English cottage architecture is a type of domestic architecture that originated in England in the 16th century. It is characterized by its small size and handmade, often stone and timber construction, with a steeply pitched roof, small windows, and doors set low in the walls, often with a central or end chimney.
The cottage feel is often enhanced with thatched roofing, leaded-glass windows, colorful painted walls and rustic furniture. The style was an outgrowth of the Elizabethan and Tudor styles, and was popular in rural areas until the 1950s.
The fine craftsmanship associated with cottage architecture is illustrated in its deceptively simple construction, often featuring patterns of exposed half-timbering, Welsh slate, thatched roofs, and terra cotta tile.
Many of these elements remained in use centuries after the style began to emerge in England, lending evidence of the architectural style’s enduring legacy.
What are the characteristics of an English cottage?
The traditional English cottage has certain characteristics which come to mind, conjuring images of quaint stone dwellings in idyllic countryside settings. These cottages are built of natural materials, such as timber and stone, with thick walls that are highly insulating and keep the dwelling warm.
They often have low ceilings and fireplace, usually in the centre of the room, providing both warmth and a homely feeling. The roof is usually of a low pitch and is usually made of thatch, while windows may be leaded or feature latticework.
English cottages also traditionally have a garden, and many English cottage gardens are based on the principles of the English style of gardening, featuring meandering paths lined with lavender and roses.
Other features of the English cottage include house name plates, hanging baskets, picket fences and tiny windows. As the cottage ages and its owners add their own touches and decorations, these features may change, but these are the key characteristics of a typical English cottage.
What is architecture style cottage?
Architecture style cottage is a type of building style that consists primarily of traditional, often informal and comfortable features such as low-pitched roofs, protruding windows and doors, exposed beams and columns, and an overall cozy, inviting appearance.
Common features of this style of architecture include stone or timber construction, a mix of wood, stucco, and other exterior materials, a picturesque appearance, and a step-like approach to a multi-level house design that steps down a hill or slope.
Popular throughout North America and Europe, particularly in rural locations, cottage-style structures often evoke a warm, inviting, comfortable feeling reflective of the surrounding environment.
How do I make my house look like an English cottage?
Making your house look like an English cottage is a wonderful way to transform any home into an inviting, cozy, and homey atmosphere. To achieve this look, start by evaluating existing elements in the home, such as existing furniture, wall color, and window treatments.
If you like the idea of a cottage-style decor, then opting for a white-washed walls look complemented by pastel colors or florals throughout the home. For the furniture, match the colors of your walls with cozy fabrics and throw pillows to complete the look.
Play up the cottage style by adding in architectural elements such as fieldstone or wainscoting, along with mismatched pieces of furniture. To further accentuate a cottage style atmosphere, include shabby chic light fixtures, as well as antique accents for an elegant and timeless look.
Lastly, lace curtains and window boxes are both additional pieces that can easily bring an English cottage charm. With these tips, you can create a warm and cozy atmosphere that will make you feel like you are in an English cottage.
What is difference between cottage and house?
The main difference between a cottage and a house is typically in their size; cottages are usually much smaller and cozier than a traditional house. Cottages usually have a homey, rustic style and atmosphere, whereas a house may be more modern and spacious.
Cottages often evoke a feeling of warmth and relaxation, while houses may evoke a more practical or functional vibe.
In terms of their construction, a cottage is often made of more durable materials like stone, brick, or wood and is more energy efficient. Cottages are more likely to have unique and distinctive designs, such as gables, dormers, chimneys, shutters, and other architectural features.
Houses, on the other hand, tend to be more consistent in design and use materials like vinyl siding, drywall, and asphalt shingles more often.
In terms of their usage, cottages tend to be used as secondary homes, vacation homes, or rentals, whereas a house is typically used as a primary domicile. Cottages may also have fewer bedrooms and amenities to create an intimate environment, whereas a house can accommodate larger families with more space and diverse needs.
What are cottage style houses called?
