20 Beautiful European Cottage Interiors That Will Make You Fall in Love With This Style

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost. I appreciate your support! – Martina

This post is all about beautiful European cottage interiors!

If you love curated, beautiful interiors but want your decor to be just as warm and cozy, European cottage interiors are exactly what you should be looking at. A more continental take on the cottage core interior design style, these spaces draw heavy inspiration from the rustic beauty of the English and French countryside of the late 19th century.

Think of delicate floral prints, gorgeous upholstery, and simple elegance. This is the perfect recipe to bring into your own home decor if your love for timeless elegance only comes second to your passion for vintage!

European Cottage Interiors: Understanding The Roots of European Cottage Style

Before we can start obsessing over these 20 beautiful European cottage interiors, let’s spend some time reviewing what the European cottage aesthetic is all about. A good framework will help you make your home decor shopping more targeted. It will also make it easier to turn the inspiration you get from these spaces into actionable improvements for your own design.

Overall, you can think of European cottage designs as a slightly more feminine and vintage-focused version of farmhouse decor. This is why you may have heard this style referred to as the European Farmhouse style. Its key features are references to the European countryside, traditional patterns, upholstered furniture, and effortless elegance. In other words, the perfect European cottage looks charming without trying too hard and embraces both its own history, as well as the surrounding natural elements.

Luckily, you don’t need expensive French terra cotta tile flooring or a brand new fireplace to bring some of these same chic vibes into your space. Regardless of whether you live in a country house or a city apartment, there are plenty of elements you can steal from these designs. Attention to details, curated clutter, appreciation for vintage pieces, and a focus on simplicity are just some examples!

Keep these things in mind as you review these cottage interiors and, before you know it, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Jane Austen novels, great cups of tea, and gorgeous upholstery! 😉

20 European Cottage Interiors That Will Leave You Inspired

1. Clean, Rustic Bedroom

This bedroom is a perfect example of how simplicity is at the heart of rustic charm.

While the room has mainly simple lines and classic furniture pieces, the overall design is enhanced by the exposed ceiling beams. If your space has any rustic architectural features, make them the star of the show!

The simple color palette and small pop of earthy colors on the bed also helps to strengthen that cottage feel. Notice how all pieces, from the bedding to the curtains, do not match exactly but are tastefully mixed for a more casual look.

I also love how a floral pattern sets the tone for the rest of the room. A delicate floral print is an absolute must-have for your European cottage bedding. You can find here a great option for chic and understated floral sheets!

2. Wallpaper is a Must-Have

Wallpaper is one of those design elements that I will always advocate for! It just looks so chic and sophisticated.

Especially if you only want to invest in a single change, choosing a beautiful pattern can truly transform your space in only a few hours.

Personally, I love a bold choice when it comes to wallpaper patterns. However, if you’re afraid of getting tired of bright colors or intricate designs, look into more muted and discrete options that you’ll love for a long time to come.

Smaller, more minimalist patterns are also a better choice if you’re working with a small space. Excessive detailing or very dark, moody colors will inevitably close up your space, giving the impression of an even smaller room.

3. The Perfect Cottage Dining Room

All you need for a great dining room area are a high-quality, wooden dining table, beautiful vintage, or rattan chairs, and a cozy rug. Simple but impactful – let the natural materials and textures speak for themselves.

I also love how the different wooden tones are combined in this space. They add an element of visual interest and variety while keeping the room bright and the overall look cohesive.

Bonus points if you can style seasonal centerpieces to add an organic touch and create a connection with the countryside nature with fresh flowers and plants.

4. Wicker Details For A Gorgeous Entryway

​A material full of timeless appeal, wicker is a must-have and the x-factor for this beautiful entryway.

When it comes to European cottage interiors, you’ll see that the aesthetic is all about the use of natural materials. Natural textures create a direct connection with the outdoors and their organic colors create a chic and soothing color scheme.

Your entryway – or mudroom if that’s what you have available – is a great place to take full advantage of this material. From convenient storage baskets and chic umbrella holders to a lovely entry mat and flower display, feel free to get creative and don’t be afraid to do overdo it!

YOUR NEXT READ: Get the best mudroom ideas to help you create a beautiful & functional space!

