper prints of florals, plants, and toile de Jouy can add a pop of colour.
Flooring: For an authentic cottage feel, your floor should be wooden, stone, or have a natural carpet like jute, sisal, or sea grass.
Window treatments: Because cottage-style decor is informal and relaxed, your windows should avoid fussiness. You can leave them bare or opt for floor-length curtains in simple shades or pretty floral patterns. Lace curtains will also add a romantic sensibility to your space.
Doors: Doors that have a rustic charm will do well for this bedroom type. Wooden is generally the go-to door type: opt for distressed and reclaimed doors for a rustic charm that won’t break the budget.
Furniture: The cottage style plays well with wooden, wrought iron, and natural fibre furniture like wicker or rattan. Family hand-me-downs or second-hand furniture will help give your space a laid-back charm. Pair your furniture with pretty florals, plaid, or gingham for an extra country feel.
Lighting: Exposed bulbs and chandeliers will give your bedroom an appealing old-fashioned look. You can also opt for vintage fixtures in wood, glass, or metal.
Storage: Open shelves can give your bedroom a minimalist feel. However, wooden-panelled cupboards are also worthy options. A glass-fronted cupboard can help you display some of your most prized possessions.
Decor: The sky’s the limit when it comes to decorating a cottage-style bedroom. You can add quilts, cosy throws and pillows, photographs, plants, antique mirrors, and other items to make your space feel lived-in.
Consider your space, look at all your fixed structures and then work from there to bring in cottage-style influences that will work with your bedroom but still remain true to your personal aesthetic
Your cottage-style questions answered
1. Is cottage style still in?
Yes, in fact, the style continues to rise in popularity as people look to cosy, comfortable decor schemes. Provided you stay clear from elements that make your home look dated, dingy, or fussy, you will have a space that is right on trend.
2. What are cottage-style colours?
The colour palette of cottage-style homes is as diverse as the style itself. Neutrals like white, cream, grey, and beige are ideal for a breezy atmosphere. However, green, blue, and brown are commonly used to evoke the beauty of the outdoors. Finally, pinks, yellows, and purples are used for their vibrancy, often as accents in furnishings and in wallpaper.
3. What is the difference between farmhouse and cottage-style design?
Often confused because they both prioritise rustic and comfortable living, farmhouse and cottage style do have some distinct differences. Cottage style incorporates more colour than farmhouse which sticks mainly to a neutral palette. Farmhouse brings in more wooden elements than cottage style.
4. What are the different cottage-style designs?
There is a range of cottage-style designs such as vintage, coastal, Southern, Swedish, English, and French. There’s even a South African variant that brings a local South African flavour to the table.
Your home should inspire you
The fantastic part about cottage style is that you can truly make it your own and curate a space that feels warm, friendly, and comforting. At Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, we take an active interest in finding homes that put a smile on your face and showcase your unique personality. View our portfolio of extraordinary properties for sale and get in touch with our team today.
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