Countryside House: 10 Cottage Interior Design Inspiration and Tips

Welcome to my guide on countryside house interior design inspiration! If you’re looking for beautiful examples and ideas to design the interiors of your countryside dream home, you’ve come to the right place.

10 interior design ideas for a countryside house

In this article, I will take you through 10 key aspects to focus on when designing the interiors of a countryside house. For each aspect, I have included real-life examples and inspiration from beautiful English countryside houses.

Whether you’re renovating an old countryside property or building a new home, implementing these interior design ideas will help you achieve the warm, inviting, and nature-inspired style that countryside houses are renowned for.

Rustic and Natural Materials

One of the hallmarks of countryside houses is the use of natural, rustic materials that give the home a cozy and earthy feel. When designing your interiors, opt for materials like wood, stone, brick, and natural fibers.

An inspiringly rustic light fixture hanging from a wooden ceiling in a countryside house interior design.
In a Countryside House, a lamp elegantly hangs from a wooden beam, adding warmth and charm to the inviting dining room. The Interior Design of this Country House creates a cozy ambiance that
Two countryside-inspired lights hanging from wooden beams in a house interior design.
The interior design of the countryside house includes a wooden ceiling.

Examples

  • Exposed wooden ceiling beams
  • Distressed or roughly finished wood furniture
  • Stone or exposed brick walls
  • Natural fiber rugs and soft furnishings
A cozy Country House fireplace with logs in it, perfectly complementing the rustic interior design of this charming Countryside House.
A cozy stone fireplace with logs in it, adding a rustic touch to the interior design of a countryside house.

Key Takeaways

  • Use reclaimed wood for flooring, paneling, and furniture
  • Incorporate stone and brick architectural elements
  • Choose natural fiber rugs and textiles
  • Create a distressed, well-worn look through patinas
  • Allow materials to age naturally over time

Warm, Earthy Color Scheme

The countryside color palette revolves around warm, earthy hues that evoke nature. Rich shades of brown, green, red, and yellow work beautifully. Accent walls in deeper woodland hues can anchor the scheme.

Examples

  • Mustard, sage, and olive greens
  • Burnt orange, terracotta, and brick red
  • Chocolate and caramel browns
  • Buttery yellows and deep blue accent walls
A beautiful kitchen with green cabinets and glass pendant lights, providing interior design inspiration.
An inspiring countryside house kitchen with green cabinets and a pendant light.
A country house kitchen with green cabinets and a wooden table.
A countryside kitchen with green cabinets and a wooden counter top, providing interior design inspiration for a country house.
A green chair in a countryside house.
A chair in front of a window, providing interior design inspiration for a countryside house.
A green chair with orange tulips in a vase provides a lovely touch of nature to the house interior design.
A leather chair with orange tulips in front of a bookcase, providing inspiration for interior design in a countryside house.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose colors inspired by nature – earth, trees, foliage
  • Incorporate wood stains and paints for warmth
  • Use deeper shades on accent walls
  • Accent with pops of contrasting color through accessories
  • Allow plenty of natural light to enhance the scheme

Vintage and Antique Furnishings

The countryside look goes hand-in-hand with vintage, antique, and traditional furnishings that give the home a timeworn, welcoming charm.

A charming blue and white china cabinet that fits perfectly in a country house.
A countryside house with interior design inspiration features a beautiful blue and white china cabinet.
A country house china cabinet filled with blue and white dishes.
Blue and white china cabinet in a countryside house.

Examples

  • Distressed wood dressers, cabinets, and hutches
  • Worn leather and fabric sofas and chairs
  • Reclaimed wood dining tables and benches
  • Cast iron and enamel cookware for the kitchen
  • Collected antique accessories such as books, baskets, china
An inspiration for interior design in a countryside house, featuring a brown leather couch and a coffee table.
A country house living room with a brown leather couch and a coffee table.
A tan leather sofa in front of a bookshelf, providing interior design inspiration in a countryside house.
An inspiring living room in a countryside house, featuring a brown leather sofa and a coffee table.

Key Takeaways

  • Source second-hand and antique furniture where possible
  • Look for pieces with character-worn, distressed finishes
  • If buying new, opt for traditional countryside-style furniture
  • Display collected antiques, china, glassware, and books
  • Kitchens suit traditional cookware, such as cast iron pots

Natural Textures and Textiles

Use layers of cozy, natural fiber textures throughout the home to enhance the rustic warmth. Knitwear, wool, cotton, linen, and leather work beautifully.

