Cottage Style Homes: When Cozy, Quaint, and Charming Collide

Picture a cozy home with arched doorways, a chimney, a charming front porch, and a stone or brick façade. Whether this house has beachfront views or is nestled in the countryside, you’ve envisioned a quaint cottage-style home. One of many popular home styles, cottage-style homes have stood the test of centuries for a reason. So whether you’re looking to buy a home in Atlanta, rent a home in Chicago, or bring some cottage-core style into your apartment in Los Angeles, CA, there’s lots to be learned from this quaint home style.

To help you decide if this is the right style home for you, we’ll explain what a cottage home is, its characteristics, pros and cons, different variations, and tips from experts on how to bring cottage style aesthetics into your home. Let’s jump in.

What is a cottage-style home?

A cottage home is a small property often associated with beach or country living, blending into nature with rustic details. These homes are typically one story, while some may have an additional half-story or second floor. They’re known for their cozy charm and can be a great option for a variety of homebuyers and renters.

History of cottage houses

Like many of the home styles out there, cottages are steeped in history, dating back to the Middle Ages (1400s-1500s). It’s unclear which country they originated in, but cottage house plans were popular in England, Norway, Finland, and Russia, among many other countries. The original style was built with a thatched roof and wood or stone exterior. It was typically a small house located in the countryside popular with the farming community.

By the 19th century, the cottage-style home migrated to the U.S. These homes quickly became popular vacation home styles along the East Coast, especially in areas like Cape Cod, MA, or Newport, RI. Since then, cottage-style houses have remained a staple beachside home and are even common in more populated and metropolitan areas.

Characteristics of a cottage-style home

Cottage homes have some common exterior and interior characteristics that make them unique to their style.

Exterior features

Unlike their English countryside counterparts, many modern cottages don’t have a thatched roof. Instead, most cottages have steeply pitched gable roofs. The exterior may be shingled and feature stone or brick accents. You’ll typically find a broad or wraparound porch, potentially a backyard deck, and an arched front door.

Many, but not all, cottages are asymmetrical, meaning the layout is not the same on each side. For example, you may find the door located off to one side of the home rather than in the middle.

Interior design

Cottage style homes embrace nature both inside and out, so you can expect to see a lot of the same natural charm indoors. There are plenty of cozy elements in a small space, from exposed beams and rafters to brick or stone walls and fireplaces. Many cottages have a more open floor plan, meaning your living space, dining room, and kitchen are all in one area. There are often one or two bedrooms and bathrooms. If your cottage has a second floor, you may have an attic space or another small bedroom.

Variations of cottage homes

There are lots of styles of cottage houses depending on the regions they’ve originated from or the style that the builder chose. Here are seven styles to consider if you’re looking for a cottage-style home.

English cottage

English cottages are the most well-known cottages, and chances are, what you picture when you imagine a cottage home. They’re typically a single-story home with a thatched-style roof and garden surrounding the entrance, which may creep up the home’s siding.

French cottage

These cottage homes usually have a stone exterior with climbing vines, brickwork, and clay-tiled roofs. French country cottages often have a fancier interior compared to other takes on the style.

American or coastal cottage

You may hear this style called “American” or “coastal,” but they’re one and the same when it comes to cottage styles. These cottages tend to have wide front porches, bay windows, wooden shingles, and white trim. You’ll find coastal cottages on both the east and west coast in areas like Cape Cod, MA, or Carmel, CA.

Canadian cottage

Canadian cottage-style homes are very similar to their American counterpart in style and location. The main difference is that these homes often have a second floor.

Nordic cottage

Nordic-style cottages, often found in Norway and Sweden, are typically built from wood and have bright red exteriors that stand out against the summer green and winter white countryside.

South African cottage

These cottage designs are made with stucco walls, and you’ll find traditional thatched roofs.

Cottage vs. bungalow: What’s the difference?

