10 ways to make your home feel like a cottage

Whether it’s seashells, smooth pebbles, or well-loved books, no cottage is complete without its own collection. Artfully recreate this at home by grouping some of your favourite things together.

A standard cottage feature, beadboard is both classic and classy all at once, and can easily be incorporated into your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or laundry room.

A sense of history is part of what makes a cottage feel truly homey. Whether it’s antique signs, vintage floral fabrics, or found wallpaper, flea market treasures can transform your living space into a place to create new stories in.

The most quintessential design element of cottages is exposed wood—and lots of it. But while pine woodwork might make sense at the lake, in the city it can accidentally scream early ‘80s rec-room. Bring wood panelling into the present tense with a fresh coat of paint.

The easiest way to combine the cottage aesthetics of antiques and woodwork is to shop for reclaimed wooden furniture. Salvaged wood finds can be incorporated in nearly any room in your house to recreate cottage charm.

Don’t neglect your garden. A hammock and a set of Muskoka chairs will go a long way towards achieving cottage vibes, but take it up a notch by painting your shed a bright colour and installing vintage signs to the exterior.

Modern takes on vintage plumbing designs will make your kitchen or bathroom feel like a quaint country space.

Think seashells, stripes, and nautical accessories. Even if you’re miles from a body of water, you’ll swear that you can feel the breeze and smell the fresh air.

Cottages are often stocked with well-loved couches that were designed for lounging, not for looks. For the ultimate in comfort, choose overstuffed couches and pillows, with soft slipcovers in floral motifs or soft pastel tones.

Vacation homes are often filled with second-hand furniture and accessories, which is part of their charm. Replicate this at home by sourcing out colourful vintage kitchen chairs. While you’re at it, there’s no need for your dishware to match; keep it kitschy with plenty of coordinated shapes and colours.