European Cottage Style: Gentle, COZY and Charming Paint Colors!

No matter what you call it: cottagecore, European country, modern country, farmhouse French or timeless traditional…these European cottage style interiors inspire with cozy details and design. Bear in mind, these moments reflect the style of European country cottages rather than actual homes in Europe. We’ll explore an eclectic range of kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and more in this gallery of beautiful interior design where the palette is gentle and natural. If you haven’t noticed, timeless design is all the rage, and we continue to not give a single hoot. Let the trends come, and let them pass…we’ll stay evergreen with pleasing spaces like these!

Cozy English country bath with tub - @nestandcovintage. #englishcountry — @nestandcovintage

Cozy European Cottage Style: Learn the Look & Paint Colors!

But before we even dive into all of the cozy charm and paint color names of these gorgeous rooms, did you see this tour of a beyond cozy home?

Isn’t she darling?

Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa

Here’s a wonderful place to start when you’re ready to sample whites for your walls…

Greek Villa is very close to the color I painted all of our interiors in the Arizona vacation house. There was a touch of green in it that worked really well with the Southern exposure in that home. I think folks are often afraid of getting a dingy look with greyed off whites, but sampling will open your eyes so you need not overthink it.

Sherwin Williams GREEK VILLA paint color swatch. #sherwinwilliamsgreekvilla #warmwhitepaintcolor — **Sherwin-Williams GREEK VILLA**

Farrow & Ball Vert de Terre

Just the sound of this color makes me want to sample it and use it somewhere!

Farrow & Blue Inchyra Blue and Vert de Terre in a kitchen by Christina Salaway in Country Living. #greenkitchens — **Farrow & Ball VERT DE TERRE** and **INCHYRA BLUE** – Country Living – Christina Salaway

Do you like it with the mid-tone blue?

Farrow & Ball Vert de Terre 234 paint color swatch. #farrowandballvertdeterre — **Farrow & Ball VERT DE TERRE 234**

And here’s the exact blue from this darling kitchen with those irresistible checks pulling at the heartstrings:

Farrow & Ball Inchyra Blue 298 paint color swatch. #inchyrablue #moodybluepaintcolors — **Farrow & Ball INCHYRA BLUE 298**

Benjamin Moore Simply White

This white seems to be so versatile as well as memorable that it’s always at the top of the list of the best whites to sample when you’re at the beginning of your search.

BM Simply white on shiplap in a hall - @updatemycape. #bmsimplywhite — @updatemycape – **Benjamin Moore SIMPLY WHITE** – Paint Colors to Enhance European Cottage Style Interiors & Inspiring Timeless Designs Too!

It has a certain sunny-ness to it, doncha think?

Benjamin Moore Simply White 2143-70 paint color swatch. #bmsimplywhite #bestwhitepaintcolors — **BM Simply White 2143-70**

Who doesn’t need a bit more optimism in their life!?! Try Benjamin Moore Simply White for a similar look to this:

Wondrous and cozy, this romantic timeless bath (Meg Braff) has an enviable makeup vanity, sconces, and rosy pink wallpaper. #cozybathroom #timelessinteriors — Meg Braff Designs – unsure of exact color – try Simply White – Paint Colors to Enhance European Cottage Style Interiors & Inspiring Timeless Designs Too!

This is also giving me cozy Simply White vibes, although it is likely plaster walls with no paint:

Brooke Giannetti & Steve Giannetti designed kitchen with California chic and European country rustic elegance. #frenchfarmhouse #giannettihome — Giannetti Home – Paint Colors to Enhance European Cottage Interiors & Inspiring Timeless Designs Too!

Farrow & Ball French Gray

Bear in mind that for some of these cozy spaces, the paint color is either custom, kept secret, or as yet, is unknown. These are educated guesses and suggestions to sample for a close approximation.

Studio Mcgee Hiltop Estate cozy window seat with builtins in a kids room. #windowseat #kidsrooms #cozybedrooms — Studio McGee – Paint Colors to Enhance European Cottage Style Interiors & Inspiring Timeless Designs Too!

This sophisticated, moody neutral will appear vastly different across different lighting situations.