Cottage style houses are a type of architectural style that originated in England in the 16th century and continues to be popular today. They are known for their cozy and inviting interiors, often characterized by quaint and rustic decor, whitewashed walls, and wide-open spaces.
Cottage style houses typically have low pitched roofs, and often feature a large front porch or deck, often bordered by colorful flower beds and traditional stone or brick pathways. They may also have steep, short staircases and shuttered windows, giving them an old-world charm.
Cottage style houses are typically constructed out of wood, although modern constructions may use materials including vinyl and fiber-cement siding. Cottage style houses are also sometimes called “storybook cottages,” due to their romanticized appearance and small size.
What makes a cottage a cottage and not a house?
Cottages typically refer to smaller dwellings, often in rural or semi-rural locations. They are typically associated with simpler and traditional designs and architecture. Compared to houses, cottages are usually one to two stories and have an informal or cozy atmosphere.
Cottages typically have a smaller floor area, typically with no more than two or three bedrooms, and often with an intimate and inviting living space which creates a cosy atmosphere. They tend to have a simpler roofline with fewer roof ridges than houses, and may have steeply sloping sides.
External details such as brick work, steep roofs and exposed framing, are often seen with cottages, however, modern cottages have been designed with a variety of materials and can be much more contemporary in their style.
In addition to their physical appearance, cottages tend to offer smaller, charming gardens in comparison to houses. Overall, there isn’t a black and white answer for what makes a cottage a cottage and not a house, as often times it is more of a feeling – a sense of small-scale, cozy and comfortable living.
Why is it called a cottage?
The use of the word “cottage” to refer to a small, cozy house originated in the United Kingdom. The term is derived from the Medieval Latin word “cotagium” which referred to a small refuge or shelter.
The term was later anglicized to “cottage” and was used to describe a small, one-room dwelling. Later, due to the rise of cottage industry, the term was used in England to refer to small agricultural dwellings associated with rural workers.
In the 1600s the middle classes began to build and inhabit picturesque cottages in the countryside, often inspired by those of the rural working classes. As farmers were able to purchase their own land, they would build small, simple cottages using local materials.
Eventually, cottage design evolved to become a popular style of home.
Today, the term cottage is still used to describe a small, cozy dwelling. Such cottages are typically associated with pleasant vacation environments and are often built according to traditional cottage-style architecture, with steeply pitched roofs, front porches, and charming features like quaint window boxes.
However, more modern interpretations of cottage architecture are popular as well, focusing on comfort and convenience rather than an old-fashioned aesthetic.
How do you avoid capital gains tax on a cottage?
The best way to avoid capital gains tax on a cottage is to take steps to ensure that the property is considered a principal residence. Under Canadian tax law, a principal residence is exempt from taxes and any profits or gains that may have arisen from its sale.
This means that if you can prove that the cottage is your principal residence, you won’t have to pay any capital gains taxes when you sell it.
First, you should live in the cottage all or part of the year. Secondly, make sure the cottage is listed as your primary residence on all your official documents, such as your tax return, driver’s license, and health insurance.
Additionally, it is a good idea to keep a record of extensive renovations, improvements, or other costs incurred in relation to the cottage. This will help to demonstrate that your primary residence is indeed the cottage, rather than another property.
Lastly, if you are renting out your cottage when you are not living there, make sure to claim these rental expenses on your tax return, as this will further demonstrate that you do consider the cottage to be your primary residence.
By following these steps, you can avoid having to pay capital gains tax when you sell your cottage.
How do you get the country cottage look?
To achieve the classic country cottage look in your home, there are a few key elements to keep in mind.
First, use muted colors such as creams, whites, blues, and greens to give your home a tranquil and calm feeling. Introduce these colors into your linens, upholstery, and wall colors.
Second, mix and match different textures and fabrics. Think cozy throws, patterned rugs, and curtains. To create a vintage feel, you could also mix in some prints like gingham or ticking stripes.
Third, choose furniture that has distressed finishes. Think tables, chairs, and even cabinets with a lightly worn-in look. Layer in rustic touches like baskets and wrought iron accents.