Bungalows aren’t necessarily cottages and are often misidentified as so. The bungalow house style is a one-and-a-half story home with a prominent front porch, gabled roof, and exposed beams inside. However, that doesn’t mean that a cottage can’t have a bungalow style.

Pros and cons of cottage-style homes

No matter what home you choose, be it a traditional rambler home or a historic Tudor-style house, there will be pros and cons. Here’s what you can expect from a cottage home.

Pros of a cottage

If you’re looking for a small house or vacation home, a cottage house may be perfect for you. With limited space and bedrooms, this can be great for those who want a charming house that doesn’t require too much upkeep. Cozy cottage-style homes are also great for those who want to live outside of the city center and enjoy a rustic, natural-looking house.

Cons of a cottage

Cottage houses are often, but not exclusively, located in beachside or countryside towns rather than big cities. So if you’re looking for a home in the heart of New York City, you may not find a cottage there. Cottages are also smaller in square footage, so they may not be the best choice for those on the hunt for a home with more than two bedrooms. They also have a more rustic interior, so if you love a more modern and sleek home, cottages may not fit your style.

Where to find cottage-style houses in your area

If you’ve decided that this quaint and charming house is right for you, Redfin can help you find a cottage home in your area.

1. Go to Redfin.com and type into the Search Bar either the city’s name or the zip code (for example, Monterey, CA) where you’d like to begin looking for a house. Press enter.

2. Near the top of the next page, on the right side, you will see “All filters.” Click on that and scroll to the “Keywords” box near the bottom of the page.

3. Type the word “cottage” into the Keywords box and press Apply Filters. That’s all. Homes within the city name or zip code you entered will populate the page, and you’ll be able to begin your search. 

Expert tips on bringing cottage style into your home

If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of living in a cottage-style home but can’t afford to move, Redfin reached out to a wealth of experts in interior design, interior decorating, construction, and more to curate a list of tips and tricks for incorporating the elements of “cottage core” into your home. Read on to learn more. 

Know what you’re going for

“Cottage-style homes have a timeless charm, blending coziness with character in a way that feels both welcoming and nostalgic. Often featuring rustic elements like exposed beams, stone fireplaces, and vintage-inspired decor, these homes offer a sense of tranquility that invites relaxation. 

Whether tucked away in the countryside, nestled in a quaint coastal town, or on a lake, cottage homes evoke a sense of simple, peaceful living. The warm, inviting interiors make you want to retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life and curl up with a soft, well-worn quilt by the fire or outside around the firepit while roasting marshmallows.” – Stacy Moher of Living Interiors of Connecticut, LLC, a full-service interior decorating and design firm specializing in residential and commercial environments.

Embrace the quirks

“Cottage style is all about embracing the quirks!  Forget about everything matching perfectly — a little mismatched furniture and some unique, handmade touches are what make a cottage feel like home.  A slightly wonky shelf or a vintage find with a bit of character? That just adds to the charm.  And when it comes to materials, think natural all the way.  Wood, stone, linen… they’re your best friends for creating that warm, cozy vibe.  Exposed beams, woven rugs, simple wood furniture – that’s the stuff that makes a cottage feel so inviting and down-to-earth” – Kevin with Newroom.io, an AI-powered interior design tool for homeowners and professionals. 

Bring in some greenery

“The great thing about the cottagecore design scheme is, it doesn’t have to break the bank! Want to transition your home to a cottage core aesthetic? Start by bringing in greenery, dried flowers, vintage finds, and books. These elements can be sourced inexpensively through flea markets, resale shops, and estate sales.” – Holly Jones of Branson Upstaging, a home staging and design company in Hollister, MO. 

Add a wooden accent wall

“A simple and budget-friendly way to create a cottage feel inside your home is to add a wooden accent wall. You can use reclaimed or aged wood for extra charm. We like to vary the plank width, color, or wood type to add visual interest. Look for wood planks that are at various stages of finish to add texture. For example, add planks which are rough cut or with mill marks for an old style cottage look.” – PDX HomeWorks, a remodeling contractor in Portland, Oregon.

