Farmhouse + Cottage Style Decorating

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Farmhouse and cottage style decorating are often mixed together. Have you heard of the “cottage farmhouse style?”

It is the blending of two popular decorating styles. It’s about comfort combined with elegance.

Cottage Versus Farmhouse:

Farmhouse style is relaxed, down-to-earth and centered around family.

The kitchen and dining spaces are the heart of the home. Often the living room is part of an open plan combining these spaces.

Cottage style features sofas with checked patterns and neutral furnishings. Fresh flowers are used on table surfaces to add a bit of color.

Farmhouse style is also ultimately about simplicity.

Shiplap became a trend with farmhouse style. Sliding barn doors and farm animal wall art came upon the scene about the same time.

House plants were featured and greenery became a token of these two styles.

The Shared Features Between These Two Similar Styles:

So how can you blend the two styles?

Most importantly these two styles have the same values of being welcoming, comforting, and relaxed.

Within the same spirit, these two styles have similar home decor features that help to bring them together.

If it’s possible, exposed brick is considered a coveted design feature.

Shaker-style cabinets, slip-covered furniture, vintage decor, and exposed ceiling beams are often seen with these two types of decorating.

Above, the sliding barn doors share a room with white cabinets. A white pitcher filled with sunflowers sits on the countertop.

The coffee table has just the right amount of basketry. The artwork is simple. Wallpaper with subtle patterns is often used on one or more walls.

This room is an example of farmhouse + cottage style inspiration coupled with vintage decor.

It’s All About Homespun And Homemade:

In this kitchen, a soft green and white palette is coupled with a wood surface for the kitchen island.

Rustic wood shelves display plates and glasses within easy reach. The patina of worn cutting boards is displayed on a shelf above the stove.

Neutral colors abound in simple decorative accessories.

Shiplap in the above room is coupled with tile on the walls.

A simple fabric curtain is gathered on a rod beneath the farmhouse sink, which is the essence of cozy cottage style.

You could also use fabric curtains in the bathroom beneath the vanity for a cozy look.

Pillows are fluffed and arranged on sofas. Carefully chosen rugs have been added.

There is a sense of comfort and warmth in these carefully curated rooms.

Both Styles Are Family-Friendly:

A rustic ladder holding decor is leaning in the corner of the dining room, softening an empty and often awkward space.

Two different styles of black dining chairs surround the big farmhouse dining table.

These Two Styles Convey Comfort And Cozy Rooms:

Simple linens and a thick cable blanket all say “cozy + comfort.”

When I look at these rooms, I see these two styles, cottage and farmhouse, mesh together seamlessly. Homebodies would feel embraced within these walls.

Most importantly these two styles have the same values of being welcoming, comforting, and relaxed.

I can see myself sitting on the porch with a glass of sweet tea.

Are you more interested in cottage or farmhouse style? Or do you like them mixed as in the home above?

Then there is also the modern cottage style to be considered.

{Photos via Cottages & Bungalows magazine}