Finally, bring in nature to give your home a hint of the outdoors. Bring in flowers, twigs, and greenery for an added touch of coziness. Antique pieces like an old armoire, tea sets, and books create an inviting atmosphere.
To complete the look, hang framed art, photos, and portraits on the walls.
How do you put a cottage charm on your house?
Adding cottage charm to your house is a great way to bring a cozy, inviting atmosphere to your home. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Add warm, muted colours – Cottages often use a lot of warm and muted colours, such as white, beige, ivory, and pastels. Paint the walls with these shades or add wooden furniture and décor to bring the look together.
2. Incorporate natural elements – Adding natural elements like simple houseplants, greenery and flowers will instantly add cottage charm to your home. Find pots and baskets made of natural materials such as straw or rattan to add to the charm.
3. Use textiles wisely – To give your home a cozy feel, incorporate natural fibers like cotton or wool into the décor. Throw blankets and rugs can add colour and texture to the room.
4. Use distressed wood – Distressed wood can give your home a rustic and airy look. Add furniture and décor made from wood that has been distressed to achieve the cottage look.
5. Utilize vintage items – Vintage items can add instant personality to a room. Look for furniture with an antique feel and items like old clocks and lamps to sprinkle throughout the room.
These are just a few tips to get you started on creating a cottage charm in your home. With a bit of creativity and imagination, you can transform your house and make it feel like a cottage hideaway.
What is the Colour for a cottage?
A cottage is a type of small house or home that usually is an attractive and charming living area. The colour can vary depending on the owner’s personal preferences, but traditionally cottages are usually painted cheerful and natural-looking colours.
Bright whites and creams give a cottage a crisp and clean look, while pastels, such as blues and pinks, add a soft and whimsical tone. Earthy and neutral tones, such as browns, greens, and tans, bring a sense of peace and tranquility to the cottage.
Or, homeowners can choose to go bold and use bright, rich paint colours, such as yellows or oranges, to create a unique style and flair. Regardless of what colour scheme is chosen, paint colours can be used to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere for the cottage.
What is cottage core decorating?
Cottage core decorating is a trend in interior design that embraces the outdoors, rustic style, and a laid-back, free-spirited lifestyle. The look typically creates a cozy, natural vibe featuring natural wood, vintage furniture, distressed finishes, casual patterns and fabrics, and cottage-style prints like country florals.
Common pieces that help capture the cottage core aesthetic include woven baskets and trunks, quilts, tapestries, shaker-style furniture, glass jars and vases, and natural elements like dried flowers, plants, and seashells.
Accessories like wicker, chippy paint, old glassware, and jute and burlap add an extra layer of texture to the home.
What makes a house considered a farmhouse?
A farmhouse is generally a house that is historically found on and associated with a working farm. This type of house often has a rural, rustic appearance and utilizes natural materials like stone, wood, and brick, as well as earthy colors in the paint and fabrics.
Farmhouses usually have large, open kitchens, as well as spacious rooms with lots of windows, allowing for a great view of the surrounding farmland – a feature that was particularly important in the past, given that homes also often served as a lookout post to monitor the cattle and crops.
They often feature a central fireplace, and their roofs are typically gabled with wide eaves, while the interiors may have plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Some farmhouses also have wide, wrap-around porches, allowing for extra living space and a spot to take in all the fresh air and scenery.
What colors are modern farmhouse?
Modern farmhouse décor has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many different colors can be used to create this look. The best colors to use for a modern farmhouse are usually neutral shades such as white, ivory, beige, and light gray.
These colors lend a crisp, clean look to a space and can be easily dressed up with textures and accessories such as plaids, wicker furniture, and distressed metal pieces. Other popular farmhouse colors are natural greens and blues, which can be incorporated into the room through fabrics and furniture.
Many people also enjoy using warm hues of red and yellow, as well as soft pink and lavender, to add color and texture to an otherwise neutral palette.