Prioritize simple and cozy

“Cottage style interiors are all about creating simple, cozy spaces that have a sense of nostalgia and rustic charm about them.  Think carefully curated, vintage furniture and fabrics, combined with soft, pastel color palettes, and natural materials. It’s a great style to achieve on a tight budget as it’s about creating a lived-in look and is well suited to pre-loved pieces and mismatched items. Choose natural materials such as wood, linen, wool, and wicker baskets to add warmth and texture and combine with nature-inspired elements such as floral prints, fresh flowers and potted plants. Layer in table lamps with soft, warm blubs to create a cozy aesthetic and complete the look.” – Kim Heslip, an interior designer with Nest and Flourish Interiors.

Blend antique furniture with modern comforts

“Cottage style is about embracing the beauty of imperfections, making a space feel effortlessly cozy and lived-in. The most affordable way to achieve cottage style is by blending antique or thrifted furniture with modern comforts for a timeless feel. Textures also play a key role in the cottage aesthetic, so adding beadboard, shiplap, or board and batten to walls and ceilings will instantly add charm and character. 

Another way to incorporate cottage style is to layer patterns such as florals, stripes, and ginghams. To ensure patterns don’t clash, focus on one large-scale pattern and mix in smaller patterns with complementary colors. At its heart, cottage style celebrates imperfection and lived-in beauty, so don’t be afraid to try something new!” – Caitlin De Lay, a home and DIY blogger. 

Maximize storage and functionality without losing the aesthetic

“Eastbank Interiors, Inc. has been in the Portland area for the past four decades. Designing cabinets for our market gives us countless opportunities to enhance charming cottage-style homes with our exceptional custom cabinet selections. Since these homes are often smaller, we embrace the challenge of maximizing storage and functionality, making the most of every corner with smart pull-out solutions.

Cottage-style homes also tend to have a quirky, eclectic charm, allowing us to get creative with colors, textures, and a mix of materials that enhance their cozy, inviting atmosphere — the very essence of cottage living.

With modern design flexibility and innovative appliances, we can seamlessly blend contemporary convenience with timeless cottage aesthetics, creating kitchens that feel both updated and perfectly in tune with the home’s unique character.” – Hagar Azoulay of Eastbank Interiors, a company in Portland, OR, offering kitchen and bath design, custom cabinetry, countertops, and remodeling services.

Decorate with florals and botanicals

“To bring the cottagecore aesthetic into your home, think patterns of florals, vintage botanicals, and delicate nature-inspired prints. Hanging wall art with soft watercolor landscapes or pressed flower illustrations adds an old-world charm that feels timeless and cozy. Layer in a textured throw blanket in muted earth tones to enhance the warmth and create a space that feels both inviting and cozy.” – Tina Sperrazza of Durazza, a provider of premium puzzles and eco-conscious home decor.

Layer natural textures

“To create a true ‘cottage core’ aesthetic, focus on layering natural textures like linen drapes, woven baskets, and vintage-inspired table linens. Soft, muted color palettes — think warm whites, sage greens, and dusty rose — help enhance the cozy, lived-in charm that defines cottage style.” – All Cotton and Linen, an online boutique for 100 percent natural and organic cotton textiles.

Keep it simple, source locally, and be boldly you

“’Cottage Core’ brings both the tranquil atmosphere and individualistic style that we all need moving into 2025. Three ways to bring this style and energy into your space:

1. Simplicity: ‘The Cottage’ is about practicality and comfort, less is truly more.
2. Source locally: In the city, country or waterfront, source your materials and decor from your context or local community for geographic distinction.
3. Be boldly you: Fill your space with things that bring you comfort and happiness, after all, this is your cottage, enjoy living in it!”

– SOGO Spec, an architecture and interior design firm in Atlanta, GA. 

