As soon as autumn hits we all dream of escaping to a cosy cottage, curling up by a fire, cocooned in many layers of knitwear with a hot drink never far away. It’s the reason it’s an interior style that’s so coveted – that effortlessly relaxed, incredibly inviting feeling to a home that we all long to create, especially at this time of year.
And you needn’t live in an actual cottage in the countryside to recreate this aesthetic, it’s a style that can be adapted to suit any home, anywhere. Furniture Village’s new autumn collection is perfect for bringing a touch of the cosy cottage feel into your rooms, it’s characterful, subtly colourful, filled with whimsical patterns and classic shapes.
No one knows and loves this timeless look more than interior stylist Pippa Blenkinsop who spends her days creating this at-ease style in other people’s homes and her own country cottage. We spoke with her about how to create a cosy cottage appeal, no matter where you live, with the help of Furniture Village’s new autumn collection.
What does the cosy cottage style look and feel like to you?
Country cottage style is a look which is close to my heart. As a child, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a chocolate-box thatched cottage in the Cotswolds and I now live in a Victorian cottage nearby which I’m slowly turning into a cosy sanctuary. As an interior stylist and journalist, I’ve styled and written about countless charming cottages over the years and I never fail to be captivated by their nostalgic, rustic charm.
Cottage style isn’t just about creating a look, it’s about a feel. For me, the appeal of the look centres around its relaxed, lived-in feel and effortless blend of function, comfort and quirkiness. Walking into a country cottage is like receiving a big hug, you instantly feel at home and ready to kick your feet up. Aesthetically natural materials abound, along with cosy, tactile textures. Layers of patterned fabrics hark back to simpler times, while carefully curated vintage collectables, ceramics and artwork bring unique personality and character.
Why do you think this is such a coveted style and timeless trend?
The beauty of the cosy cottage style is that it’s a look that feels as if it’s evolved organically over time. There are no strict design rules - nothing is too ‘matchy’ and comfort takes the lead. At the heart of the look are high quality, functional pieces of furniture modelled on traditional designs which set the tone for a timeless aesthetic. Practical, well-made pieces which combine function and style form the foundation of the look. These pieces can be styled with a range of different accessories whatever your taste.
What are your tips for bringing the cosy cottage look into any home?
Key to capturing a cosy cottage look is selecting high-quality furnishings in classic designs which perfectly blend comfort and function - these will stand the test of time and will provide a solid foundation on which to build your look. Think sofas, upholstered seating and bed frames that capture the elegance of traditional/period designs with sumptuous curves and deep buttoning.
A fresh take on a heritage piece, the Parker Knoll Modern Classics Hyde Park sofa combines an elegant, curved silhouette and scroll arms with deep cushions for sink-in comfort and makes an ideal centrepiece for a living room with a nod to heritage style. A deep-pile petrol blue chenille fabric will bring extra elegance and luxury to the piece, which just beckons you to curl up.
Style the Parker Knoll Modern Classics Hyde Park sofa and Javier ottoman bed with textiles in a mix prints for a fun vintage look. Combine country staples like candy stripes, checks and tickings with ditsy florals and patchwork along with plenty of ruffles and frills for extra softness and fun. These prints can also be used over curtains and fabric Roman blinds to enhance the cosy, inviting feel of a room.
Robust tables and storage with natural wood finishes that pay homage to the rural surroundings will ensure your interiors have enduring appeal. At the heart of every home is a practical kitchen or dining table - this is where meals are shared, plans are hatched and happy memories are made.
Investing in a simple yet classic timber design such as the Hamilton Rectangular extendable table with its grey-washed American oak frame and oak veneer top is a versatile choice that will stand the test of time. Paired with the Denim Button-back dining chairs it will make a comfy and elegant setting for meals, plus it can also extend to accommodate extra dinner guests. Style up the table with woven placemats and French-style linen runners and napkins. An eclectic mix of vintage blue and white china paired with Midcentury-style vases brings fun and personality.
Materials are key - choose cosy textural fabrics like luxurious velvets, deep-pile chenilles, woven wools and relaxed linens. A palette of earthy neutrals and deep navy blues peppered with pops of rich berry red offers a wonderful blend of sophistication and warmth and is a scheme which will look as at home in a townhouse as it will in a country home, plus these shades pair well with natural materials that are a hallmark of the cottage look.