Farrow and Ball French Gray 18 paint color swatch. #frenchgray #farrowandballfrenchgray — **Farrow & Ball FRENCH GRAY 18**

Seeking a similar tone just slightly more muted?

PPG French Gray Linen paint color swatch. #frenchgraylinen #ppgfrenchgraylinen #graypaintcolors — **PPG FRENCH GRAY LINEN**

When Cozy Comes From Sources Beyond Paint

I keep gazing at my own bedroom and wondering if I should add pattern with wallpaper or a stencil.

Cozy European country cottage kitchen with romantic vintage details - via Gustavienne. #cozykitchens #europeancottage — via Gustavienne – Paint Colors to Enhance European Cottage Style Interiors & Inspiring Timeless Designs Too!

Typically, I steer clear of patterns in the bedroom where I fear I’ll bore of it in no time. But then I see this….

Guest bedroom with herbarium and Schumacher Chenonceau wallpaper. Timeless interior design by Shannon Bowers with nods to European antiques, patina, understated elegance, and sophisticated simplicity. #shannonbowers #timelessinteriors — Shannon Bowers Designs in MILIEU – Paint Colors to Enhance European Cottage Style Interiors & Inspiring Timeless Designs Too!

And it doesn’t not seem likely I would grow bored with these birdies and the motif:

Schumacher Chenonceau wallpaper. #chenonceau #birdwallpaper #timelesswallpaper — Schumacher Chenonceau BISQUE wallpaper

I especially love Chenonceau in the Aquamarine colorway! And here’s more wallpaper magic from Shannon Bowers:

Lake cabin powder bath with antique vanity. Timeless interior design by Shannon Bowers with nods to European antiques, patina, understated elegance, and sophisticated simplicity. #shannonbowers #timelessinteriors — Shannon Bowers Designs – Paint Colors to Enhance European Cottage Style Interiors & Inspiring Timeless Designs Too!

Again, I’m noticing a pattern in this collection of inspiring designs. There’s an optimism that more moody traditional spaces trending on social media seem to lack. Green can be so uplifting and life-giving.

Rehkamp Larson Architects designed cozy European cottage kitchen in a Minnesota home. #cozykitchens #europeancottage #cozyopulence — Rehkamp Larson Architects

Moody Mid-Tone Grays

I can imagine how more green accents in here could be refreshing:

Cozy breakfast nook with banquette at peninsula - Teasealwood Design. #englishcountry #cottagekitchen #europeancottage #breakfastnooks — Teaselwood Design

What do you think about green-gray neutrals? They can look drab in my own home in certain seasons so my heart is divided on the matter. I’m not quite dissatisfied enough to re-paint, but in my mind I’m constantly changing it up!

Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray paint color swatch. #sherwinwilliamsmindfulgray — **Sherwin-Williams MINDFUL GRAY**

Here’s the neutral in all of our bedrooms at the moment:

Agreeable Gray - SW 7029 paint color swatch. #agreeablegray #swagreeablegray — **SW Agreeable Gray 7029**

I can’t tell you how much this paint color varies, room to room. In the family room, it looks very beige:

SW Agreeable Gray in tonal family room with built-ins and Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. #swagreeablegray

1. Paint Color

2. Rattan Arm Chairs With Cushion

3. 4-Light Lantern

4. Similar Sofa

5. Similar Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

6. Exact Agave in Stone Planter

7. Carpet

8. Similar Velvet Pillow Cover

But if you look at the contrast with our white trim, you can clearly see how much warmer this tone is.

Farrow & Ball James White

The walls below remind me of this white from Farrow & Ball:

Rehkamp Larson Architects designed cozy European country cottage bedroom with wood ceiling and calm color palette. #europeancottage #cozybedrooms #timelessinteriors — Rehkamp Larson Architects

Farrow & Ball James White paint color swatch. #jameswhite #farrowandballjameswhite — **Farrow & Ball JAMES WHITE**

European country rustic and refined bedroom - Desiree Ashworth (Beljar Home). #belgianbedroom #europeancountry #rusticrefined — Beljar Home

While I’m unsure of the wall color below, James White may impart a similar mood:

Timeless family room with marble fireplace and glass fronted builtins - Chris Loves Julia Judy Collection rug from Loloi. #cozyinteriors #timelessinteriors — Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Rugs

James White reminds me of the Sherwin-Williams Eider White in our kitchen and laundry room.