Blend natural materials with soft hues

“To evoke a true cottage core aesthetic, blend natural, weathered materials like reclaimed wood and stone with soft, pastel hues and cozy textiles. This mix not only highlights the home’s vintage charm but also creates an inviting space that feels both timeless and modern.”

Abdus Saboor Danish of Archova Visuals, a company offering 3D architectural visualization and rendering services.

Utilize a nature-inspired color palette

“Cozy cottage-style interiors embrace a soothing, nature-inspired color palette that feels effortlessly inviting. Soft whites, creamy beiges, and dreamy pastels like blush pink, sage green, and powder blue create a light, airy ambiance reminiscent of a sunlit meadow. Earthy tones — think warm taupe, terracotta, and misty grays — add depth and a touch of rustic charm, evoking the coziness of a countryside retreat. Delicate florals, classic ginghams, and subtle plaids weave these hues together, infusing spaces with a timeless, nostalgic warmth.” – Sally Bunting, a contemporary artist based in Charleston, SC.

Embrace natural elements in all aspects of your home

“Cottage core style is more than just an aesthetic, it is also a feeling like a warm hug from your home. One tip to achieve that feeling is to embrace beautiful, natural elements in not just the decor of your home but also the utility items. 

The items we bring into our homes can be both functional AND beautiful. So trade that plastic pot scrubber for a natural bristle brush, layer it on a vintage saucer, and decant your dish soap into an amber bottle to make dishwashing and your kitchen just a little more cottage core.” – Angie’s Roost, a home renovation blog.

Use feminine style in the home 

“Cottage core is more of a feminine style that embraces a cozy and comfortable, unfussy style. It borrows a lot of elements from English countryside homes that are a bit more rustic. To bring it into the home, use floral feminine patterns in fabrics, patterned wallpaper, vintage/thrifted decor, muted colors like pale blues and greens and buttery yellows and beiges.” – Cristina Lehman of C.Lehman Home, a virtual interior design studio serving clients nationwide. 

Incorporate florals, rustic touches, polish, storytelling, and great fabrics

“Do you love whimsy? Florals? Soft colors and the feeling of the English countryside? If you said yes to these questions, perhaps you’re ready to embrace the cottage core design style. Cottage core incorporates that casual feeling of a little bit rustic, with a little bit polished. Here are some tips to bring this style to your home. 

• Always bring in a floral! This can come in the form of a tiny print wallpaper, fresh flowers, artwork, or fabrics. Adding florals will help bring in the romance and natural vibes of this style.
• Look for adding a little bit of a rustic touch. Adding a pillow with a worn/ frayed edge, looking for an antique furniture piece, or maybe a hand-me-down quilt, is a perfect way to add in that soft feeling of not too perfect. 
• Add a little polish! Keeping the right balance of worn and polished helps give this look that soft and not too formal feeling. Finding those perfect silver candlesticks or a gold framed mirror to add to your space will add the perfect touch.
• Do some story telling! Cottage Core is all about the feeling of the space and the story it is telling. Add some fun elements like bunny figurines, pictures of an English countryside, or a pair of rain boots as decor. Let your space have its own story and be a setting for a great cup of tea and a good book.
• Finish the look off with great fabrics, like a crocheted lace, linen, or flour sack. Keep it casual and informal to give that lived-in look that looks like you didn’t even try, it’s just naturally always been that way.”

– Heather West of Designs by Heather LLC, an interior design firm in the Jacksonville area.

Try blending cottage charm with a boho vibe

“I love mixing cozy cottage charm with a laid-back boho vibe. Cottage style doesn’t have to be all frills and florals – why not shake it up with earthy textures, vintage finds, plenty of greenery, and collected pieces from your travels that make it yours? Think rattan lighting, Moroccan pouffes, and handcrafted baskets for warmth and depth. A nature-inspired palette of sage greens, soft whites, and warm terracottas keeps things fresh, while layered textiles and meaningful accents add that effortless, lived-in feel. 

