Country Cottage | The Oak Furniture Land Blog - Style and Inspiration for your Home Style and Inspiration Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:01:33 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-OFL_Leaf_Stem_RGB_Green-32x32.png Country Cottage | The Oak Furniture Land Blog - Style and Inspiration for your Home 32 32 How to get the cottagecore look https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/country-cottage-style-home-inspiration/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:00:14 +0000 http://blog.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/?p=2136 Whether you’re at home in an urban world or love the rural life, incorporating some cottagecore style brings a beautiful year-round cosiness to your interior design. Here's how to get this lovely look in your home.

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The Cottagecore aesthetic has taken the world of interiors by storm, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia, comfort, and rustic charm. Rooted in a love for the simple and whimsical, this trend is about creating a home that feels both lived-in and deeply personal. One of the easiest ways to bring this look to life is through your choice of furniture and colour palette.

The beauty of the Cottagecore look is that you don’t need to have a period property to embrace it. Every home, even a new build, can incorporate elements of this enchanting, cottage-inspired style. By echoing classic and traditional home features and creating a cosy, homely space, we take a look at how you bring a touch of country cottage charm to your home.

1. Embrace earthy tones

Eloise sofa | Newton bookcase | Halo coffee table | Halo side table | Richmond desk | Yazmin rug

Given the intrinsic rural setting of English country cottages, a great way to recreate the look is by using natural, warm, and earthy tones. Think dusky pinks, russet browns, wheat yellows, and gorgeous natural greens. Decorating with earthy colours in the home not only brings a sense of ease and calm but also creates a feeling of homely contentment. We love the warm and inviting embrace of this colour-hugging pink living room, which evokes comfort and cosiness with a feminine touch.

Noah coffee table | @at_home_in_the_hayward

If you find these colours a tad too rich, opt for lighter shades of greige (grey and beige) or sage and add pops of colour to layer and brighten the space.

2. Mix and match wood furniture

Richmond desk | Kingham chair | Eloise sofa

There’s certainly nothing pristine or overly coordinated about the cottagecore look. It’s all about mixing and matching by blending different styles of wood furniture, such as painted pieces combined with natural oak accents. Many of us who have collected a variety of pieces over the years may have already embraced the joy of eclectic furniture.

The sense of cohesion you’re looking for will come through when you add the finishing touches like this painted Richmond desk mixed with the natural wooden chair and vintage accessories.

3. Blend Old and New

Eloise sofa | Halo coffee table | Yazmin rug | Eloise armchair | Newton bookcase

Cottagecore thrives on the art of curation — blending antique finds with contemporary touches. A modern coffee table alongside a vintage-inspired rug creates both character and contrast. Stacked aged books beside contemporary artwork propped against the wall add layers of personality.

Embracing imperfection is key; well-loved ceramics, handwoven textiles, and mixed materials bring depth and warmth to the space.

4. Indulge in farmhouse silhouettes

A dresser and kitchen-kitchen dining furniture-wooden dresser painted neutral-neutral walls-neutral kitchen units-upholstered dining chair

Henley dresser | Harper chair

Reflect the charm of the modern farmhouse with gorgeous, classic silhouettes. From traditional hallway units in the entranceway or boot room to beautiful country cottage kitchen dressers, weave the cottage feel into your home through the shape and style of your furniture choices.

5. Go wild with wood panelling

Cream Oak Furnitureland Ashby sofa in an olive green living room with neutral accents.

Ashby sofa | @ourruralnest

Panelling has soared in popularity over the past few years, becoming the go-to choice for refreshing interiors without a hefty price tag. It’s also a great option for renters looking for a temporary revamp, as it can be easily removed when moving house.

While it may seem like a new trend, panelling has been around for centuries. A blend between country cottage and manor house, panelling takes us back to the 17th century. Today, there are so many different styles to choose from, including modern twists that add a fresh touch to this timeless feature.

Learn how to add architectural character to your home including panelling ideas with experts, Skirtings R Us.

