10 steps to new cottage style

It's no wonder that cottage-style decorating is always a favourite as country style provides such a wide range of decorating options. Play up the cosiness factor in your home with our colour, pattern and design updates. Take a look at our 10 favourite designs for some inspirational and easy to achieve looks.

Floor-length floral curtains add a dash of country style to any room. Curtains are ideal for the hallway as they will stop any drafts blowing in and add a laid-back charm to any space. Team with stone or tiled flooring.

Add a row of pretty metal hooks in the hallway for storing all those essential for an authentic country feel.

If you have a small living room, adding a country feel to the space really works. Choose a compact vintage-style sofa and armchair, accessorise with a patchwork throw and cushions. Marry the look with an upholstered footstool and team with natural wood flooring and neutral walls. Accessorise with a simple posy of English country flowers on the windowsill or mantelpiece.

Create a country-style home office with a simple vintage-style desk and chair in pastel tones or natural wood. Accessorise with floral folders and an enamel ceiling lamp. Paint walls a neutral hue teamed with painted wooden floorboards.

Fill a painted cupboard or armoire in the kitchen with simple chinaware for a homely cottage feel. Add your favourite mismatched crockery for a relaxed country style.

A daybed is a lovely addition to any home. Layer with cushions and quilts and enjoy afternoon tea on the verandah on a summer’s afternoon. Complete the country look with and old-fashioned teapot and three-tiered cake stand.

Arrange metal chairs around an outdoor table freshened up with a floral tablecloth for an impromptu al fresco evening meal. Complete the country look with freshly cut English roses in a simple jug.

1/10 Dining al fresco

For outdoor eating, choose a faded floral tablecloth and metal garden chairs softened with sweet, frilled seat cushions.

Find metal dining furniture at Marston & Langinger. Visit Cabbages & Roses for gorgeous floral tablelinen, and Cath Kidston for ditsy floral tableware and this vintage radio.

2/10 Hooks – Live Laugh Love

Decorative wirework details give an authentic country feel. A row of hooks also makes a pretty display.

Find pretty country accessories like these at Live Laugh Love and Decorative Country Living for this Rosebud heart, £14.

3/10 Curtains – country cottage decorating

Hang a flowing door curtain to add a dash of pattern to a hallway. Continue the rose theme with a soft throw and an embroidered lampshade.

GP & J Baker sells a great range of floral fabrics and Isobel Stanley stocks delicately detailed items like this lampshade. Find woven chairs at Marston & Langinger.

4/10 Country flowers – country cottage decorating

Combine two essentials by choosing a useful canvas bag – a must for shopping and storage –with a timeless rose print.

Snap up this cute floral design at Cath Kidston.

5/10 Country box – country cottage decorating

Cut out blooms from wallpaper and greetings cards to create pretty decoupage boxes for storing keepsakes.

Make your own decoupage box with our step-by-step country craft idea

6/10 Living room – country cottage decorating

Keep small sitting rooms fresh and modern with a mixture of compact and nostalgic country-style furniture. Cover a sofa with patchwork and add a striped footstool to keep the look authentic.

Find a patchwork fabric like this at JAB Anstoetz and team with furniture from The Dormy House. Choose accessories from Cabbages & Roses and Daylesford Organic for a cottage-style feel.

7/10 Home office – country cottage decorating

Make a work space feel relaxed by mixing vintage furniture with a little pattern and colour.

Cabbages & Roses sell pretty floral stationary that’s perfect for this look. Find rustic furniture, like this desk, at Daylesford Organic for a cottage-style feel.

8/10 Country cabinet – country cottage decorating

Display a collection of hand painted and sponged rose china in a painted cupboard for a homely cottage feel.

Find a country-style cabinet at Pimpernell & Partners. Visit Lavender & Sage and Decorative Country Living for a gorgeous collection of chinaware.

9/10 Daybed – country cottage decorating

Layer quilts and linens in muted patterns to create the perfect spot to take tea or two.

Find a daybed like this at Victorian Dreams. Cabbages & Roses stock a wide range of country cottage-style fabrics and try Rosehip in the Country for vintage country quilts.

10/10 Paint – country cottage decorating

When it comes to paint, choose colours in creamy, chalky shades – and an accent of statement pink.

Visit The Little Greene Paint Company. Or check out our ways to update your garden with pastel shades.