A countryside house with a couch adorned with yellow and blue blankets and a potted plant.
A countryside house with a white couch adorned with blue and yellow throw pillows, complemented by a window bringing in natural light.
An interior design featuring a white chair with a yellow pillow and tassels.
A cozy countryside house with a vibrant yellow and blue blanket adorning a pristine white couch, providing inspiration for impeccable interior design.

Examples

  • Cable knit and woven wool throws
  • Sheepskin and cowhide rugs
  • Linen or cotton bedding and curtains
  • Leather upholstered furniture
  • Woven wicker baskets for storage
Two chairs in a country house living room.
Three chairs on a wooden floor in an interior design.
A wooden floor in a Country House.

Key Takeaways

  • Layer natural fiber rugs – sisal, seagrass, wool
  • Incorporate cozy knitted and woven blankets
  • Choose linen, cotton, or wool for window treatments
  • Select leather upholstery for personality and warmth
  • Store items in wicker baskets instead of harsh plastic

Nature-Inspired Accessories

Bring the outdoors in through wild and natural accessories. Display collected botanicals or create mini indoor gardens.

A beautiful country house interior design featuring a desk adorned with a clock, flowers, and a lamp.
In a countryside house, an inspiration for interior design can be found on a desk adorned with beautiful flowers and a lamp.
A beautiful country house with a desk adorned by a vase of flowers and a lamp.
A Country house with a desk adorned with a lamp and vases.

Examples

  • Gathered dried botanicals and wildflowers
  • House plants and indoor potted trees
  • Natural wood and woven accessories
  • Animal hide poufs, rugs, and throw pillows
  • Driftwood, antlers, shells, and stone decor
A wooden shelf filled with seashells and other objects in a Countryside House.
A rustic wooden box filled with various sea shells, serving as interior design inspiration for a countryside house.
A stunning collection of sea shells displayed in a wooden box, providing beautiful country house examples.
A display of sea shells in a wooden box, perfect for adding a touch of the countryside to your country house interior design.

Key Takeaways

  • Create mini indoor gardens with plants and pots
  • Style shelves and tabletops with gathered botanicals
  • Incorporate naturally found objects like antlers and shells
  • Use animal hides and fur as accents
  • Allow wood and natural materials to age gracefully

Rustic Wood Architectural Details

Wood paneling, exposed beams, wooden floors, and rustic doors lend wonderful warmth. Play with varied stained wood tones to add depth.

A large living room with a wooden ceiling, providing inspiration for countryside house interior design.
A countryside house with a wooden ceiling, providing interior design inspiration.
The breathtaking interior design of this countryside house is highlighted by an inspiration ceiling made of rustic wood.
An interior design of a countryside house with wooden ceilings.

Examples

  • Exposed wood beam ceilings
  • Wood plank walls and paneled fireplaces
  • Distressed and roughly stained wood floors
  • Natural wood doors and architectural millwork
  • Wood-framed windows and window seats
An inspiring window with a view of a flowering tree in a countryside house.
A white bed with purple flowers in the window adorns the interior of a Countryside House.
A countryside house with a bed in a room with a window.
A beautiful countryside house interior design inspiration featuring a white bed with purple flowers in front of a window.

Key Takeaways

  • Expose ceiling beams and incorporate wood accent walls
  • Install reclaimed or roughly stained wood flooring
  • Frame windows and build window seats with wood
  • Carve out cozy nooks with wood-paneled walls
  • Opt for simple, sturdy natural wood doors

Handcrafted and Custom Pieces

For a personal touch, include handmade, custom, or repurposed furniture. These cottage-style pieces add artisanal charm.

Countryside House: A kitchen with a large island and wood floors that offers interior design inspiration.
A countryside house with a stainless steel sink.
An interior design of a countryside house featuring a kitchen island with a sink and baskets.
A country house kitchen with a white sink and wooden counter tops featuring rustic interior design.

Examples

  • Repurposed wood furniture, like an old door, reinvented as a dining table
  • Handcrafted kitchen islands or built-in cabinetry
  • Custom upholstered sofas and chairs made from vintage fabrics
  • Salvaged materials used in creative ways, like a clawfoot tub garden
  • Handmade ceramic, glass, or metal accessories
A countryside house with a wooden table adorned with flowers.
A wooden table with a vase of flowers in a countryside house.
An Interior Design of a Countryside House with a wooden table and flowers on it.
A wooden table with a vase of flowers in a countryside house.

Key Takeaways

  • Upcycle salvaged materials into new furniture
  • Work with carpenters to create custom wood pieces
  • Upholster statement chairs or sofas using vintage fabrics
  • Upcycle unexpected items like windows and doors
  • Display locally handcrafted ceramics, glassware, or metals

Plenty of Natural Light

Abundant windows, skylights, and glass doors connect the home to nature while allowing sunlight to flood interior rooms.

