English cottage-style is a type of home design that has been popular since the 18th century and was made popular again during the 19th century in England. It usually consists of a single-story house with steep thatched roofs and large, symmetrical windows.
Its interior layout is usually very cozy and welcoming. Generally, there are small, enclosed garden spaces and low ceilings. Outwardly, the English cottage-style is known for its picturesque buildings which often feature quaint garden-style décor, white window shutters, beautifully painted walls and detailed trim around the windows and rooflines.
The roof of an English cottage-style home is typically thatched with straw, reeds or even turf. The windows are often small, arched or gabled and framed with wood, leaded glass, and shuttered windows to add a charming detail to the façade.
In addition, there is often a large fireplace, stone hearth, and a large chimney located inside. The main attraction of this style is the beautiful combination of elements that bring a cozy and inviting feel to the home.
How do I make my English cottage look?
Creating a traditional English cottage look for your home can be accomplished by focusing on certain elements. Start by painting your walls in a soft white or beige, which will prominently feature the woodwork and other wood elements.
For the wood elements, stick to furniture and fixtures with a traditional, country feel – like vintage dressers, armoire, bookshelves and hutches. Select light-colored woods such as pine, ash and beech, or darker woods such as mahogany, cherry and walnut to bring out the rustic charm of the cottage look.
Additionally, focus on natural materials when decorating the cottage. To add texture, use woven baskets and antique quilts, tonal linen fabrics and chunky knits to adorn furnishings. Introduce country-inspired accents, like rustic, vintage platters for storage or shelves with pretty glass bottles and even dried flowers.
An antique mirror is an elegant touch if there’s wall space available. For flooring, choose something with a distressed look, such as flagstone, brick, hardwood or weathered oak to complete the look.
What are the different styles of cottages?
Many of which have been around for centuries. Common cottage styles include Cape Cod, English cottage, French country cottage, cottage bungalow, chalet, Romanesque cottage, Mediterranean, prairie-style cottage, and Tudor-style cottage.
Cape Cod cottages are characterized by their low, steep-pitched gables, shingled exteriors, and small windows. The English cottage style has cottage-like qualities, such as symmetrical windows, thatched roofs, and traditional building materials such as brick, stone and timber.
French Country cottages offer French-inspired aesthetics, like pointed roofs and clad walls, combined with more traditional cottage qualities like curved and gabled roofs. Cottage bungalows feature cozy, intimate interiors, low-pitched roofs, covered porches, and often incorporate elements of Japanese and Arts & Crafts-style architecture.
Chalet cottages blend traditional Alpine architecture with contemporary elements and emphasize the use of natural materials.
Romanesque cottage design features horseshoe-style arches, ornate iron details, and detailing surfaces characteristic of Romanesque architecture. Mediterranean-style cottages take inspiration from Spanish and Italian architecture and often utilize stucco exteriors, clay tiled roofs and arched entries.
Prairie-style cottages provide a way for homeowners to experience iconic Prairie-style architecture without the large scale associated with Frank Lloyd Wright’s actual Prairie homes. Last but not least is the Tudor-style cottage, which borrows from traditional English architecture with its earthy materials, steeply-pitched roofs, and half-timbering.
What are the characteristics of an English cottage?
English cottages have a unique style and are extremely charming. They are typically made with stone and have a thatched roof, leading to a trademark English cottage look. English cottages typically have cozy and quaint interiors, often with low wooden ceilings and beautiful hand-crafted furniture.
Many English cottages feature a fireplace in the center of the home and may have a separate study or dining rooms. Some may also have front porches or backyards. English cottages often incorporate beautiful gardens, with colorful flowers and a variety of greenery.
These gardens often have winding pathways and benches, making them a great spot to relax. In addition to the beauty and charm, English cottages also provide comfort and a warm atmosphere. They are perfect for families and are known for being very cost-effective.
How can I make my house look more like a cottage?
One way to make your house look more like a cottage is to incorporate soft and pastel colors and floral motifs into your décor. Use soft blues, greens, yellows and pastels throughout your home, whether on the walls, in the furnishings or even some fixtures like light fixtures.
