Whether you’re collecting inspiration for small spaces because you’ll be downsizing or because you already live small, this may please. Romantic cottages, wee rooms with mile high charm, and cozy country texture? I hope this eclectic collection of rustic romance in country cottages is sweet relief from all the fancy manses.
Rustic Romance & Cozy Cottagecore
Patina Meadow Tour
Why not start out with my favorite rustic romance straight away?
Small Footprint for Big Savings
That little living room in a Leiper’s Fork guest cottage above! So much inspiration from a single image. There’s a mix of high and low, old and new, and texture von texture for interest. Without all of the shiplap and rustic wood ceiling, it might feel boxy. If you’re not a real life renovator as I am, you may not be as quick to note these important details are far easier to execute and afford when the square footage is low!
This small white cottage would cost far less to build than a roomier home, but notice how the multiple sets of French doors add architectural interest, and you can still have a wide porch/patio!
Here’s another romantic charming garden shed (above) where the size of the place is half the charm!
Short on Space but Rich in Creativity
Your secret weapon with wee spaces that may initially make you feel sad? Creativity. Willingness to break the rules. Boldness because what do you really have to lose? Feel free to try things you haven’t tried or things you haven’t seen done before.
Yes, you can fill a teeny room with a big ol’ romantic poster bed. Yepper, you can add little tie-on curtain panels to create a cozy room within a small but mighty bedroom. Notice how there isn’t room for nightstands in this little bedroom. Instead of freaking out bitter about the low square footage? GO WITH IT. Notice how curtains create depth at the head of the bed and sconces provide light in lieu of lamps.
In older homes, there are often little landings or quirky bits of real estate space that don’t have a function and may pose a decorating challenge. If you have a space like the one above which receives wonderful sunlight, why not create a wee conservatory?
Tiny kitchens can still be wonderful. Look at the size of this next one which is closer in size to the inspiring pantries and sculleries shared on this inspiration blog.
Even if yours doesn’t have a lovely window like this one, you could still add architecture with a mirrored faux window, art with a beautiful painting, or more storage with open shelving.
Sometimes it is the very fact that the ceiling is low and a window is small that makes a kitchen cute as a button.
Right? Not to mention how much easier it is to keep clean a smaller space clean.
Imperfection & Age Evokes Romance
If we could only regard aging humans the way we admire historic architecture and patina!
What makes those qualities romantic and heartwarming in terms of interiors and architecture?
Signs of use and the passing of time stir us and often suggest humility. Things rugged enough to stand the test of time feel solid and sturdy. Modern life rarely feels like that!
Tour a Cottage in the Cotswolds
Country cottages with rustic romance also suggest holidays, vacations, weekends, and relaxation even if they happen to be primary homes.
In fact, I won’t be surprised if a relaxed European country look surges in popularity in the coming years. So much anxiety from global threats and cultural unrest. Things that return us to simpler times and rustic romance feel more nostalgic and earthy.
Not that a newly built modern structure can’t be a balm!
Romantic Cottage Style Ideas to Enhance the Everyday
When I penned this post, I had just wached Restoration Road (Magnolia Network) and learned that when America was new, families lived in houses that were on average, 125 square feet.
The first home we purchased (a suburban Chicago bungalow) was 850 square feet, and to us it was a palace! To friends and family, a shoe box.
So many implications and discussions pursuant to the growth of our residences through the centuries. Wonder what our ancestors would think of sprawling homes with family members in separate spaces staring at screens!
Psst. The Giannettis’ bedroom above may not be undersized, but it feels ultra cozy.
Inspiring Petite Interiors & Exteriors
Is this next home Ai generated? I’m not sure, but how sweet!
I am always inspired by the impulses of Desiree Bastian of Beljar Home.
She stays true to her sensibilities and her spaces never feel contrived.
Why do wee little tiny homes, garden sheds and she sheds capture our imaginations? Does it make you feel nostalgic?
This next space reminds me of the French country house we built in 2007. We had tons of attic space above the large garage we converted into a fabulous office and bunk room with captains beds.
It didn’t seem silly at the time, but reflecting now, I think goodness gracious in that big house we felt the need to expand with more cozy nooks to curl up in?
Empty spaces with potential are simply too irresistible for creative types to ignore.
Is there anything so cozy and relaxing as a little cabin in the woods?
No wonder airbnb is doing so well!
I hope these nooks, niches, and cozy glimpses of cottage romance help you in some way reimagine your interiors or plans for the future.
Experience Down Sized Living
If you’re considering a downsize anytime soon, it makes sense to research the prospect thoroughly (airbnb, vrbo, vacation rentals). There are so many beautiful possibilities now.
One of the bonuses of spending a weekend away in a tiny home or tiny cottage is noticing how to make the most of small spaces. Most of the owners have learned how to make their vacation property live large!
I thought this tiny house design was sweet and posted it to my FB page last year, and engagement went bonkers. If you’re a builder, take note. People want this design:
Let’s Tour a Darling 425 square foot Studio Apartment
IN SWEET SOLITUDE OF MIND, SHE LISTENS TO WIND SECRETS AND ECHOES OF DIFFERENT STAR SONGS. DRINKING DEEPLY OF MOONLIGHT MAGIC AND THE RICH GOLDEN HUM OF THE HEART OF THE UNIVERSE, SHE FINDS WINGS AND DRAWS STRENGTH IN THIS COCOON OF VELVET DARKNESS. – mary oliver
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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