5. Soft Colors For Delicate Charm

So far we have seen how organic materials will provide the perfect earthy palette. However, it’s also common to see in European cottage interiors plenty of soft, pastel shades.

Blush pink, powder blue, cream, sage green – these are all fantastic options to design traditional rooms that are full of colors and personality.

In recent years, especially, these shades have become known as the “new neutrals”. They will refresh your space while keeping that old world feel that belongs to cottage core decor.

For an extra chic touch, match your walls to your upholstery. I can’t get over how cute this reading chair looks!

6. Florals With A Side of Florals

If you love flowers, botanical patterns, and deep greens, you have found your match. European cottage interiors are all about layering florals in all shapes, shades, and forms.

Opt for traditional designs, steering clear of modern prints or overly minimalistic designs. This is the time to lean into vintage patterns and delicate prints.

Of course, also make sure to include a gorgeous flower display in your room. If you don’t love the maintenance of fresh flowers, look into silk or latex options. They can look and feel incredibly realistic!

7. Simple & Chic – An Evergreen Combo

Sometimes less is more, and European cottage design strongly believes in this statement.

For instance, look how chic and elegant this bathroom looks even if furniture and decor are kept to a minimum. This will not only save you the extra cost of useless accessories, but it will also give you space a more soothing feel. The goal is to make your bathroom just like a spa-like retreat.

A great example of how simplicity and attention to details can really add to the day-to-day fun of using and decorating even the more functional areas of your home.

YOUR NEXT READ: Use these genius tips to turn your bathroom into a spa!

8. A Bedroom Where Details Make The Difference

I love how this bedroom is made great by details. European cottage interiors are all about that!

From the unique bedside tables with vintage wood finishes to the small but cute artwork and delicate wallpaper, there is nothing short of lovely in this design.

This is also a great example of how cottage decor can embrace bolder colors like yellow and blue, as long as they are paired tastefully and counterbalances by natural textures like wood and jute.

Bonus points if you can also find a lovely vintage hat to add to your guest bedroom. I promise you’ll be features on all of your guests’ Instagram stories!

9. Keeping It Rustic For A Beautiful Kitchen 

I find rustic cottage kitchens to be so incredibly practical!

By keeping extra appliances and purely decorative decor to a minimum, you’ll have plenty of counter space left for meal prepping and entertaining. Something as simple as large, wooden kitchen table instantly becomes a multi-functional space.

As all cottage kitchens require, you also see numerous potted herbs scattered across the room. If you have a green thumb, I definitely recommend copying this idea. You’ll be surprised by how much more homely your kitchen will look even by adding a small basil or rosemary plant!

10. Embracing Color

If you love a bit of an eclectic touch and truly bold color palettes, this room is for you.

I wanted to include an example of how to include in a cottage living room a piece of colorful, modern art. Especially if you already own artwork or wall decor you are attached to, there is no need to throw it all away for the sake of a neutral cottage palette.

At their core, European cottage interiors embrace a bit of chaos and mismatching. As we discussed earlier on in the post, this style welcomes a collection of decor built over time. Just make sure your overall design remains balanced and that the curated clutter doesn’t turn into excess visual noise.

11. Classy Neutral Color Palette

A neutral color palette is one of the easiest ways to interpret the cottage style. Perfect if you’re just tying out this type of decor for the first time and want a more organic, transitional space.

One of my favorite things about a neutral, consistent color palette is that it pairs well with warm colors and earthy tones. The latter are fundamental to make a living space feel more cozy and inviting, making your job so much easier when it comes to choosing accent contrast pieces.

This color scheme and natural wood tones may also be a good choice if you have a small living room. They let the natural light fully come through, opening up your room.

Lastly, a fresh coat of neutral paint is just what you need if you want the feel of a brand new house with minimal effort!

12. Creating A Cozy Atmosphere with The Right Lighting

Whether it’s a cute table lamp from your local flea market or a scented candle on your coffee table, lighting is a fundamental part of cottage home decor.

Warm, diffused lighting will provide the perfect atmosphere for gathering of family, cozy nights in, and reading club discussions!

At the end of the day, this will always remain one of the most powerful (and, luckily, affordable) tools you have to replicate the warm, intimate feel of an authentic European cottage.

