Transforming your home into a charming countryside retreat is within reach, regardless of whether you’re actually surrounded by rolling hills or not. One way to achieve this look without breaking the bank is to incorporate country-inspired decorating elements into your existing space. This summer, take inspiration from Architectural Digest-worthy designs that don’t require a hefty price tag. Let’s explore some of my favorite ways to infuse cottage charm into your home.
Vintage Vases
Bring a touch of whimsical charm to your space by collecting vintage vases that evoke the carefree spirit of summer. Fill them with fresh flowers and scatter them throughout your home to create a cottage-inspired ambiance. For a unique starting point, consider scoring a charming gumboot vase at your local thrift store or online market. The possibilities are endless, and you’re sure to find one that reflects your personal style.
Cottage-Style Blooms
Transforming your home’s interior into a charming summer cottage is a breeze when armed with the perfect florals. The key is to curate a selection of dainty wildflowers reminiscent of those found in your own backyard oasis. Consider incorporating cow parsley, lavender, and sunflowers into your vintage vase collection for a truly unique and inviting ambiance.
Vintage Statement Drawers
Transform your space by incorporating the unique charm of vintage statement drawers. Visit your local thrift store to select a set that will add a touch of elegance to your bedroom or lounge. These versatile pieces can serve as both a side table and functional storage solution. If you’re unable to find the perfect vintage find, consider giving new life to a set with a coat of blue chalk paint.
This DIY approach allows you to infuse your personal style into the piece, creating a one-of-a-kind addition to your home.
Gingham Kitchen Curtain
Imagine the quintessential summer scene in a countryside cottage – the iconic gingham and checks that evoke a sense of rustic charm. Bringing this aesthetic into your own home is easier than you think! Take, for instance, the humble kitchen sink. A simple yet effective way to infuse some whimsy into the space is by incorporating a short gingham check curtain. The result is a delightful fusion of country flair and modern functionality that’s sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Corner Entryway
The moment you step into your home, the first impression counts. This charming entryway sets the tone perfectly. You can easily create this look on a weekend afternoon with just a few essential pieces. Start by adding a stylish coat rack like this one, paired with a vintage mirror to add depth and character. A floating shelf provides a convenient spot for keys and mail, while a simple wooden chair adds warmth and texture.
Vintage Fruit Bowl
Transform your kitchen into a cozy retreat without breaking the bank. One simple yet effective solution is to incorporate a vintage fruit bowl, filled with an assortment of juicy and vibrant summer fruits. This effortless trick can instantly infuse your cooking space with a warm and inviting cottage feel.
Handmade Sack Cloth Cushions
Elevate the charm of your cottage decor without breaking the bank by creating a sack cloth cushion. Choose a seasonal motif like bees, sunflowers, or a favorite fruit, and let your creativity shine. The best part? This DIY project requires minimal investment in materials that are easy to work with, making it perfect for beginners looking to add a personal touch to their space.
Wooden Statement Pieces
Transforming your space into a cozy retreat reminiscent of a charming country cottage is easier than you think. One effective way to achieve this look is by incorporating vintage or second-hand wooden decorative pieces that exude character and warmth. The older the piece, the more authentic it will feel in your home. One such treasure I adore is an antique wooden rocking horse.
Its rustic charm can be effortlessly placed almost anywhere, instantly adding a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to any room.
Baskets of Dried Lavender
When it comes to incorporating a rustic charm into your home decor, lavender is an excellent choice to evoke the coziness and warmth often associated with country cottages. To bring this element into your living spaces, consider adding woven baskets or vintage containers filled with real dried lavender. Alternatively, you can opt for high-quality artificial varieties that mimic the appearance and texture of the real thing, minimizing the risk of any potential fallout.
Floral Wreaths as Interior Decor
There’s something undeniably charming about floral wreaths, but they’re often relegated to exterior front doors. Why not bring that same charm and whimsy indoors? By incorporating a floral wreath into your interior design, you can effortlessly infuse your kitchen or living room with the warm, rustic feel reminiscent of a farm-style setting.
Old-Style Candle Lanterns
There’s something quintessentially charming about an old lantern with a snuffed-out candle sitting nearby, evoking the rustic charm of a countryside cottage or farm. This type of fixture can be placed almost anywhere you’d like to create warm, cozy ambiance in the evenings. For instance, consider a brushed steel lantern like this one – its simple, understated design adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
Update Your Coffee Corner
Start your day with a tranquil cottage ambiance by transforming your morning routine’s anchor – the coffee corner. I find joy in crafting these cozy spaces because they provide a secluded retreat for my morning rituals.
To infuse your home with the charm of the countryside, gather a collection of matching vintage dishware and incorporate it into your coffee nook’s design.
Wicker Basket Table Setting
Elevate the ambiance of your dining room by incorporating natural elements into your table setting. Consider storing tableware in a wicker basket for a charming, effortless look. To take it up a notch, add a beautiful bouquet featuring wildflowers and complement it with a few lemons to bring out the warm, summery tones. This simple yet thoughtful arrangement will instantly create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Vintage Framed Pictures or Signs
When working on a budget-friendly space makeover, incorporating vintage elements can be achieved through the use of aged wooden frames. To give these frames a distressed look, simply sand down any rough edges or apply a coat of paint to create a unique patina.
Once you’ve successfully given your frames a retro flair, all that’s left is to fill them with nostalgic treasures like vintage photographs, newspaper clippings, or reproductions of classic images, which will add a touch of sophistication and character to the space.
Tiered Wooden Table Settings
Elevate your wicker basket’s presence on your dining room table by pairing it with a stylish tiered wooden stand. To create a cohesive look, complement the set with a curated selection of matching whiteware pieces. By doing so, you’ll achieve a visually appealing and harmonious display that adds depth and visual interest to the space. Simply add a [link to buy a wooden tier] for an instant upgrade.