Then bring in matching or coordinating cozy throws or rugs with a floral motif to add a cottage-style touch. Consider wood furniture and natural wood finishes as well to incorporate a rustic, cottage charm.
You can also add wicker and jute accents to rooms for a cottage-style look, as well as white washed vintage furniture. Add some wall hangings and decorations with a cottage inspired look and feel such as a wrought iron chandelier, rustic wood signs, antique mason jars, and nature-inspired items like rustic wreaths and vases of fresh flowers.
Finally, make sure to keep things simple, comfortable and clutter-free. Less is more in.
What is the Colour for a cottage?
The traditional architectural style of a cottage can be found all over the world and, as a result, the colors typically associated with cottages can vary greatly. In general, cottages are typically painted in soft, light colors such as whites, pastels, and neutral tones.
Earthy shades of muted greens, blues, and browns can also be commonly seen. Traditional cottages in England often feature cheerful shades of bright blues, oranges, and yellows on the exterior, while some cottages in rural areas of the United States feature neutral and muted earth tones.
If a cottage was built with a wooden exterior, the exterior of the cottage may be stained in earthy shades or left untreated for a natural look.
What is the difference between cottage style and farmhouse style?
The main difference between cottage style and farmhouse style is their aesthetic. Cottage style is all about cozy, whimsical elements that are inspired by past centuries and characterized by a love of all things vintage.
That means light and bright colors such as pale blues, whites, and pale yellows, cottage farmhouse furniture, and accents like small, quaint gardens or unique wallpapers. Farmhouse style, on the other hand, is all about rustic, neutral tones and materials.
The focus is to create a homey style that’s lived-in and cozy, using natural materials such as wood and stone, and features like chicken wire accent pieces and distressed furniture. The overall feeling is one of warmth and comfort, but with a touch of modern flair.
How are the cottages constructed?
The cottages are usually constructed with a combination of traditional techniques and modern materials to create a home that has a feeling of cosiness and comfort, both in terms of its looks and its insulation levels.
Firstly, a strong foundation and walls are created using a combination of materials such as stone, wood and/or brick, and then insulation is laid between the walls. Additionally, a vapor barrier is sometimes also used to reduce heat loss.
The roof is often made from tiles to match the visual style of the cottages, while structural support is typically provided by either beamed trusses or prefabricated trusses. Finally, doors, windows and skylights are installed to provide light and ventilation, and the cottage is decorated with outdoor furnishings to give it a unique and stylish look.
Do cottages have foundations?
Yes, cottages typically have foundations. Common foundations for cottages include concrete slab foundations, pier and beam foundations, and full basement foundations. How a cottage is sited, the available resources, and the size and shape of the cottage will determine which type of foundation is best.
Concrete slab foundations are most common in flat terrain and involve a monolithic concrete pad with footings leveled to the ground. Pier and beam foundations are widely used in areas with high water tables and floodplains, as they involve pier footings that are placed directly on the ground or set on cement blocks, with a space between the frozing level and the bottom of the structure.
Full basement foundations are usually used in homes that require more interior space and involve a partial or full basement dug beneath the structure, with a concrete block and poured wall stabilizing the structure.
What are walls made of in cottages?
The walls of cottages are usually made of brick, stone, or wood. Brick walls are the most common and can be an inexpensive building material. These walls are often laid with mortar and can last for many years.
Stone walls have a rustic charm but also provide good insulation to keep temperatures inside the cottage comfortable. These walls can be constructed from natural stone or faux stone produced by concrete masonry units.
Wood walls are also popular, especially in log cabins, as they are more light-weight than brick or stone and provide good insulation. Wooden walls can be constructed with a variety of boards and panels, including cedar, pine, oak, and spruce.
In addition, many cottages will also have some areas such as bathrooms and kitchens that are lined with plasterboard. This helps to protect the walls from high levels of moisture.
Are British houses made of brick?
The stereotype holds true that British houses are made of brick, and while this is very often the case, there are of course exceptions. Brick is a popular construction material in the UK, due to its durability, sound insulation, and relatively low cost.
