12 Ways to Add English Cottage Style to Your Home 

Hello there! As an Englishman happily tucked away in a cozy cottage, I wanted to chime in and share a few friendly suggestions. It seems there might be a tad bit of confusion between the distinct charms of an English Cottage and the grandeur of an English Country House. Let me sprinkle in some thoughts to enhance your list: 1. Entrance Ways: When thinking about entrance ways, let's prioritize practicality over just appearances. In dear England, we're quite accustomed to the wet and windy embrace of 9 out of the 12 months. While a walking stick might find its place, what's truly essential is a welcoming doormat, a trusty umbrella stand, and a spot for raincoats and trusty walking boots. Save those wellies for the backdoor rendezvous, perhaps a nod to a bit of gardening mischief 😉. And, of course, a warm curtain to fend off the chill at the front door is a must. 2. Floral Decor: While ferns are delightful, they might not be the ones to shout, "cottage!" Opt for hop garlands for that extra touch. Seasonal blooms, like Snowdrops in Winter, Daffodils in Spring, and the cheer of Sunflowers in Summer and Autumn, can be arranged in charming old terracotta pots or hand-painted folk art pots. And why not add a sprinkle of eucalyptus leaves and dried flowers to keep the floral joy alive all year round? 3. Old Books: Now, about those old books-let's keep in mind that English cottages are all about the practical and the necessary, with a touch of prettiness. Your favorite books can find a cozy spot in an antique bookcase or nestled on side tables, perhaps adorned with a terracotta flower-pot. No need for them to be vintage; they just need to be yours. 4. Wood Selection: As for the notion of 'dark wood' dominating English cottages, let's dispel that myth. We revel in the warmth of mixed woods-Oak, Mahogany, Pine-an amalgamation that brings a certain coziness and lived-in feel to the room. Too much darkness tends to bring the mood down, not always in the best way. 5. Gallery Walls: Now, those 'large gallery walls' might feel more at home in English Country Houses than in our quaint cottages. Space is a precious commodity, so let's be mindful. Seek out pictures that genuinely make you happy from local antique or charity shops. Don't just buy for looks; if they bring you joy, find places for them where you tread most-entrance halls, bedrooms, and the like. A clustered cottage can feel more lively than homely. And, a little note on old vintage oil canvases-they're like a warm hug for your cottage's walls. 6. Trunks and Chests: Trunks, or as we fondly call them, baskets, are best suited if you've got the room. These treasures typically find a cozy spot under the bed for storage, crafted from wood to hold blankets, throws, and other snugly essentials at the end of the bed. 7. Ornaments: Let's break free from the usual dog and horse routine in ornaments. Collect what makes you genuinely happy. In my humble abode, you'd find a delightful assortment of hand-carved wooden cows, sail boats, antique candlestick holders, and tiny wooden rocking-horses, each with a story to tell. Antlers? Not quite the cottage vibe-leave those for the Country Houses. 8. Crockery and Kitchen Storage: Crockery, my friend, isn't just about plates and cups. It's a touch of art in our daily rituals. Opt for hand-painted botanical or folk art plates that look downright cute. China sets? Perfect for displaying on your Welsh Dresser. And when it comes to kitchen storage, think practicality-old pots are the unsung heroes, holding utensils in our cozy, compact kitchens. A pot full of feathers? Sounds charming, but we might need that space for essentials. 9. Wallpaper: Ah, the joy of wallpaper! Embrace it, my friend. If the walls permit, let them dance with block-print botanical or floral patterns. Whether it's a full wall or a delightful display, it adds a certain English charm. 10. Faux Walls: Let's keep it real-faux walls are a definite no-no. 11. Copper Pots: Copper pots, oh yes! But let's remember, they're not just for show. They're in the kitchen trenches, doing the real work. Functionality over mere display, always. Our space, after all, has a purpose. 12. Peg Rails: Peg rails, if they fit and make sense in the grand scheme of things. Practicality is the name of the game. Now, a few delightful additions: 13. Patchwork Quilts: Craft some patchwork quilts from your cherished blankets and fabrics. Drape them over the sofa with frill-cushions and blankets, offering an extra layer of warmth and a dash of charm. 14. Wall Lights and Lampshades: Let handmade pleat shades adorn your wall lights, especially in those snug corners. Scatter several lampshades throughout each room for a soft, inviting glow. 15. Several Vintage Rugs: Who says you need just one large area rug? Stack several vintage rugs in playful layers for that eclectic, cottagey feel. 16. Cabinet Curtains: In the kitchen, where doors have a tendency to wander off over the years, consider adding charming cabinet curtains. Functional and a touch of whimsy. I hope these warm and welcoming tweaks add a touch more charm to your English cottage haven!