China Bowls
Infusing a summer cottage vibe into your space is as easy as bringing in some vintage blue and white China. This classic combination not only adds a touch of nostalgia but also serves a functional purpose. Scour local thrift stores or online marketplaces to find the perfect pieces that exude warmth and character, transporting you to a cozy summers day by the lake.
Simple Glass Vases
The allure of a summer cottage setting lies in its understated elegance and timeless charm. To capture this essence, I prefer using minimalist glass vases filled with fragrant sprigs of wildflowers. This affordable and effortless approach is ideal for decorating side tables, especially when on a budget.
Vintage Mantel Setting
Transform your fireplace mantel into a stunning focal point by giving it a customized setting. To achieve this, incorporate vintage or distressed elements that add character to the space. Begin by selecting a show-stopping centerpiece, then surround it with lush greenery and carefully curated smaller decorative items.
Brushed Green Glass
Harmonizing with nature’s beauty is a key element of the cottage aesthetic. One way to achieve this is by incorporating elements that can be found outdoors. For instance, repurposed green glass bottles make for stunning vases or unique decorative pieces. To create a carefree summery atmosphere reminiscent of a seaside retreat, consider grouping these vintage finds throughout your home.
Terra Cotta Pots
Terra cotta pots offer a unique blend of affordability, durability, and widespread availability. One of the most appealing aspects of these earthy containers is their ability to bring the outdoors indoors. Simply stack them on your bookshelf and fill with lush greenery for a touch of natural beauty. For those looking to acquire these charming planters, local thrift stores are often a great starting point. Alternatively, you can also explore online options.
Natural Front Door Wreath
As summer approaches, I find myself drawn to crafting floral wreaths – a simple yet satisfying DIY project that can be accomplished with minimal expertise and just a few basic materials. The process begins with selecting a suitable wreath frame, such as the versatile branch structure seen here, which serves as the foundation for the rest of the design. Next, I add some artificial blossoms to bring the arrangement to life.
Sunflower Table Runner
Sunflowers bring a touch of rustic charm to any indoor space, making them an ideal choice for cottage-inspired decor. A beautifully arranged arrangement of these bright blooms in a vintage-style mason jar table runner can effortlessly add warmth and coziness to your kitchen, living room, entryway, or dining room.
To enhance the look, consider upcycling old mason jars by using chalk-style spray paint to give them a soft, whitewashed finish that perfectly complements the sunflowers’ natural beauty.
Wicker Front Door Décor
Make a lasting impression on visitors by giving your front door a unique touch that reflects your home’s personality. Instead of going for the usual, why not try something unconventional? This charming wicker basket is surprisingly simple to create and instantly adds a touch of whimsy to your exterior design, exuding cozy cottage charm.
Sea Creature Tic Tac Toe
In the realm of simple yet charming game-inspired decor, this vintage-tinged sea creature Tic Tac Toe design stands out as a delightful addition to any room. Its compact size makes it perfect for placing on a side table or coffee table, adding a touch of whimsy to your living space.
To bring this unique piece into your home, start by collecting some plaster sea creatures, and let the nostalgia wash over you.
Ceramic Knobs as Coat Hangers
Transform those old ceramic cabinet knobs into a charming and functional coat rack for your entryway. Simply screw them into your wall at regular intervals to achieve a cozy cottage-style look. But why stop there? Take it up a notch by hanging vintage fabric squares from the knobs, creating a unique decorative piece that also serves as a practical spot to hang your keys or accessories.
Cottage-Style Bedding
To achieve the cozy charm of a cottage-style bedspread, it’s essential to harmonize two key elements: color palette and tactile texture. Natural fibers such as wool and unbleached cotton are ideal choices for this aesthetic. For added visual interest, consider pairing these textures with an accentuated floral pillow and a matching knit throw that complements the overall design.
Thrifted Basket Wall
Transform your kitchen with a touch of vintage charm by repurposing second-hand wicker baskets. Instead of cluttering countertops, mount them onto the walls to create a unique and visually appealing display. Arrange the baskets in a random pattern to evoke the feeling of a cozy old cottage, where storage solutions doubled as decorative elements.
Coffee Table Setting
Transform your coffee table into a charming focal point by creating a serene cottage-style setting that’s perfect for relaxation and conversation. To start, select a shallow, round wicker basket that serves as the foundation of your design. Fill it with an assortment of whimsical knick-knacks that evoke a sense of rustic charm. Finally, add a natural-fabric table runner to tie the entire look together, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s inviting and warm.
Add Trays to Beds
Revive the charm of days past by incorporating small trays into your bedroom decor. This nostalgic touch allows you to create a cozy atmosphere by storing cherished items like personal mementos, reading material, or soft candlelight within easy reach. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what can be displayed on these diminutive trays, including decorative vases, favorite novels, and even aromatic candles.
Vintage Birdhouse Decor
Transform your outdoor space with a charming cottage garden theme without straining your budget! A clever and affordable DIY decoration idea involves incorporating miniature birdhouses. Simply place these tiny houses on sturdy branches that have been securely anchored into the ground. The best part? These mini birdhouses come prepped for painting, making it easy to add a pop of color and personality to your garden design.
Faux Garden Clock
Blending the indoors with the outdoors is a key aspect of embracing the cottage lifestyle. One way to achieve this is by incorporating elements of nature into your living space. A faux garden clock is an excellent example of how to bring the outdoors in while also adding a touch of modern and vintage style to your decor. The best part?
This unique piece can be more than just a decorative item – it can also serve as a functional clock that reminds you when it’s time to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature!