The best part? There are no rules. Have fun with it, incorporate pieces that bring you joy, and create a home that truly feels like you.” – Kelly Moorcroft of Spaces by Kelly, a Manchester-based residential interior design studio

Treat storage as decoration

“If your home isn’t a true cottage, fear not; cottage-style home aesthetics pair well with craftsman, colonial, Tudor, or even Cape Cod homes. One tip for styling, particularly in kitchens, is to treat storage as decoration. Hanging racks of pots and pans can fill visual space, while exposed storage or glass-paneled cabinetry show off stacks of colorful stoneware or dry goods stored in glass jars.” – Bailey Shelton, Associate Editor of Haven Magazine, a local publication about all things design and construction. 

Old elements, neutral colors and sage greens

“Work with vintage elements that feel a little more old world. Even as simple as a vintage vase or vintage pillows brings a cottage feel into your home. For colors, neutrals and even different shades of sage greens feel right.” – Eddie Mickenberg of Eddie Mickenberg Interior Design, an interior design studio based in Los Angeles, CA.

Collect, don’t coordinate

“Use collected, not coordinated, decor by mixing antique or handmade pieces with well-worn furniture to give your cottage a sense of history and charm. A mix of heirloom finds, vintage lighting, and hand-thrown pottery will make the space feel personal and effortlessly cozy rather than overly styled.” – John of Fancy House Design, an online interior design platform.

Romanticize your life through decor choices

“If you are enamored with antiques, candlelit dinners, and cozy color schemes, then incorporating elements of a cottage-style home into your lifestyle is easier than you think. Embracing the ‘Cottagecore’ style means romanticizing your life through unique decor choices, such as antiques, that tell a story. Vintage pieces such as patinaed walnut dressers donned with centuries-old books stacked with brass candlesticks are some simple ways to style a bedroom. 

Simplicity is key. Centuries ago in the English and French countryside, people handcrafted things out of wood, metals such as brass and iron, and natural dyes that were used in paints and fabrics. Earth tones such as ochre, creams, deep reds, muted blues, and dark greens are popular Cottagecore colors that can be brought in through wall paint, floral block print bed linens and wallpapers, and natural linen window coverings.” – Darcy Oliver with Darcy Oliver Design, an interior designer, writer, and event planner based in San Diego, CA.

Blend cozy traditional interiors with contemporary sensibilities

“Blending the charm of rustic living with the sleek, purposeful vibes of modern design, Modern Cottagecore is taking the world by storm. This trend merges cozy traditional interiors with contemporary sensibilities, bringing artisan craftsmanship and modern tailoring together under one roof. Whether you’re a seasoned home decorator or just beginning to refine your space, Modern Cottagecore offers a refreshing, personal, and sustainable style that fits every home.” – LetsRenovate.com, a home improvement magazine and remodeling guide.

Strike a balance between eclectic and elegant

The key element of English cottage home decor is to achieve the balance between eclecticism and elegance.  Once you achieve this perfect harmony, any room will give a warm welcome to anyone coming in, and at the same time will radiate elegance with ease. The English cottage home decor style is beloved for its timeless elegance and cozy charm. By combining a soft colour palette with antiques, you can create a space that feels inviting and refined, like a scene from a classic novel or a painting by a master artist.” – Lizzet Frausto, an online boutique for home decor.

Natural materials, muted colors, and plants

“Use natural materials like wood, linen, and wool to create warmth and texture. Decorate with vintage furniture, floral prints, and cozy accents like knitted blankets and lace curtains. Incorporate plants, dried flowers, and soft, ambient lighting for a serene, old-world charm. Stick to muted, earthy tones like sage green, warm beige, and soft pastels to enhance the cozy atmosphere.” – DreamDen Ai, a home and interior design AI and marketplace.

Greenery, personal touches, muted colors, and rustic vibes.

