The editorial team

There’s something charming about a country cottage. It’s warm, inviting, and full of character. Even if you live in a modern home, you can still bring that rustic charm into your space. Here’s how to transform your house into a cosy, countryside retreat.

1. Choose Soft, Neutral Colours

A country cottage should feel light and airy, so avoid dark, bold colours. Soft pastels, whites, creams, and muted greens work well. Think of shades you’d find in nature earthy tones that create a relaxed atmosphere. Painted wooden furniture in soft hues also adds to the rustic charm.

2. Use Natural Materials

Wood, stone, linen, and wool instantly make a home feel like a countryside escape. Opt for wooden floors, exposed beams (or faux ones), and stone fireplaces. Even smaller touches, like wicker baskets and rattan chairs, help create that organic feel.

3. Add Vintage or Handmade Furniture

A country cottage isn’t about sleek, modern lines. It’s about pieces that tell a story. A weathered oak table, a distressed cabinet, or a hand-carved rocking chair adds character. If you don’t have any vintage furniture, you can create a rustic effect with chalk paint or distressing techniques.

4. Incorporate Floral and Nature-Inspired Prints

Florals belong in a country home. Whether it’s curtains, cushions, or bedding, soft floral patterns bring warmth and a touch of nostalgia. Gingham and toile prints also work beautifully. A well-placed botanical wallpaper can add a striking yet timeless feature to a room.

5. Embrace Cosy Textiles

A country cottage should feel warm and inviting. Layer up with wool throws, soft cushions, and natural fibre rugs. Knitted blankets, embroidered tablecloths, and lace curtains can bring in a traditional cottage feel. The key is mixing different textures to create depth and cosiness.

6. Display Open Shelving and Rustic Storage

Built-in shelves filled with crockery, glass jars, and rustic kitchenware bring that farmhouse feel. Open shelving in the kitchen with neatly arranged plates, mugs, and vintage tins adds character. Wooden crates, wire baskets, and fabric-lined drawers are practical storage options that don’t sacrifice style.

7. Create a Welcoming Fireplace

A fireplace is the heart of a country cottage. If you have a real one, make it a focal point with a stone or brick surround. If not, a wood-burning stove or even a faux fireplace with candles can achieve a similar effect. Stacked logs beside it complete the cosy aesthetic.

8. Bring in Plenty of Greenery

Indoor plants and fresh flowers bring life to a cottage-style home. A potted lavender plant on the windowsill, a bowl of freshly cut wildflowers, or trailing ivy in a corner all work beautifully. If space allows, a herb garden in the kitchen adds both charm and function.

9. Mix and Match Tableware

Forget about perfectly coordinated plates and cups. A mismatched collection of teacups, vintage plates, and hand-painted ceramics feels far more homely. Display them on open shelving or in a glass-fronted cabinet to add charm to your kitchen or dining area.

10. Opt for Classic Cottage Lighting

Soft lighting makes a home feel warm and inviting. Instead of bright overhead lights, go for table lamps with fabric shades, wall sconces, and candle-style chandeliers. Fairy lights draped over a mantle or around a doorway can add a magical touch, especially in the evenings.

11. Introduce Traditional Ironmongery

Details matter when creating a cottage look. Swap modern door handles for wrought iron or brass ones. Vintage-style hooks, latches, and drawer pulls can make a surprising difference in achieving an old-world feel.

12. Use Soft, Billowy Curtains

Heavy, formal curtains don’t suit a cottage aesthetic. Instead, go for lightweight, flowy fabrics like linen or cotton. Sheer curtains allow natural light to filter in, creating a bright and breezy feel. Tiebacks made from ribbons or twine can add a charming rustic touch.

13. Install a Butlers Sink

Nothing says country kitchen like a classic butler’s sink. Deep, white ceramic sinks not only look beautiful but are also highly practical. Pair it with a traditional-style tap to complete the look.

14. Choose Wooden or Wrought Iron Furniture for Outdoor Spaces

A country cottage doesn’t stop at the front door. Wrought iron benches, wooden picnic tables, and rattan chairs make an outdoor space feel just as inviting. Add hanging baskets, climbing roses, or a trellis with ivy to create a picture-perfect cottage garden.

15. Introduce Scented Elements

Scents play a big role in how a home feels. Lavender, rosemary, and fresh linen scents instantly make a space feel calming. Use scented candles, reed diffusers, or dried herbs to add a gentle fragrance to your home.