Building with brick was especially popular in areas of England with easy access to materials during the 19th century, when many of Britain’s housing estates were built. Contemporary British architecture does explore other materials and styles, however brick remains a popular choice for the majority of homeowners.
How much does it cost to build a cottage UK?
The cost of building a cottage in the UK depends on many different factors, including the size of the structure, the materials used, the complexity of the design, and the labor costs involved. Generally speaking, it is difficult to estimate the exact cost until a specific design plan is in place.
However, typical building costs for a small cottage in the UK can range from just under £10,000 to over £50,000, depending on such factors as the size and complexity of the design. Costs for a larger cottage can range even higher.
Additional costs such as labour and materials can also add substantially to the overall cost. To make an accurate estimate, consulting a professional builder or architect is advisable.
How do you build a cottage house?
Building a cottage house typically involves a few stages, starting with a thorough plan. Before constructing the cottage, it is important to have a detailed plan of what and how the finished product should look like.
This ensures a cohesive vision and helps avoid costly mistakes along the way.
The next step is to secure the necessary licensure, permits, and inspections. Depending on the county, state, and local regulations, a variety of permits may be needed in order to build a cottage. Once the paperwork is filled out and approved, the builder should begin sourcing materials for the house.
It is important to note that some parts of the building process will legally require the use of licensed professionals like an electrician and a plumber.
The third stage is the actual construction portion of the cottage project. The builder should measure and mark the build area before assembling a foundation. After the foundation is laid, the walls and roof will be constructed, prior to finishing the exterior.
Depending on the prefabricated materials used, the actual building phase may only take a few weeks.
Lastly, the cottage house should be finished inside and out to fit the initial plan. Finishing will generally include electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations, as well as the installation of the interior fixtures.
Once this step is completed, the cottage house is ready to be lived in.
What is the cheapest way to build a cottage?
Building a cottage on a budget can be a challenging task, but with some strategic planning and research, it can be done without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for building a cottage on the cheap:
1. Consider buying an old cottage or fixer-upper. This allows you to purchase an already built structure and renovate it to your own specifications. Be sure to do your due diligence to ensure the building is sound, and keep renovation costs in mind.
2. Budget for DIY projects. If you’re hands-on and don’t mind doing some of the work yourself, tackling labor-intensive projects like painting and installing flooring can save a lot of money.
3. Shop around for materials and supplies. By taking the time to compare prices, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal on the materials you need.
4. Get creative with financing. Look into grants, subsidies and other financing options, such as borrowing from family or friends.
5. Utilize natural materials. Incorporating items like wood, stone and rock can be used to decrease costs and provide a more natural feel.
By leveraging cost-saving methods with smart planning, you can find ways to build a cottage without breaking the bank.
Are cottages a good investment UK?
Yes, cottages can be a good investment in the UK. They can be relatively inexpensive to purchase, there’s usually a high demand for them, and you can potentially increase their value over time.
When it comes to cost, cottages often come in at lower prices than more modern homes. This is because they are older and show more wear and tear. However, many people prefer their charm and character, plus you can renovate them to bring in more money.
For rentals, cottages are highly sought after, especially those in more rural locations with beautiful views and attractions nearby. It’s ideal for people who are looking for a weekend or holiday escape, or a longer stay.
Many people are willing to pay a premium as rural cottages tend to be more affordable than hotels. Plus, with longer stays, you can also command a higher rate.
When it comes to increasing the property’s value, there are several things you can do. You can make necessary repairs, touch up paint and décor, or you can take on bigger projects such as a new kitchen or bathroom.
You can also add simple touches such as landscaping, replacing the windows, and updating the HVAC system. These projects will raise the value of the property, as well as making it more attractive to potential renters or buyers.
Cottages can be a great investment, but always do your research beforehand. Find out how much a cottage costs in similar locations or even do a rent comparison in the area you’re wanting to invest in.
Also consider what renovations you plan on doing and make sure they are financially feasible. With the right decisions, cottages can be a great investment in the UK.