“Are you looking to enhance the cottage core vibe? To make your home nice, cozy, and cottage-style, try the following tricks: 

1. Add wood, wicker, or vintage floral decorations to include rustic charm. 
2. Don’t be scared of using muted colors. Those may include sage green, light pink, or buttery yellow. They will help to create an inviting and warm appearance. 
3. Use personal touches! Handmade items can help here: knitted throws or ceramic mugs will make your place super cozy.
4. Adding greenery always helps: it will help foster a connection to nature. 

With all these little but important touches, your space can feel like a warm and inviting oasis.” – the team at Genense, a 3D visualization and rendering studio.

Vintage books, pine furniture, and more

“To create a charming cottage-style home, incorporate wicker accents, peg racks, and baskets for a cozy, lived-in feel. Decorative plates and floral ceramics add vintage charm, while quilts and embroidered linens bring warmth and texture. Opt for pine furniture and terracotta pieces to enhance the rustic appeal. Finish the look with vintage cookbooks and farm animal décor for a touch of nostalgia.” – Isabelle de Braux of Soho, an AI-powered real estate platform. 

Illuminate your cottage home with cozy and warm lighting

“A cottage-style home exudes warmth, nostalgia, and timeless beauty. With its gabled roof, arched doorways, and stone accents, the right lighting can enhance these features while creating an inviting ambiance. Here’s how to illuminate your cottage home to highlight its charming architectural elements.

Emphasizing the gabled roof — A defining feature of many cottages, the gabled roof can be enhanced with thoughtful lighting.

• Uplighting: Placing ground-level uplights at the base of the home casts a dramatic glow upward, drawing attention to the gabled silhouette at night.
• Ridge lighting: Subtle LED strip lights along the roofline can accentuate the angles and add depth.
• Pendant or hanging lanterns: If your gable extends over an entryway or porch, consider a rustic lantern or pendant light to enhance the home’s fairytale appeal.

Highlighting arched doorways — Arched doorways evoke an old-world charm, and the right lighting ensures they remain a focal point.

• Wall sconces: Placing symmetrical sconces on either side of an arched doorway provides a balanced glow while emphasizing the curve.
• Recessed lighting: If your archway is deeply set, subtle recessed lighting can add a soft illumination without overpowering the feature.
• Pathway lights: Low-level pathway lights leading up to the arched entrance can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Accentuating a stone chimney — A stone chimney serves as both a functional and aesthetic element of a cottage home.

• Spotlighting: A well-placed spotlight at the base of the chimney can create a striking visual at night, bringing out the rich textures of the stone.
• Wall-mounted lanterns: If the chimney extends along the home’s exterior, consider rustic lanterns mounted nearby to complement its earthy tones.
• Firelight glow: If the chimney is operational, the flickering glow of a fire indoors naturally enhances the outside structure’s charm.

Showcasing atone accents — Stonework adds rustic elegance to a cottage, and lighting can enhance its depth and texture.

• Grazing lights: Installing lights close to the stone surface at an angle creates dramatic shadows and highlights the rugged texture.
• Warm LEDs: Choose warm-toned bulbs (2700K-3000K) to maintain the natural, cozy feel of stone elements.
• Under-lit features: If stone is used on pathways or walls, consider under-lighting these areas for a soft and subtle glow.

Creating a cozy outdoor ambiance — The exterior of a cottage home should feel just as inviting as the interior.

• String lights: Draping string lights along a porch or pergola enhances the whimsical charm.
• Lantern-style fixtures: Traditional cottage aesthetics pair well with lantern-style lighting, whether for porches, patios, or garden paths.
• Solar path lights: Lining walkways with soft solar-powered lights ensures a magical nighttime appeal while being energy-efficient.

Final thoughts

Lighting a cottage-style home requires a balance between function and aesthetics. By focusing on your home’s standout features — gabled roofs, arched doorways, stone chimneys, and stone accents—you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that enhances its storybook charm. Whether through dramatic uplighting, rustic lanterns, or subtle recessed fixtures, the right lighting will bring your cottage to life, day or night.”

– Steve Gogatz of Innovative Light Designs, a lighting company offering architectural outdoor lighting for homes and commercial buildings.