Table of Contents
Inspired by the timeless charm of traditional French and English cottages, the Modern Cottage interior design style blends cosiness and character with modern sensibilities. It focuses on comfort, natural materials, and sleek accents to curate a warm and welcoming home.
The beauty of the modern cottage style is that it can be embraced in any living space, regardless of whether it's a cottage or not. This design style is more about capturing the cosy, relaxed, and inviting atmosphere associated with cottages.
SHOP THE COTTAGE STYLE WATCH THE VIDEO
Photo Source: 1: Frederic Magazine 2. Katie Hodges Design
The Colour Palette
Soft, neutral tones dominate the colour palette and feature creamy whites, beige, grey, and earthy hues like muted blues, dark browns, taupes, and sage green.
Bolder accents can be used sparingly to add interest and contrast, while unlacquered brass and matte black elements introduce sophistication.
Architectural Features
In Modern Cottage architecture, clean lines and minimal ornamentation merge with traditional elements like pitched gable roofs, front porch overhangs, and arched doorways.
Internally you will find large windows and doors to maximize natural light and blur indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Other architectural features include:
- Built-in nooks and window seats
- Exposed wooden beams.
- Shiplap or beadboard
- Stucco or cobblestone.
- & Large stone, marble, or brick fireplaces
Photo Source: 1: Leanne Ford Interiors 2. Studio McGee
Flooring Styles
Modern Cottage flooring often features wide-planked floorboards, offering both durability and rustic elegance. Popular choices include oak, mahogany, cherry, walnut, and maple.
These add warmth, character, and a sense of rustic charm to the space and are often finished with a natural or matte stain to enhance their beauty.
Other ideas include:
- Tumbled stone and natural stone tiles, such as limestone, slate, or marble.
- Ceramic or porcelain tiles.
- Decorative and durable Vinyl planks.
- & Natural fibre area rugs and runners made from jute, sisal, seagrass, wool, and time-worn Aubusson, and Persian designs.
Armadillo Nook | Nest | Natural
$170.00
Nest features a streamlined jute form inspired by the work of weaver birds. The organic palette invokes a subtle artisanal feel in the smallest of spaces to encourage a gentler pace of life. Materials: Fibre: Jute Colour: Natural Features: Relaxed Country… read more
Photo Source: Amber Lewis
Lighting Types
Modern Cottage light fixtures showcase streamlined designs with rustic accents. These fixtures are carefully selected to provide layered lighting, including ambient, accent, task, and mood lighting, all in warmer hues.
Ambient lighting includes chandeliers, woven rattan or sisal pendants, and contemporary dome and lantern-style pendants made from warm-tone metal, rusticated finishes, and glass.
Floor and table lamps can create cosy corners and reading nooks, with bases including chalky ceramic jug-style lamps, natural wood lamp bases, slender metal floor lamps, and classic wall sconces in antique brass or with fabric shades. SHOP LIGHTING
Photo Source: 1. Don Freeman 2. Jill Egan
Window Treatments
Next, window treatments consist of lightweight curtains made from linen or cotton in soft, neutral tones, allowing natural light to filter throughout the home.
Other ideas include:
- Woven blinds
- Sheer fabric Roman shades
- Plantation shutters
- & Layered treatments, such as pairing curtains with blinds or Roman shades.
Photo Source: Jill Egan Interiors
Furniture
Furniture prioritizes comfort, natural materials, and pared-back designs, with a mix of vintage, antique, and contemporary styles to create a lived-in feel.
For instance, upholstered or slipcovered seating crafted from natural fabrics such as linen, wool, leather, or cotton can harmonize seamlessly with rustic or painted wood furnishings, as well as rattan.
Achieving harmony between old and new elements is essential.
Here are some suggestions:
- Combine a classic rolled-arm sofa with a sleek floor lamp.
- Accentuate a modern coffee table with an antique vase or weathered vessel.
- Enhance a contemporary bedhead with soft linen bedding and relaxed layers for a cosy yet refined look.
- & Pair a rustic farmhouse table with slip-covered dining chairs.
Lichten Marble Topped Kitchen Island | Aged Black | Large | W145 x D75 x H91cm
$3,999.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, an additional freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase / standard delivery fee. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected… read more
Andy Oak & Rattan Dining Chair | Natural
$399.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, an additional freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase / standard delivery fee. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be… read more
Photo Source: Hale Mercantile Co.
Texture and Materials
Warmth and texture play pivotal roles, with elements such as natural stone, weathered brick, and a blend of light and dark woods offering a sense of cosiness and character.
Luxurious touches like stone or marble countertops elevate the space, while accents of unlacquered brass, leather, or lacquer introduce a contemporary feel.
When it comes to soft furnishings, opt for single tones with varied textures, alongside patterns like herringbone, chevron, French ticking and nature-inspired or floral prints.
Artwork and Mirrors
Artwork depicting landscapes, botanicals, oil portraits, still life art, or abstract designs resonates with the natural surroundings, bringing a sense of harmony to the space.
Strategically placed mirrors featuring plain or speckled glass amplify natural light, creating an airy and spacious feel throughout the room.
Photo Source: 1 Leanne Ford 2. Suzie Anderson Home
Accessories
From flea market finds to nature-inspired accents and sleek modern pieces, a mix of accessories adds depth and visual interest.
Something Loved
- Stacked vintage & coffee table books.
- Chalky ceramics
- Old breadboards
- Leather goods
- Rattan baskets and trays
- & Wooden Decor
Something with Lustre
- Glass vases & tea-light holders
- Sculptural Metal, or Marble Objects
- Modern and Vintage-Style Candleholders
- Enamelware Jars
- & Glossy Ceramics in warm neutrals
Round Rattan Tray | Antique Brown | SMALL SIZES
$50.00
Rattan Items Please be aware that rattan is a natural material, so each rattan product is unique. Natural variations are expected and normal, meaning that not all rattan items will have the same colour consistency. You may notice slight differences… read more
Luxe Cabbage Leaf Dinner Plate | Melamine
$26.00
Elevate your dining experience with our Luxe Melamine Cabbage Leaf Dinner Plate. This stunning piece captures the intricate beauty of nature, bringing a touch of elegance and whimsy to your table setting. Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions,… read more
Living Energy
Lastly, introduce living energy with external greenery, houseplants, and fresh and dried flowers to bring vitality, seasonality, and beauty to the home.
Ideas include:
- Boxwoods
- Geranium
- Dahlias
- Hydrangea
- Herb gardens
- Seasonal branches
- & Climbing flowers and foliage
Boxwood Pyramid Tree | 1.0m
$415.00
Prepare for a foliage fiesta with our artificial Boxwood Pyramid Tree, the epitome of green geometry and botanical brilliance. Crafted with dense, vibrant green foliage arranged in a striking pyramid shape, this faux masterpiece uses cutting-edge technology to create a… read more
Artificial Large Hydrangea Stem w Leaves | 75cm
$39.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, an additional freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase / standard delivery fee. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected… read more
