Home & Lifestyle 14 May, 2021
How To Create A Charming Cottage Feel In Any Home
Whether it's the chocolate box aesthetics of The Cotswolds or the rustic allure of the Devon countryside, British cottages offer a historic charm like no other. From original features and expressive architecture to cosy nooks and kooky florals, it's no wonder that cottagecore has cemented itself as one of the most popular interior trends this year.
But you don't have to escape to the country to achieve the same warm and fuzzy feelings in your own home. Westfield London's Home Quarter has everything you need to bring the homey and cheerful feel of a character property into your interiors. Regardless of whether you prefer a traditional chintzy style or a modern chic take on the trend, we have a wide range of furniture, furnishings and accessories to transform your home this season. Tea and scones, anyone?
RE-THINK YOUR SOFA
Nothing says 'come in and curl up by the fire' like a big, cosy sofa. Add a distinct cottagecore feel with a statement floral print design (to go with your imaginary cottage garden of course) or channel To The Manor Born with a more formal approach with an oversized linen style. If committing to an all-over print is too overwhelming, consider floral or countryside-themed cushion covers instead for a cosy accent. Think pheasants, trees, chickens or other nature-inspired prints.
Morland Plain Body 4 Seater Pillow Back Sofa, £1299 DFS
Wallis 3 Seater Sofa Smart Luxe Velvet Aura, £2,679 Heal's
MISMATCH YOUR PRINTS
Although we may be subconsciously trained to uniform our colours and aesthetics when it comes to our interiors, cottagecore is about creating a more lived-in, welcome feel which includes mixing it up. Give the impression that you've picked up different pieces from antique halls, vintage fairs and village shops by throwing the rule book out of the window and opting for mismatched cushions, furniture and accessories.
Agra Garden Tassel Cushion, £10 Habitat
Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Bedspread, £220 John Lewis & Partners
BRING WOOD INTO THE ROOM
Charming cottages have a natural warmth about them by incorporating natural elements in a space. Wood is a fantastic material to do that and being a more rustic feel to your home. Whether it's an oak coffee table, mango wood sideboard or pine stool, it will lend a more traditional air to the room.
Pair of Solid Wood Kitchen Stools, £35 Habitat
Swoon Karla Armchair, Light Leg, Thunder Weave, £639 John Lewis & Partners
ADD SOME CHARACTER
Authentic British cottages are rife with character – from wonky rooms wall to exposed brickwork, they ooze a life well lived. But, you can still achieve the same look in a modern space by being savvy with your furnishings. If adding wooden or stone floors isn't an option, think about faux brick wallpaper, adding coving, ceiling roses or even opting for more traditional furnishings such as a roll-top bath, wood wall panelling or rustic accessories.
Amtico Signature Wood Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring, Worn Oak, £65 per m2 John Lewis & Partners
CHOOSE EARTHY COLOURS
If you want your home to look country-chic rather than chintzy, a neutral and earthy colour scheme can add a sleeker aesthetic with a more contemporary edge. Natural accents such as a sisal carpet or rug, wrought iron bed or linen lampshades have all the makings of a 21st century cottage that is elegant and modern.
Hanson Jute Rug Olive, £151 Heal's
Washed Linen Tablecloth, £34.99 H&M Home
Green Plate, £9.99 H&M Home
HANA NO MA II, £639 BoConcept
Barnes Table Lamp, £99 Raft
ADD WARMTH
A welcoming home is a warm home and no, we don't mean by cranking up the heating! All cottages give a come-in-the-kettle's-on vibe due to their homey feel which you can achieve by adding a few cosy accessories. Whether it's soft lighting, rustic storage boxes or botanical touches, the devil is in the detail.
Artificial Olive Tree, £249 West Elm
Rattan Storage Basket, £34.99 H&M Home