Alongside furniture lighting plays a pivotal role in cosy cottage style. Having lots of light sources as part of a layered lighting scheme is essential for achieving that warm, inviting mood. Introduce plenty of table and floor lamps alongside overhead lighting and wall lights to provide flexible ambient lighting. Oversized table lamps such as Furniture Village’s Delany Urn table lamp and Acanthus table lamp work particularly well on console tables in living rooms and hallways.
Layers of patterned fabrics, soft furnishings and tactile textures are a hallmark of the cosy cottage look and when it comes to flooring I generally prefer rugs on hard floors to fitted carpets. Integral to the charm of cottages is their wealth of characterful original features like beautiful solid wood floors, exposed beams and stone walls, so it's best to show these off wherever possible. If you have a beautiful wood floor, rugs are the way to go - don’t cover them with fitted carpet.
Rugs bring cosiness while still keeping beautiful wood floors visible. Pattern-wise choose something with a gentle geometric design such as the Maywood rug that will bring subtle interest without taking away from the prized architectural features in a room. Patterned rugs are also wonderfully practical for hiding stains and wear and tear.
How would you recommend blending the cosy cottage style with other styles?
The great thing about cosy cottage style is its ability to effortlessly combine old and new. Don’t be afraid to mix furniture in different styles, and which reference different design eras - this all adds to the eclectic charm and the homely feel.
Mid century-style wooden coffee, consoles and tables with tapered legs such as Furniture Village’s Stockholm collection can be set against elegant, scroll-armed sofas for a sense of playfulness and fun. Alternatively, in a bedroom, try teaming a luxurious upholstered bed frame like the Javier ottoman with contemporary, sleek side tables for a fresh twist on a traditional look.
Which colours do you think work best with a cosy cottage aesthetic?
When it comes to colour schemes for cottage-style interiors I like to go for neutral walls and then to introduce colour through furniture, artwork and accessories, this helps the architecture take the lead. I’m also a huge fan of original art and ceramics, so a neutral canvas helps these shine. That said, a boot room or a bathroom in a vibrant shade can bring a fun element of surprise.
For a cottage-friendly palette you can't go wrong by looking to nature with its myriad greens and blues as these will bring the beauty of the outside in and complement the warmth of weathered wood and stone so prevalent in cottages. However, don’t be afraid to add in vibrant accents.
Blues and neutrals are a go-to for capturing the look. From duck eggs to denim and rich navy tones, blues are versatile and timeless and pair beautifully with the warm, earthy greens and neutral tones of a country landscape. Choosing sofas and upholstery in rich blues can really help ground a neutral space and adds an air of sophistication. Adding in deep berry tones through cushions and lampshades will enliven the scheme - I always think you need at least three colours to bring depth to a space.
Which are your favourite pieces from the Furniture Village Cosy Cottage collection and how would you recommend to style them?
Lista Storage Desk - This desk is perfect for me. My house is small and I work from home so I don’t have space for a dedicated home office, instead, I’ve carved out a corner of the living room. As my workspace occupies part of our living space I need a desk which is stylish and discreet and the Stockholm desk is just that, plus it has handy added storage for hiding away paperwork. I love the idea of styling it with pops of red for an uplifting feel. This retro anglepoise-style lamp and frilly candy-striped cushion are perfect for adding a touch of fun to the practical space.
Javier Ottoman bed - For me the Javier bed is a wonderfully versatile and cosy piece which blends style with function. Firstly, as space is at a premium in my house the extra under-bed-storage would be a god-send. Also, if you live in an older property, as I do, you’re constantly thinking of ways to battle the drafts and dial up the cosiness. Fabrics are key to this, so an upholstered bed frame is a great solution. The upholstered headboard is ideal for lazy weekend lounging with coffee and papers or hunkering down in the evening with a good book. The shape has a subtle nod to sleigh bed designs and features elegant curved side panels which create a gentle cocooning feel. This clever design feature makes the bed perfect for a draughty cottage or a lofty Georgian room where you want to feel snug and enclosed.
Delaney Urn Table Lamp - I feel this lamp is a timeless piece for interiors that you’d bring with you from home to home as it would work well with multiple looks, from a rustic cottage or farmhouse to a smart townhouse. The natural wood finish nestles effortlessly into any scheme and brings a touch of the outdoors in. I also adore its chunky, robust size - it’s functional but also makes a lovely decorative piece in its own right. It’s often a misconception that you need to go for small pieces when decorating cottages, sometimes decorating with too many small pieces can make spaces feel cluttered - in fact, often less is more. Choosing larger, slightly oversized pieces displays a level of confidence with interior decorating and limiting accessories to a few bold, sculptural pieces can really make an impact.