16. Incorporate Quirky Cottage Charm

The best thing about a country cottage is its charm and character. Add a farmhouse-style sign in the kitchen, a vintage clock above the fireplace, or an old-fashioned radio on a side table. The little touches make all the difference.

17. Keep It Relaxed and Lived-In

A country cottage isn’t about perfection. A slightly creaky wooden floor, a slightly worn rug, or a handmade ceramic with an imperfect shape only add to the charm. It should feel warm, welcoming, and a little bit nostalgic.

Choosing the right worktop for your kitchen or bathroom isn’t always easy. Quartz and granite are two of the most popular options, and both have their own set of benefits. But which one is right for you? That depends on what you’re looking for in terms of durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost. Let’s break it all down so you can make the best decision for your home.

Durability and Strength

Nobody wants a worktop that chips or stains easily. Granite is a natural stone, which means it’s incredibly hard and resistant to heat. You can place a hot pan on it without worrying about damage. However, because it’s porous, it can absorb liquids if not sealed properly. If a spill isn’t wiped up quickly, it might leave a stain.

Quartz, on the other hand, is engineered, which makes it non-porous. That means it won’t absorb spills or harbour bacteria, making it a great choice for busy kitchens. It’s also very strong, but it isn’t as heat resistant as granite. You’ll need to use trivets or heat pads to protect the surface from hot pots and pans.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Granite requires regular sealing to prevent stains and bacteria from seeping in. If you forget to reseal it every year or so, it can start to show wear. Cleaning it isn’t difficult, but you’ll need to be mindful of using mild cleaners rather than harsh chemicals.

Quartz, doesn’t need sealing at all. A simple wipe-down with soap and water is enough to keep it looking fresh. If low maintenance is a priority for you, quartz is the better choice.

Appearance and Style

Both quartz and granite have stunning aesthetics, but they achieve them in different ways. Granite is entirely natural, meaning no two slabs are identical. If you love the idea of having a completely unique worktop with natural variations in colour and veining, granite might be the way to go. It works well in traditional and rustic kitchens, adding a touch of organic beauty.

Quartz, being engineered, offers more consistency. If you prefer a sleek, uniform look with controlled patterns and colours, you’ll probably like quartz better. It’s available in a wider range of shades and styles, including ones that mimic marble or concrete. This makes it a popular choice for modern and contemporary kitchens.

Cost Considerations

Price is always a factor when making a decision. Granite can be more affordable upfront, depending on the type you choose. However, since it requires periodic sealing and special care, the long-term costs can add up. Quartz tends to have a higher initial cost, but since it doesn’t require ongoing maintenance, it might save you money in the long run.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are lower-cost granite options available, though they might not have the most striking patterns. Meanwhile, if you’re willing to invest a little more for convenience and durability, quartz could be worth the higher price.

Environmental Impact

For those who are eco-conscious, it’s worth considering the environmental impact of each material. Granite is a natural stone, but it has to be quarried, which requires significant energy and resources. Transporting large slabs also contributes to its carbon footprint.

Quartz is manufactured, but many brands now use recycled materials to make it a more sustainable option. Some quartz manufacturers are also committed to environmentally friendly practices, so if sustainability matters to you, it’s worth looking into different brands and their sourcing methods.

Installation and Repairs

Both quartz and granite are heavy, meaning professional installation is a must. You won’t be able to DIY this one unless you have experience working with stone. Once installed, both materials are durable, but they do have different vulnerabilities.

Granite can chip if something heavy is dropped on it, and repairing it can be tricky because the patterns are unique. Matching the exact colour and texture isn’t always possible. Quartz is less likely to chip, but if it does, the damage can be harder to repair since it’s an engineered material. That said, because it’s non-porous, it’s much less likely to crack due to moisture exposure.

Resale Value

If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, the worktop you choose can have an impact on resale value. Both quartz and granite are seen as high-end materials, so either one can add value to your property.

Which One is Right for You?

There’s no universal answer to this question it all depends on your lifestyle and priorities. If you love the idea of natural stone, don’t mind a little maintenance, and want something completely unique, granite might be the best fit. But if you prefer a hassle-free option with a sleek, modern look and better stain resistance, quartz could be the way to go.

Think about how you use your kitchen. Are you someone who cooks frequently and needs a surface that can handle heat? Do you have kids who might spill juice or knock over a glass of wine? Do you want something that requires little effort to maintain? Answering these questions will help you make the right decision.