Decorating Styles
Decorating Guides
Outfit a Cottage-Style Remodel, Top to Bottom
If you're renovating with a cottage look in mind, these fixtures, finishes and accessories will bring on the charm
If you are planning to make changes to your whole house, whether it's all at once, or over time, it pays to come armed with a plan to keep the look consistent. In this series we will be rounding up ideas and inspiration for updating fixtures, finishes and more to create the look you want. We are beginning with a bevvy of ideas for a cottage-style remodel, so if a cheerful, fresh cottage is what you have in mind, you have come to the right place.
Cottage cheer begins at the front gate, so that is where we will begin our exploration of remodeling for cottage style. A classic white picket fence or low rock wall and lush garden are cottage musts.
Charleston 1-Light Outdoor Lantern
Try a pair of lantern-style sconces on the porch. Curvy lines and seeded glass give this wall lantern from Ballard Designs a vintage look that would be at home in any cottage.
Envelope Mailbox, Vintage Brass finish
This envelope mailbox is both functional and charming — the perfect accent for a cottage porch.
Or try this: A rural mailbox on a post in the yard near the picket fence would be a classic choice.
Or try this: A rural mailbox on a post in the yard near the picket fence would be a classic choice.
Woodpecker Knocker
Finish off your front door with a fun knocker, like this woodpecker knocker from Anthropologie. Not every house style can pull off a cute and quirky detail like this, but if you have an adorable cottage, go for it!
Or try this: Keep it classic with a traditional door knocker to add polish.
Or try this: Keep it classic with a traditional door knocker to add polish.
When renovating for cottage style, think fresh, light and cheerful. You can't go wrong with classic white or cream paint, great wood floors and beadboard on ceilings or walls.
Hundi Handblown Glass 3-light Lantern, Bronze finish
A beautiful yet simple glass pendant light like this one from Pottery Barn would work well in a cottage dining room. It's large enough to make a statement, but the clear glass means it won't overwhelm.
Or try this: Use a woven or rattan pendant to add textural appeal.
Or try this: Use a woven or rattan pendant to add textural appeal.
Classic white beadboard wainscoting with a simple chair rail and base molding can give a room that quintessential cottage look.
Filmore Oil-Rubbed Bronze Full-Dummy Knob Set
Doorknobs may be small, but details like these can make all the difference. Beautiful crystal knobs like this one would enhance interior doors with vintage charm.
These cut-glass knobs from Lowe's are a great budget-friendly alternative, giving you the look of crystal at a much more reasonable price.
White porcelain knobs are another cottage classic. The budget conscious can seek out ceramic knobs for a similar look.
For a charming cottage-style bath, choose fixtures and finishes with vintage flair. A pedestal sink, a claw-foot tub and classic subway tile are trendproof.
Cartwright Inset Medicine Cabinet
If your cottage bath is sporting fixtures from another (tackier) decade, bring it back to its original glory with beautifully simple pieces like this inset medicine cabinet from Restoration Hardware. It will look like it's been there forever.
Quinn Beaded Double Sconce
This double sconce would look subtly elegant hung over a medicine cabinet.
Traditional Bathroom Sinks
A pedestal sink is a can't-miss classic for a cottage-style bathroom. This one from Vintage Tub & Bath is especially handsome.
Metro Hex Glossy White Porcelain Mosaic Floor and Wall Tile
White hexagonal tiles are a timeless flooring option for a cottage bath. They look right at home paired with subway tile or beadboard wainscoting.
Traditional Bathtubs
If you have the space, a classic claw-foot tub can become the star of the bathroom. If you are bargain hunting, try a local salvage yard for a refurbished vintage tub instead of buying new.
Century Ceramic Hooks
It's the details that count — hang a smart hook behind the door for stowing extra towels or robes with class.
The kitchen is the heart and soul of a cottage-style home. Think sunlight streaming in through the windows, vintage light fixtures, mellow and cheerful colors, and unfussy surfaces. And of course a little beadboard never hurts.
Schoolhouse-inspired lights, butcher block, wood floors and simple cabinetry, along with some open shelving, are key to the cottage kitchen.
Sinclair Draftsman Porcelain Pendant
Thanks to its shape and beautiful mint-green color, this porcelain pendant light from the Barn Light Electric Company would look great hanging over a breakfast nook or island.
Wilamette 6 Pendant Light
For a classic schoolhouse look, you can't beat these pendants from Schoolhouse Electric.
Top Knobs M12 Dakota Cup Pull
For cabinet hardware choose something simple and straightforward. I like the look and feel of these classic bin pulls.
1 1/2-Inch Hexagonal Glass Knob, Nickel-Plated Bolt
Accent kitchen drawers and cabinets with these petite knobs, which have the look of vintage milk glass.
Värde Countertop
Ikea butcher block counters are inexpensive, warm, functional and perfectly suited to a cottage kitchen.
Rohl Handcrafted, Single-Basin, Fireclay, Apron-Front Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
Splurge on an apron-front farmhouse sink from Rohl — it's the classic and could become the centerpiece of your cottage kitchen. Pair it with a vintage-inspired gooseneck faucet.
Ceramic Basics Capriccio Tile, White Gloss
White subway tile makes a chic and inexpensive backsplash. This is such a common item, you should be able to find a great deal on it from a number of makers at any local building supply store.
Shelf Brackets
Cottage kitchens tend to be on the small side. Open yours up by replacing some of the upper cabinets with open shelving. Simple wooden brackets like these can be painted to match your wall color.
Ekby Tony/Ekby Stilig Wall Shelf
These simple wall shelves from Ikea are a great, quick option for adding storage to the kitchen.
Or try this: White Carrara marble shelves would make a luxurious addition to a cottage kitchen.
Or try this: White Carrara marble shelves would make a luxurious addition to a cottage kitchen.
Tell us: Are you renovating a cottage? Have any resources to share? Join the discussion!
More: So Your Style Is: Cottage
More: So Your Style Is: Cottage