13. Effortlessly Chic Bathroom

Let me introduce you to the ultimate example of effortless, chaotic elegance: bathroom wall art. Forget about funny prints and small toilet signs, here we are talking about a full on vintage gallery wall just above your toilet.

Extravagant but it works – the proof is in the beautiful photo above. I adore how this master bath balances the overly formal look of the art with the muted colors and clean lines of the sinks.

Here you see wood panelling on the walls, which looks very traditional. Another great option to further enhance the art would be plaster walls.

14. A Modern Take on A Classic

If you like European cottage interiors but are a bit concerned about leaning too much into the vintage aspect, consider designing instead a more transitional space.

For example, in this bathroom, elements like the rustic door and traditional wainscoting are paired with a very contemporary bathtub.

This contrast is not only chic but also gives a strong feel of timeless decor. The key is achieving an equal balance between your antique and modern sides.

Think of each piece as holding a certain amount of visual weight and make sure to counterbalance it with an item on the opposite end of the spectrum. For instance, the minimalist bathtub is a central piece in the bathroom, meaning that it requires something as significant as the rustic door to make sure neither is overwhelming the design.

15. Traditional Patterns For An Authentic Vibe

Stripes, gingham, embroidered flowers, white lace – anything and everything that can be considered a traditional patter belongs in European cottage interiors.

Especially when it comes to textiles, make sure to choose patterned and colorful pieces that can serve as accents in your space.

This is needed to add a bit of a playful feel to an otherwise every rustic and bare environment.

16. A Cozy Dining Nook

As someone with a tiny tiny tiny (did I say it was tiny?) dining area, I have a deep love for functional and beautiful dining nooks. Especially ones that can be created with a single trip to a thrift store or a round of garage sales.

All you need to recreate this idea is a small wooden table, a set of mismatched chairs, and a wicker bench. Bonus points if you can add some vintage accents with your table centerpiece.

You can see how a space like this perfectly encapsulates the warm and welcoming feeling of this house. The perfect area to entertaining your girls for tea or for a romantic, home-made dinner.

17. A Chic Palette For A Moody Look

In-between pure cottage decor and Victorian designs, moody spaces can be a good source of inspiration if neutral colors are just not for you.

Opting for a palette centered around a moody color like forest green or burgundy, can create a more dramatic effect. It can also help make a space feel more intimate.

Perfect if the house/apartment is a bit too modern to fit as is with the European cottage theme.

18. Window Seats – A Staple of Cottage Interiors

Window seats are cozy, chic, and give a strong sense of history, as all built-in features.

However, no need to despair if your original home does not have them. You can either invest in having them custom-made or replicate the look with a beautiful bench and some pillows.

Check out this tutorial if you’re looking for DIY inspiration!

19. The Ultimate Cozy, Vintage Bedroom

When it comes to European cottage design, the right color scheme and architectural features will only take you so far. The details that can make a tru difference are authentic vintage pieces.

You know the old trunks and paintings that were left in the musty attic from your great-grandmother’s house? Exactly those.

If you were not lucky enough to receive family heirlooms, no problem. that’s exactly what fun flea markets trips are for!

The more vintage pieces you find, the more character and history you’ll be able to add to your home. See, for instance, how the antique rug pairs beautifully with the vintage chandelier and artwork in this bedroom. Straight out of the best cottagecore dreams!

20. Use Textiles for Cozy Vibes

We can’t talk cozy ambiance without mentioning the importance of textiles. Whether it’s layers of decorative pillows or beautiful cashmere throws, these elements are non-negotiable for your family room.

They will make the space feel more welcoming and warm. Even better if you choose them in earthy colors that can help strengthen your color scheme.

To Conclude

This post was all about the best European cottage interiors!

I hope the main takeaway from this post has been that you don’t need expensive antique furniture and a team of expert interior designers to replicate the charm and effortless elegance typical of the European farmhouse look. Whether you’re designing a brand new home or simply want to add some vintage charm and coziness to your space, the rustic beauty of this style can be captured on any budget.

Have fun exploring local yard sales, antique stores, and don’t be afraid to add a few modern elements to make the space feel more unique and entirely yours. Florals, classy patterns, plushy furniture, and wooden details are out there waiting for you!