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Add Charm To Your Home with this English Cottage Decor

Adding layers and warmth to your home transforms it from a living space into a cozy and inviting sanctuary. We’ve gotten some of the big pieces checked off our list, but it takes time to really add those layers – to make a house feel like home. Each room needs vintage pieces, some favorite plants, art, and decor, but that doesn’t happen overnight. If you follow me on social media, you know I’ve been decorating an organizing our home since we moved in almost 2 years ago. I’m starting with my living room and bedroom, and have a whole future plan for our dining room. I love when a room has texture and depth – and for me, it’s all about different materials and accessories. Here are some pieces that will help achieve that English cottage style.

Add Charm To Your Home with this English Cottage Decor

I could write a whole post the English cottage exterior. We did some landscaping last year, and I would love an English rose garden someday. I happen to live in what feels like a more rural area, but creating a quiet, calm garden that feels like a country getaway can happen anyway. I suppose a post achieving an English cottage garden is in order. But today, I’m going to talk about interiors.

And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the design style I love most feels like a English country cottage. Whether it’s the chill of winter or the desire to create a more inviting ambiance, there are numerous strategies and elements you can incorporate to achieve this comforting atmosphere. Whenever I think of the English countryside, I think of Iris’s home in The Holiday. That little cottage was perfect in every way – each small space so cozy and perfect – with low-beam ceilings and stone walls. The architectural detail would be difficult to achieve in the US and low ceilings might get old, anyway) but it’s easy to add a soft hint of rustic charm. Here are a few easy ways to add elements of an English cottage design to your home.

Let’s talk about slow decorating

Decorating a home takes time. We have most of the key pieces we need, but our bedroom is pretty empty, and most of our home feels like it’s missing the finishing touches that make a room feel cozy. Slow decorating is a deliberate and thoughtful approach to transforming living spaces, emphasizing quality over quantity and embracing the journey of curating a home. It’s the opposite of quickly putting a room together. Slow decorating encourages individuals to invest time in selecting pieces that resonate with personal style and have enduring value. It’s also helpful to think about slow decorating when doing things quickly isn’t in your budget. This method prioritizes sustainability, opting for timeless designs that withstand fleeting trends.

An example – I would like a larger writing desk, but want to find one that I fall in love with. That perfect desk that feels just right. It could take a year, but will be so worth it in the end. In the realm of slow decorating, each piece chosen carries a story or sentiment, creating a narrative within the home. Patience becomes a virtue as spaces evolve over time, allowing for a deeper connection with local materials and the environment. This intentional process promotes mindfulness and prevents impulsive decisions, resulting in a more harmonious and meaningful living space.

Furthermore, slow decorating advocates for the repurposing and upcycling of existing items, reducing waste and promoting a sense of resourcefulness. It encourages a balance between functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that each element serves a purpose. Ultimately, slow decorating is a mindful and gratifying journey, where the act of creating a home becomes as fulfilling as the end result.

Textiles

Textiles and fabrics are the perfect place to start. Layering pillows, blankets, and rugs will add warmth and texture to a room. Opt for natural materials like rattan, sisal, and linen. Add window treatments – even to a tiny window . We have drapery in our bedroom and woven shades throughout our home. Drape a chunky knit blanket over the back of your sofa or layer an assortment of throw pillows in various patterns to add depth. I love mixing floral prints in my own home. Textiles add physical warmth and visually enhance the coziness of a space.

Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance of your home and is a great way to make a room feel cozy. Stop using canned lighting and opt for soft, warm lighting. It will make a space feel instantly more inviting and comfortable. Be sure to choose a few lamps with shades – they exude a glow and warmth. Consider incorporating a variety of lighting sources such as table lamps, floor lamps, and candles to create layers of light throughout your home. Dimmer switches are also a great investment as they allow you to adjust the brightness of your lighting to suit different occasions and moods.

Natural elements

Another way to add warmth to your home is by incorporating natural elements and textures. Open shelving full of books, frames, and little details adds charm. Wooden furniture, plants, and woven accents stone add depth and character to any room while infusing it with a sense of warmth and earthiness. Some might argue that gallery walls are a thing of the past, but when done right, they can be so charming.

Here are some furniture and decor items to help you achieve a hint of that charming English cottage interior.