Hello Lovely's breakfast nook in a kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #breakfastnook #hellolovelystudio

1. Similar Woven Placemat Set

2. Everlasting Hydrangea Vase Filler

3. Slipcovered Dining Chair

4. LVP Flooring

5. Wall Paint Color

6. Similar Modern French Vase

7. Thomas O’Brien Elizabeth Chandelier

8. Similar Pedestal Table

Eider White (on mood board above) is cooler and has a bit of purple/magenta which for me goes a long way…a touch of pink is always welcome here.

Behr Mountain Olive

Olive greens are still quite popular for kitchens and family rooms, and isn’t it outstanding paired with rustic beams and earthy goodness such as this:

Mountain Olive is the color on the cabinets and actually one of Behr’s trending colors this year:

Behr Mountain Olive paint color swatch. #greenpaintcolors #behrmountainolive — **Behr MOUNTAIN OLIVE**

A very similar hue in the Benjamin Moore line is Tate Olive:

Benjamin Moore Tate Olive green paint color swatch. #benjaminmooretateolive #olivepaintcolors — **Benjamin Moore TATE OLIVE**

Paint Colors to Emulate Creamy Plaster

No paint on these plaster skim coated walls below, but you could try a creamy white to emulate the look.

Patina Farm in Ojai, CA - architect: Steve Giannetti and design by Brooke Giannetti. Understated elegance and European country inspired. Photo: Montecito Properties. — Velvet and Linen

Will I ever be over each and every project the Giannettis create for themselves and clients? Not likely. They design such livable luxurious spaces that age beautifully.

SW Alabaster 7008 Sherwin-Williams paint color swatch. #swalabaster — **Sherwin-Williams ALABASTER 7008**

Here’s the look of Alabaster in a cozy French bedroom:

French country farmhouse bedroom with Duck Blue barn door and Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Brit Jones Design. — Brit Jones Design – that gorgeous muted blue is custom mix with cream and Annie Sloan’s Duck Egg Blue

And here’s Alabaster paired with Accessible Beige:

Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams) on bedroom walls with paneling painted Accessible Beige. @michellemilowe #swalabaster #paintcolors #accessiblebeige — @michellemilowe

It does remind me of Agreeable Gray.

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige paint color swatch. #accessiblebeige — **Sherwin-Williams ACCESSIBLE BEIGE**

Benjamin Moore White Dove

Just because you have noticed every other white room on the internet is painted White Dove doesn’t mean you should avoid it. It has proven itself to be trustworthy.

Sweet and cozy built in bunk area of a Scandi cabin with beaded board - My Scandinavian Home. #cozybedrooms #cozycabins #europeancottage #cozybedrooms #bunkrooms — My Scandinavian Home

Also, just a reminder to not think too deeply about how these swatches appear as you view them online. Hold all of those judgments loosely since the only way to truly see how the color performs is by sampling.

White Dove BM OC-17 paint color swatch. #bmwhitedove #whitedovepaint #classicwhitepaintcolors — **Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE OC-17**

Earthy Greens & Grays for Cozy European Country Interiors

We must be careful to not get tripped up by paint color names either! Just because a color is on a swatch with grey colors or has “gray” in the name, does not mean it is not green!

Benjamin Moore Gettysburg Gray kitchen island in 2020 Milieu Designer Showhouse. Shannon Bowers brought baskets, European antiques, patina, understated elegance, and sophisticated simplicity. #shannonbowers #timelessinteriors — MILIEU – Shannnon Bowers (SEE MORE OF HER WORK IN THIS)

What could the atmospheric green gray neutral on the island above be? Here’s the exact color:

Benjamin Moore Gettysburg Gray paint color swatch. #benjaminmooregettysburggray #graypaintcolors #graygreencolor — **Benjamin Moore GETTYSBURG GRAY**

These moody green-grays are so popular right now. Not sure of the paint color on wainscot below, but it is in the same spirit as Gettysburg Gray:

Cozy kitchen pantry with archway and English country style - via Nikkisplate. #englishcountry #cozypantry #europeancountry — via Nikkisplate – not sure of exact paint color but similar to BM Gettysburg Gray

Sometimes it is a grey with green undertones that will do the trick:

This built-in reminds me of French Gray.