I am 65 years old and have been decorating like this my whole married life. Probably because I always loved my grandparents home, my grandma was from Cornwall England. The only thing I don't have on your list is ferns and a stone wall. 😁

My mother-in-law was English. China is a must!!!! It was literally EVERYWHERE in her house… the bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room, all over the walls…. I said EVERYWHERE, and I mean it. 😊

It took me 36 years of going with trends and hating the way my home looked to finally settling on and loving a cottage farmhouse. Thanks for these great tips.

Great video, I love how you get to the point and don't give a 5 to 10 min intro. Very practical!

Love all of these tips! And, love your hair!! You look absolutely beautiful!

These are all great ideas. In my opinion this is not a trend but rather the way many have been decorating forever already. I despise trends.

Dark wood look so beautiful against white walls and brings a warmth to a room A mix of painted and wood tone furniture is nice too.🌸🐦

Your hair looks gorgeous!!!

A little tip if you want a fern, the rabbits foot fern is not finicky at all! It does not need to be constantly moist and have good humidity like other ferns. It might be the easiest plant of all the ones ive had. I can forget about it 2-3 weeks and it just sits there and looks great! If the leaves begin to droop a little, they bounce right back when i water it. Highly recommend💚 it has these roots that grow over the soil, they are covered with "fur" thats why its called rabbits foot. They are actually rhizomes that store water and nutrients, and this is why it can handle drying out better than other ferns.

This has been my style for my 48 years now!

Off subject. But your hair looks great! 🧡

As someone who is lucky enough to live in an English Stone Cottage in the Cotswolds, I thoroughly agree with your recommendations 👌

So excited to hear you praise gallery walls and copper. I love them both.

I found a beautiful book for free at my local library on the “free books” shelf… just had to remove the protective book jacket! There is also a shelf with books for a dollar! Check YOuR local library! Consider giving a donation or buying the library a new book if you feel inclined! You can even give it in memory of someone special 🥰

I think it's charming to have a touch of the old in every room. It makes it seem authentic. I love to go to antique stores for old books and statues. Great channel

Loved this so much! Could you please do a "Styling thrifted decorations" episode - using English Cottage style?

..2nd time I've listened ..so enjoy watching Sarah

I am British but live in a new home in Las Vegas however I have snuck several of these into my home…..umbrella stand, ferns, old books, about to install a gallery reading nook and pots, peg rails, wallpaper. I have no copper though. My mum had a ton of copper around our fireplace when I was growing up. I did sneak a reclaimed fireplace into our bedroom though. Really enjoyed your video. I’m subscribing.

Wowza. Your hair is getting so long! It suits you and looks beautiful.

Ha ha I didn't know I was so " trendy":) The only thing I haven't got in my house (yet?) is the wallpaper :) But even without it my house feels pretty cottagey :). Not to mention it is in England:)) Loved your list - it's spot on👏

I'm in style without even knowing it LOL. Thank for the great tips. Going thrifted today.

Thank you for the free prints. I especially like the collie picture. I used to have border collies which I loved but can no longer have because of my age. I already have tons of photos and a couple paintings I did, but you can never have too many.

I am loving your new videos! They are so much like your older ones and I look forward to watching them so much!!!

Love that you are practical and sensible and also love pretty things, like to stay in the know but also follow what YOU love! Not only do I not have much time to decorate, because my old house needs so many repairs, but I have very few days off. I’m commenting to help your channel, and have liked and subscribed, too. Best wishes to you!

Sun ferns are wonderful! They are much hardier (outside) than boston ferns-take and love the heat, sun and can manage less water. Great ideas.

I love all the ideas! I want to try wallpaper and I want a cottage!!! Thank you beautiful lady for all the inspiration.

I love English Cottage and French Country. I am always struggling to merge the two into my decor. But I keep trying and sometimes it works.

I love your suggestions.

Love your hair especially today

Going to Brimfeild tomorrow,,(mass.) Going to keep my eyes open for them 😜

Great ideas ! You are SPOT ON ! Done forget roses! Lots of florals and blue and white dishes etc !very English ❤️👌

Thank you for this video where we can dip our toes into a style without becoming fully submerged. Great tips!