6. Live in full bloom

Burleigh bedside table | @thelightshesees

Perhaps the easiest element of the Cottagecore look that we can all take inspiration from is the use of fresh flowers. Reflect the countryside feel of the surrounding meadows with gorgeous floral delights in every corner. Fill your home with fresh, seasonal flowers and house plants across your main spaces — particularly the bedroom, kitchen-diner and living room for the greatest uplift.

7. Be bold with botanical prints

Burleigh side table | @our_wandsworth_home

Flowers aren’t limited to physical bouquets in classic country-inspired interiors. Consider wallpaper, wall art, and botanical-print fabrics for the ultimate cottage-style look. Go bold by mixing floral and foliage patterns, then soften the look with elegant, neutral furniture.

If big and bold isn’t your thing, simply add floral accents to your home through cushions, throws and paintings. We love the natural feel these blooms add to this classically styled living room.

8. Create a reading nook haven

Eloise armchair | Eloise sofa | Newton bookcase | Halo side table | Yazmin rug

A well-stocked bookcase filled with classic literature and well-loved novels adds the perfect touch of charm to any Cottagecore living room. Paired with an inviting armchair and soft lighting, it transforms into an idyllic retreat for tea-sipping and page-turning. Incorporate baskets for storing throws, a small side table like Halo for your cup of tea, and an oversized cushion for the ultimate cosy corner.

You should now be ready to embrace the country cottage dream! We’d love to see how you’ve styled this look in your own homes, so be sure to tag us on Instagram and use #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

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How to choose an accent chair https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/how-to/choose-an-accent-chair/ Fri, 24 May 2024 08:45:13 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=16818 Now that you’ve decluttered your home, if you’re looking for a way to spruce up your tidy living space but don’t have the time, money, or perhaps the patience to…

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Now that you’ve decluttered your home, if you’re looking for a way to spruce up your tidy living space but don’t have the time, money, or perhaps the patience to rethink the whole decor of a room, adding an accent chair could be the perfect way to change things up.

Accent furniture is a statement piece that stands out from the rest of the room by adding colour, definition, or drama to a living space. It’s a perfect way to add some personality to your home with new colours, textures, or shapes. Plus, accent chairs are versatile enough to be used anywhere such as in your lounge, bedroom, office, hallway – or perhaps a quiet nook where you might like to take a seat and have a few minutes of peace.

So, in the hunt to find your perfect accent chair, we’ve pulled together some things to consider…

How will I use it?


Alexander chair | Henley tallboy

If you’re creating a reading nook, then depending on the space, you might want a chair that is a little bigger to relax in. If the chair is to be a focal point in your living room and is likely to be used quite regularly then you could consider something that reclines, or perhaps team it with a matching footstool for a bold style statement.

In the bedroom, a chair can create a cosy ambience but probably needs to be a bit smaller to allow free movement around the room. Likewise, for a hallway or any other high-traffic area in your home, a smaller, more compact chair would be most suitable.

You could also use your accent chairs as extra seating for your dining table. The perfect way to cater for additional or unexpected guests, without the need to have spare dining chairs stored away or having to get the wobbly stool out of the cupboard! Ensure that you select firm, sturdy chairs that are the correct height for the table to allow your guests to reach the table comfortably – as a guide, a chair that has a seat 16-18 inches from the floor works best.

What colour armchair should I choose?


Harris chair | Richmond nest of tables

Now here comes the most fun part of choosing new furniture.

Since you want your accent chair to create visual interest in a room, it’s a good idea to choose something that contrasts with the existing decor – think ‘opposites attract’. If you have a room that is full of colour or pattern, then choosing a simple plain piece can add variation and depth.

Alternatively, if your room is decorated in a more muted style, a striking chair that picks out a colour or tone in the room can bring a pop of colour. Or throw total caution to the wind and choose a colour that is completely different to make a statement. In a nutshell, when it comes to colour there are no rules, anything goes!

Do I need to consider the fabric?