Who can forget how it was used spectacularly by Jessica Helgerson?

Jessica Helgerson designed classic and chic traditional Brooklyn kitchen. #farrowandballfrenchgray — Photo: @aaronleitz; Design: @jhinteriordesign; Paint color: **Farrow & Ball French Gray**

Will I ever recover after seeing this kitchen?

Doubtful! It’s such a pleasing combination with brass, touches of black, and the fine furniture glowing with warmth.

Farrow & Ball Jitney

Followers of my Facebook page have been going nuts for this next color which is suggestive of the stone color covering this bespoke kitchen’s backsplash:

It reminds me of the color I painted our round kitchen table (Behr Garden Wall) when I was going for the feel of rugged natural stone.

Farrow & Ball Jitney paint color swatch. #farrowandballjitney — **Farrow & Ball JITNEY**

Each time I share this kitchen image for inspiration on FB, it fetches excessive engagement due to the placement of the microwave:

Farrow & Ball Jitney cabinets in beautiful timeless kitchen with over-grouted stone backsplash - @m_m_interior_design. #timelesskitchen #farrowandballjitney #stonebacksplash #europeanluxury — **Farrow & Ball JITNEY** – MM Design

The designer/homeowner told me it is at that level for children to safely use, and I didn’t think it strange at all since our microwave is also at that level (oven level). For some reason, it bothers a certain segment of folks to not see a microwave high above a range!

For a similar look to Jitney, though less fleshy and more grey-taupe similar to this gorgeous cozy moment:

JLF Architects - cozy breakfast nook in kitchen with warm timeless European charm. #breakfastnooks #rusticelegance #cozykitchens — JLF Architects – unsure of paint color, but try PPG Shadow Taupe for a similar look

You could peek at PPG Shadow Taupe:

PPT Shadow Taupe paint color swatch. #ppgshadowtaupe #taupepaintcolors — **PPG SHADOW TAUPE**

Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray

Please don’t believe that all grays and taupes are interchangeable! They are more different than I can say.

Patina Meadow log cabin bedroom of Brooke Giannetti - European country antiques, patina style, and sumptuous bedding. #patinameadow #patinahomeandgarden #cottagebedrooms — Design: Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti – Patina Meadow – Velvet and Linen

While I’m guessing the walls in the Giannetti’s Tennessee log cabin are plaster or skim-coated with plaster, in this shadowy image above, the walls remind me of SW Repose Gray. I did a thorough review of Repose Gray in this.

Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray paint color swatch. #swreposegray #bestgraypaintcolor — **Sherwin-Williams REPOSE GRAY**

Repose Gray is on walls in our Georgian’s dining/music room, living room, and foyer:

Hello Lovely Dining Room: Get the Look with these design resources. #diningroomdecor #modernfrench

1. French Dining Chairs

2. Paint Color

3. Sconce

4. Terracotta Urn

5. Everlasting White Roses

6. Diptyque Paris Candle

7. Finish on Wood Floor

8. Chandelier

9. Wallpaper

SW Repose Gray in living room with Belgian linen sofa, egg chair, and arched windows - Hello Lovely Studio. #reposegray #belgianstyle

1. Similar Swivel Egg Chair

2. Similar Console Table

3. Similar Sofa

4. Similar Bench

5. Wall Color

6. Faux Fur Throw

7. Candle

What if you’re after a very cool crisp bright white like the color on my trim above?