Love

The gallery wall. Looks awesome and so fun to collect the pictures, paintings, prints and frames to create it. But not much collects more dust and cobwebs that a gallery wall. So hopefully you will enjoy it enough that you enjoy the maintenance of it. If so, caring for it will be a breeze.👍

Another GREAT video ! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤I have all the items you mentioned except working on picking out wallpaper now ! ❤❤ thinly you for all your creative work !

The Walmart ferns are great!

Love all your ideas, I am grateful for your insight and inspiration for what is the newest trends, I would probably still be doing farmhouse. I love farmhouse, but feel English cottage and farmhouse can blend easily together. I love to garage sale, I live in MN. So our garage sale season is just starting. I look forward to seeing your post every week. I enjoy your tip of the day also. Happy Mother’s Day to you.

I simply love your channel 🥰 Your hair looks beautiful! ❤️

I'm not Charles, but I love the look of wallpaper too . Problem is I've always liked to change things and its a nightmare to remove it. So I use stencils from royal stencil and do a wallpaper look. I even use joint compound. It's beautiful 😍

My wife says: I like your style and decorating tips. Also, your calm and efficient presentation. I used to live on a small farm, though, and can tell you that the typical farmer's wife yearned for interior styles that were more up-to-date, modern and efficient if she could afford it. So, while I love most of your ideas, I live in the suburbs and feel a little fake with pretending that I am a farmer of 200 years ago. I advise keeping the charm but not going overboard.

Really great ideas and thanks so much for providing the prints 🤗💕

I am English and I have been in a lot of farm cottages. They are never precious, they have ugly pieces in them sometimes, like a melamine topped kitchen table. Cover it with a linen or damask tablecloth, it doesn't need to be antique or embroidered, but you can still get embroidery cheap in the UK in charity shops. You can have modern white Ikea flat pack shoe racks in your hall if you don't have a big cupboard to throw your shoes into but pair it with a basket to shove your shopping bags in between internet shop deliveries. Real country cottages are not picture perfect so don't feel pressured into thinking you must refinish everything because the dog's claws scratched the sideboard the TV sits on, also don't feel pressured to 'distress' everything, it'll get distressed soon enough and do it naturally, especially if you have dogs and kids. Mud! You will have mud, it rains, so no pale armchairs if you have animals, it'll be mud coloured before you know it. 😂

Such great tips Sarah! I love the idea of walking sticks and canes.

I live out in the woods in the Cascade mountains and I have ferns galore growing in my front yard. They sprout up everywhere. I'm not big on white. My entire house is cedar both inside and out with cedar ceilings and I love the old aged wood. My house is 65 years old. There isn't anything I would change about it other than I wish it was just a little bit bigger.

Gotta have a drinks tray

Best and easiest to understand techniques of English Cottage video online!!! ❤❤❤

I always connect upholstered furniture with flowery prints with this style.

I thoroughly enjoy every video you post. You have such wonderful & inspiring ideas. Happy Belated Mother’s Day! I hope you had a wonderful day.

nicely done :)

I feel like Jessica Fletcher’s house on the show murder she wrote is kind of like this.

Thanks again for all your insight!💕

Thanks so much for sharing this video, it helped a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love all these suggestions. Always have loved this style as a young girl visiting my grandparents.

Love all these ideas Sarah! And your hair is looking gorgeous!!

Love all these ideas.

I am so happy I watched this today. I am heading to a huge antique show in Brimfield on May 14th. You helped me with my list. Thanks Sarah💚

Perfect on all 12 points... well done!

Just headed down to Walmart and picked out a couple of beautiful ferns! I might have to get a couple more. I had one last year and it did very well on my front porch hopefully I can keep these alive

Love the ideas. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.

Beautiful ideas that I look forward to using in my home!! Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your design ideas!!

Love your ideas always!

I love all these awesome ideas! Thank you! 🌸💗

Great cottage ideas! I really enjoy Andrea's videos too. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

You look stunning!!! Love your hair! The color is perfect with your eyes!

Love these tips! I have slowly been adding English details to my home over the last few years because of its classic timelessness. I would only add nickel gap paneling to your list. That’s been a detail we’ve done that just adds that English texture like the stone you mentioned.

Thank you for the tips, have always loved English country design incorporating botanicals and animals. it makes everything feel cosy ❤ thank you for the great video ❤

We have a small cape cod. Want to transform decor to this style as I am enamored with British culture.

So enjoyed your video. Just discovered you and love your simple, effective ideas. My home is very traditional, very classic, and I have several of these items already- simple and effective. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos.