A countryside-inspired living room with a wooden ceiling.
A white couch in a countryside house.
An interior design in a countryside house featuring large windows and a warm wooden floor.
A white couch in a country house living room.

Examples

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows and glazed corners
  • Skylights and sun tunnels in interior rooms
  • Glass garden doors leading onto terraces
  • Window seats and built-in window side desks
  • Transom windows and interior windowed partitions
A white chair with a white pillow in front of a window, offering interior design inspiration in a countryside house.
A cozy wooden chair with pillows in front of a window, providing interior design inspiration and adding a touch of countryside charm to any country house.
A countryside house interior design featuring a wooden chair with a blue pillow placed elegantly in front of a window, offering an inspiration for creating cozy and inviting spaces.
A beautiful white couch positioned in front of a window in a countryside house.

Key Takeaways

  • Install large windows and glazed corners where possible
  • Incorporate skylights and sun tunnels to brighten dark rooms
  • Choose glass garden doors over solid ones
  • Frame windows with built-in seats or side desks
  • Consider transom windows and interior window partitions

Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Flow

Erase barriers between interior and exterior by “bringing the outdoors in.” Use porches, patios, decks, and terraces to extend living areas.

An outdoor dining table with string lights provides a rustic and charming atmosphere, perfect for design inspiration and creating a countryside feel in your house interior.
An outdoor dining area at a countryside house lit up with string lights.
A wooden table and chairs that bring a touch of rustic elegance to your countryside house.
A charming countryside house with an outdoor dining table adorned with string lights, offering inspiration for interior design.

Examples

  • Covered porches and patios for alfresco dining
  • Large retractable glass doors
  • Built-in window seats and banquettes
  • Matching indoor and outdoor furniture
  • Exterior features like fireplaces, kitchens, living areas
An outdoor living room with a view of the ocean in a countryside house.
An inspiring living room in a countryside house with a view of the ocean.
A country house living room with wood floors and a view of the pool.
An outdoor living room with a sliding glass door, providing beautiful country house examples of countryside house interior design inspiration.

Key Takeaways

  • Include covered outdoor dining spaces like patios
  • Install stackable glass doors to unite the interior and exterior
  • Furnish window seats and banquettes with weatherproof cushions
  • Choose outdoor furniture that coordinates with interior pieces
  • Incorporate features like exterior fireplaces and kitchens

Traditional Countryside Style

Stay true to the traditional charm of the English countryside by including hallmarks like floral fabrics, a garden-inspired palette, and a cozy cottage layout.

A countryside house with a sofa and a coffee table.
A pink couch in an interior design inspired living room.
A countryside house living room with pink couches and a coffee table, serving as an inspiration for interior design.
An inspiring countryside house with a cozy living room featuring a chair and a table.

Examples

  • Floral chintz upholstery and soft furnishings
  • Garden-inspired palette – rose, lilac, sage green
  • Dark wood beams, paneling, and wood-burning fireplaces
  • Cozy, compartmentalized cottage layout
  • Vines, ivy, and other greenery are incorporated both inside and out
A purple window seat with pillows and flowers inside a country house.
An interior design of a country house window seat adorned with purple flowers and pillows.
A countryside-inspired window seat adorned with purple pillows and a potted plant - an inspiring touch to any house interior design.
The picturesque interior design of a countryside house features a cozy window seat adorned with vibrant purple flowers and accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee.

Key Takeaways

  • Upholster furniture in quintessential English floral fabrics
  • Paint interiors in soft garden-inspired hues like rose and sage
  • Include traditional features like wood beams and cottage layout
  • Incorporate vines, wreaths, garlands and abundant greenery
  • Display collected botanicals and dried flower arrangements

Conclusion

I hope this guide has provided you with plenty of beautiful countryside house interior design inspiration! By focusing on these ten key aspects and including real-life examples in your own home, you’re sure to achieve the charming, welcoming, and nature-inspired interior style that countryside houses are adored for.

Some final takeaways when designing your countryside home interiors:

  • Source natural, reclaimed, and vintage materials to create a well-loved look
  • Craft a warm, earthy scheme using organic color palettes
  • Allow the outdoors in through abundant natural light and indoor/outdoor flow
  • Incorporate English countryside style with florals, greenery, and cottage elements
  • Add personality with custom, handmade, and repurposed decorator touches

With this inspiration in mind, you’re ready to create a beautiful and inviting countryside retreat that both your family and friends will adore. Get ready to fall in love with your home all over again as you infuse it with rustic, nature-inspired charm and craft your very own segment of the glorious English countryside.

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