Beautiful Scandi white kitchen sunroom breakfast nook - via Amla Wimmergren. #scandikitchen #breakfastnooks — via Alma Wimmergren

You could sample Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace:

Erin Fetherston's breakfast nook with sofa, woven pendant, midcentury Marcel Breuer cane back chairs, and Chantilly Lace paint color on walls. #bmchantillylace #chantillylace — **Benjamin Moore CHANTILLY LACE** – Erin Fetherston for OKL

Doesn’t it add a modernity?

BM Chantilly Lace paint color swatch. #bmchantillylace #chantillylace — **Benjamin Moore CHANTILLY LACE**

Here’s another brighter white to sample if you like Chantilly Lace:

Benjamin Moore White OC-151

I especially love OC-151 from Benjamin Moore. This is the white I covered the interiors of our former fixer with:

BM White OC-151 Benjamin Moore paint color swatch. #bmwhiteoc151 #benjaminmoorewhite — **Benjamin Moore WHITE OC-151**

One thing it is not? Shy.

Serene white modern French bathroom with clawfoot tub and Louis chair - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench — Hello Lovely – **BM OC-151** in our former bath

Here it is on ceiling and trim in the kitchen:

Hello Lovely's white European country modern French kitchen with Minuet Viatera quartz counters, farm sink, industrial cart, and marble subway backsplash.

1. Terracotta Urn Vase

2. 30″ Fireclay Farm Sink

3. Bridge Faucet

4. Polished Marble Subway Mosaic

5. Stainless Cabinet Hardware

6. Similar Rustic Accent Stool

7. White Ruffle Bowl

8. Wood Boards

9. Cast Iron Dutch Oven

10. Bosch 800 Series Appliances

11. Paint Color

I went into more detail about BM White OC-151 in THIS STORY.

These are the best white paint colors I have used in my homes - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitepaintcolors

OC-151 is a great choice for cool white painted trim, ceilings, doors, and windows.

Cozy office in a porch area with cottage style and wallpaper - via Jennifer Berke. #cozyoffice #europeancountry #sunporches — via Toile and Tide – unsure of trim color, but try OC-151 for a crisp clean alabaster white

Here’s another photo of OC-151 in our former breakfast nook with window seat:

Serene neutral breakfast nook with window seat and Belgian style - Hello Lovely — Hello Lovely – BM White OC-151 on walls, ceiling, trim, and windows

Off White Colors for an Understated Pale Look

White OC-151 may be too cool to get the effect of this plaster:

Belgian modern minimal bath with stone sink - Marie Flanigan design in a Lake Travis, TX home. Photo: Julie Soefer — via Jenni Kayne Home (Photo: Julie Soefer)

But here’s an idea to approach that look:

Farrow & Ball All White 2005 paint color swatch. #farrowandballallwhite — **Farrow & Ball ALL WHITE 2005**

Here is All White on the trim paired with Farrow & Ball Ammonite for walls:

Farrow & Ball Ammonite on walls of Athena Calderone timeless bedroom. Photo: Nicole Franzen. #farrowandballammonite #timelessbedroom — Athena Calderone (Photo: Nicole Franzen) – **Farrow & Ball AMMONITE** on walls; **ALL WHITE** on trim

Do you like the sophistication of Ammonite on the walls?

Farrow & Ball Ammonite 274 paint color swatch. #ammonite #farrowandballammonite — **Farrow & Ball AMMONITE**

While I’m unsure of the paint color Studio McGee used in this cozy nook, Ammonite would be beautiful for such a moment:

McGee and Co window seat and Pascall Dining Table. #cozynooks #windowseatdesign #europeancottage — McGee and Co.

For fans of putty and muted limestone…

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak

Just the sound of this color is intriguing…but somebody smack me…don’t be too wooed by the names of colors!

Isn’t it lovely?

BM Pale Oack OC-20 - a gorgeous Benjamin Moore warm white beige paint color swatch. #paleoak #bmpaleoak — **Benjamin Moore PALE OAK**

I find that many homeowners are nervous about selecting neutrals to complement wood tones, but earthy neutrals are always right at home with wood.