Aside from colour, it’s also worth considering the fabric you choose. If the room has a lot of woven fabrics, perhaps a leather chair would offer a bit of variety and provide a durable, hardworking solution for busy rooms. Similarly, if leather isn’t your thing,why not go for a plush velvet to add an interesting texture?

How do I pick a style of armchair?


Halle chair

As you have probably guessed, we favour contrasting our accent furniture with the rest of the room, whether that be through colour, fabric, or even style. A modern, fresh, and minimal room will look fantastic with a traditional wingback or curvaceous chair in a paired back colour, adding an interesting silhouette to the room. When it comes to choosing accent furniture, then the possibilities are endless!

We’d love to see how you use accent pieces in your home. Don’t forget to share your photos with us by tagging us on Instagram or using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

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How to Create a Cottage Style Home https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/how-to-create-a-cottage-style-home/ Wed, 16 May 2018 12:43:05 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=17380 We all fell in love with Kate Winslet’s stunning country cottage in The Holiday. Quaint, perfectly formed with beams and thatched roof and a host of details that made it…

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We all fell in love with Kate Winslet’s stunning country cottage in The Holiday. Quaint, perfectly formed with beams and thatched roof and a host of details that made it look like the perfect place to live out your English country dreams.

However, if you are yearning for the cottage style in your own home, you certainly don’t have to have a period property to enjoy it. Every home – even a new-build – can enjoy this easy-to-live-with, charming and forgiving country cottage look simply by incorporating all the classic elements of cottage style.

Classic Styles

Shay Dining Set

Shay Dining Set & Shay Small Dresser

One of the most charming aspects of country style is its collected nature. Mixing classic and traditional details is a must, grounding the space in timelessness. Look out for pieces – either new or old – with elements that hark back to centuries-old tradition.

Pale and Airy Colours

Shay Range Bedroom

Shay Double Bed, Shay Bedside Table, Shay Blanket Box, Shay Double Wardrobe & Shay Drawer Chest

Generally speaking, cottages tend to have lower ceilings and smaller windows. In order to keep things bright and cheerful, keep your palette light and airy, mixing creams and whites with soft pinks, duck egg blue, mint greens or buttercup yellow.

Comfortable Deep Sofas and Chairs

Rustic Living Room

Gainsborough Sofa, Original Rustic Lamp Table & Original Rustic Large Sideboard

There’s no room in cottage style for stiff or unforgiving furniture. Give in to comfort by choosing sofas and chairs with deep seats, plush arms and comfy backs to sink in and relax a while.

Painted Furniture

Kemble Dining Range

Kemble Dining Set, Kemble Large Dresser & Kemble Small Sideboard

One of the most common elements of cottage style is painted furniture. While the popular shabby chic look relies heavily on distressing, there’s a fine line between the shabby and the chic. So make sure you mix in some newer painted furniture alongside more distressed furniture to keep the look fresh and welcoming.

Floral Fabrics and Chevron Patterns

KEMBLE COFFEE TABLEKemble Side Table, Kemble Coffee Table & Kemble Tall Bookcase

For the perfect country cottage look, choose your fabrics wisely. Soft florals reminiscent of a country meadow work well with this look as do chevron patterns. Mix these with plain and textured fabrics in a mix of coordinating colours.

Flowers and Plants

Bevel 6 Drawer Chest

Bevel Drawer Chest

Of course, the country cottage look wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of fresh flowers and greenery. Avoid the long-stem-red-roses grandeur and look out for flowers that could have been plucked from your back garden. Loosely arrange them in vintage pitchers or vases for an unfussy but perfectly pretty embellishment for your space.

Vintage Accents

French Farmhouse Dining Set

And finally, be sure to bring some personality into your country cottage look with vintage lighting, accents and accessories. Hit up your local charity shops or car boot sales (or your older relatives’ loft space!) for inexpensive pieces that add life and history to your room.

If you are looking for more cottage style inspiration, check out our blog post here!

Is this a look you love? We’d love to see how you’ve incorporated cottage style in your own home! Share with us over on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

 

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