Very exciting video! I’m currently trying to decorate my home in a European farmhouse style and this is similar

Love your home and your ideas! I am glad to say I incorporate all the above with the exception of trunks. No room for them, but I do smaller picnic baskets for storage. My brass spitoon by the door holds my canes and walking sticks. Thanks for sharing!

Hello Sarah, I'm not sure if anyone else has asked but would it be possible for you to do a video on Lodge/Ralph Lauren style decorating please? Thanks for all you do, Gail

Great suggestions, and so doable 😊

Great tips. New subscriber. I am very pleased to have found you. Lovely ideas which add so much to the feeling of home.

Really enjoyed your video you gave me lots of tips I love old stuff and iv got copper pots in my kitchen and iv put all old pictures up my hallway it's looking great thanks Carol England

Looking so good Sarah

Your hair, Sarah.😍 Watching while I clean my bathroom.✨

I have most of these things, I'm going for Victorian cottage.

I'm interested in the link about the peg rails please?

There was this lady in my neighborhood that restored antiques who was moving and had this massive yard sale. I got an old steamer truck for $20 the prices on everything were so cheap

I like raw wood and dark tones with furniture 🪑 but painting furniture white is still a beautiful thing ! I still Love it !Decorating is about what you love ❤️ not what the trends tell you ….

Sarah, you know I love that look! It says 🏡 to me! Soft, cozy, welcoming! I saw a picture of a dundee crock for an upcoming estate sale this week. Will have to check it out! In the meantime I am enjoying my little "hors d'oeuvre seasoning" crock from J. Zachary, in Minnesota. 💝💝💝

Yes. Happy to say . I have it all other than wallpaper

Wonderful site. Just downloaded my free prints. Thanks so much! Her website has a plethora of information on vintage decorating . Found my new go to advisor!

I live in England and it’s mad to see how much the Dundee marmalade crockery goes for over there, you can pick them up quite easily from charity shops or carboot sales for a couple pound over here!

Great ideas I’m English I live in Florida ,I have done most of those things ,I havnt done stone but have faux brick in my faux fireplace,x

I was decorating this way for years. I was wondering you could do a video on how to get the musty smell out of antique furniture?

I have a a cottage that is over 90 years old, it has a 15 paned front door that I love. I would like to put a tapestry, quilt or drape in front of it to open and close to block drafts and for privacy, like I have seen in some English cottages. Any tips on how to style it? Should they match the drapes ( that I don’t have yet). Should I line them, pleats them, throw up A quilt? How high should the rod be.

I need a cane to walk and have been looking for interesting ones. Now they're trendy. No wonder I can't find any.

I had to pause this video several times to soak in the beautiful room pics! Really enjoyable video. I guess I won't be ridding myself of any of my trunks soon. Great tips.

Love this video. What was the website to receive the free arts prints. Thank you.

Wonderful ideals!!!! I'm very traditional and wasn't on the farmhouse decor trend. Glad it's toning down some. The only tip I can't incorporate is wallpaper. Been there done that and it's to hard to change.

Old books are definitely more attractive in an understated way than new ones that tend to be garish, but I don't think you should buy them simply for decoration. Books are for reading. Happily, old books improve your mind as well as your decor.

I have been decorating this way since the early 90s.I think,because,I drink tea,but not the beautiful tea cup size.No,I decorate with tea cups,and teapots.When,I have my tea,it is coffee size cup.Well I am American with some English ancestors.However my bedroom is French Cottage.One thing,I have learned in my 71 years,in decorating there are no hard fast rules.Do what appeals to you.God bless you,and thanks for the tips.

Thanks....how about doilies....crocheted doilies....a few......

❤❤❤!

Ooooohhhhh I’d love it if trunks came back into style. I feel like I pass them up all the time.

مرحبا ياصديقى كيف حالك أتمنى أن تكون بصحة شكرا لمشاركة مدونه المحتوى الرائع الخاص بك👌 👍 👉لقد أستمتعت بالمشاهدة قناتك جميلة تستحق الدعم سأعود لمشاهدة المزيد من الفديوهات تمنياتى لك بالنجاح والتوفيق حفظك الله ورعاك ياصديقى

Love this! I’m more into the Swedish Cottage look right now but I see a lot of similarities between the two. I’d love to see a video on that style as well (I love your take on things! 😉)

Great tips & thank you for sharing. I'm always happily surprised with what you do and this video was no different. And in this one your hair is longer. I've always seen you with short curly hair but here it's longer & turned into gorgeous long locks! They're beautiful!!! You lucky girl you.