BM Pale Oak Benjamin Moore OC-20 painted kitchen cabinets in a design by @linenandpinehome. #bmpaleoak #paleoak — **Benjamin Moore PALE OAK** – @linenandpinehome

Timeless cozy opulence design elements for a bedroom to sooth - Hello Lovely. #cozyopulence #timelessbedrooms #moodboard #shopthelook

1. Candle, Jenni Kayne

2. Thomas O’Brien Sconce

3. Beach Scene Print

4. Stikwood (White Hamptons) Paneling

5. Seagrass Lidded Basket Set

6. Wingback Upholstered Bed

A Cozy Look With Grey & White

Some of my favorite cozy European country interiors use low and subtle contrast. Here’s a bunk area with painted wood floors and paneling:

Built-in bunks in a cozy white Scandi bedroom - via Alma Wimmergren. #scandistyle #cozybedrooms #bunkrooms — via Alma Wimmergren – try **BM SHORELINE** for the floor color and **BM WHITE DOVE** for paneling

Here’s Shoreline on the floor of a gorgeous kitchen:

Classic Nordic French white kitchen with light grey painted floors, topiaries near window, and classic pendants (Circa Lighting) over island - Loi of Tone on Tone. #whitekitchens #toneontone #bmshoreline #bmchantillylace — Loi Thai – **BM CHANTILLY LACE** and **BM SHORELINE** on floor

Benjamin Moore SHORELINE paint color swatch. #benjaminmooreshoreline — **Benjamin Moore SHORELINE**

Say what you will about the blandness or vanilla-sedative of soft greyed neutrals, but with so much chaos beyond our walls, it can be good medicine.

The Venetian Pantry designed bedroom with Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone painted tongue and groove paneled headboard. — @thevenetianpantry – **Farrow & Ball SKIMMING STONE** on headboard

What a lovely calming hue!

Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone 241 paint color swatch. #farrowandballskimmingstone — **Farrow & Ball SKIMMING STONE**

Doesn’t it seem like a beautiful contender to sample? Wouldn’t it be lovely on a front door of an all white house?

Beyond Paint Colors for Getting it Cozy

So often it isn’t the paint colors that grab you when a room strikes you as warm and inviting.

And isn’t this mostly the goal? To create a mood with texture, interest, and comfort that evokes a feeling of tranquil sophistication?

Our gorgeous fireclay farmhouse topped console sink in a bathroom with silvery butterfly wallpaper (Thibaut) and Venetian mirror - Hello Lovely Studio. — Hello Lovely Studio

Wallpaper patterns continue to keep things in design interesting and varied these days! Such pattern need not be bold and dramatic – there are so many natural patterns to echo nature these days.

Cozy European country cottage kitchen with romantic vintage details - via Nikkisplate. #europeancountry #cozykitchens — via Nikkisplate

You also can’t miss an increased interest in millwork, applied trim, and fine paneled details.

Even the simplicity of old fashioned lace curtain sheers turns up the cozy.

Lovely serene cottagecore dining room with ragdoll cat on table - @alletrejo. #europeancottage #cozyinteriors #romanticcottages — @alletrejo

Of course we could devote an entire post to the power of candlelight…

Belgian linen sofa in a cozy living room - @heritageparkinteriors — @heritageparkinteriors

Oh that the one below were lit!

Serene and ethereal breakfast nook in a magnificent home in Tennessee by Jeffrey Dungan Architects. — Jeffrey Dungan Architects

Cozy Details for European Country Charm

What a gift to have access to the portfolios and feeds of so many top designers in the field who pay attention to the smallest of details.

Skirted sink. Timeless interior design by Shannon Bowers with nods to European antiques, patina, understated elegance, and sophisticated simplicity. #shannonbowers #timelessinteriors — Shannon Bowers Designs

We are treated to glimpses of how to live with our beloved collections and treasures…

French limestone fireplace - Patina Farm (Brooke Giannetti) European country farmhouse in Ojai. #patinafarm #frenchfireplace #romantichomes — velvet and linen

And non-professional creative homeowners who have found their calling also show us what a cozy nest can become…

Beautiful English country kitchen with furniture work island topped with marble - The Venetian Pantry. #englishcountrykitchen #bespokekitchen — @thevenetianpantry

Thanks for being here and joining me as we gather inspiration on the journey.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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