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Our picture of a fairytale ending doesn’t involve a hilltop castle or a kiss with a frog. Instead, the happily ever after we have in mind entails a dreamy, rural cottage far from the beaten path.

Beloved for their simple charm, breezy interiors, and sweet rustic sensibility, there’s little we love more than hunkering down in a cozy, rural cottage and soaking in a much-needed dose of solitude. But with no nest to call our own, sometimes we have to bring the coast of Cape Cod or the hills of the English countryside to us.

Thanks to a community of bloggers, designers, and homeowners who are dedicated to capturing and sharing their love for all things cottage living, our Instagram feeds are never short on decorating ideas. Want to channel the joy of ’grammable simplicity in your own home? Here are 11 decorating lessons we’re taking away from our favorite cottage Instagram accounts.

 

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Our tiny home has experienced several alterations in the past 2 years, adapting with our growing son and our evolving needs. The one area of our cottage that remained exactly the same was my workspace, despite the fact that my work routines have changed since West was born. I spend several hours sitting at my computer in the evenings or when my family is out of the house, but I also spend just as much time working while West is playing right here at home. As such, I wanted my desk to be able to convert to a standing design so that I could always be ready to pivot on the spot and run around with my son when he’s nearby. However, this is not only my full-time office— it’s also our living room, dining room, guest room, and a general play space. So I didn’t want to rush this particular update, and was determined to wait until I found a solution that was simple, practical, and beautiful. The new Petaluma Lift Desk from @PBApartment is IT. ? It smoothly transforms from table-height to a standing desk within seconds. Surprising how little design changes like this can have such a positive impact on your day, right? Photos and details on the Cottage blog. ? #sponsored #mypbapartment

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Plants are the next office staple

Stationery? Check. Agenda? Check. Trailing plants? Check. Whitney Leigh Morris of Tiny Canal Cottage might only have 362 square feet to work within her Venice, California, home, but she makes every inch count with plenty of greenery. Along with light and bright walls, part of pulling off the quintessential cottage feel is filling spaces that might otherwise cause stress (i.e., the office or laundry room) with wispy greens.

 

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Back by popular demand tonight we have ‘What’s in the Curated Cupboard?’ ?? . Tonight is a set of four classic vintage Duralex glass cups and saucers. I think they’re 1970s but as it’s a classic design who knows ??‍♀️They’re unusual in that it’s not only the cups but the saucers so I’m guessing an English import as the French tend to just go for the glass cup (which if you’re interested in a new set contact @curatedroom ). Anyway they’re just £25 plus postage. . In the background is also a design classic Italian Bialetti stove top espresso maker for £20 plus postage. ~ Let me know if it’s still ok to put prices in the main bit or maybe in comments? ~ As always any questions or you need more photos please just ask! . Happy Shopping my Curated Cupboard Crew!

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The cupboards deserve love too

Don’t let the minimalistic design aesthetic at Harp Cottage fool you, this 17th-century stone cottage near the Welsh border is packed with delightful surprises. Finished with vintage dishware and a delicate feather, unexpected details turn an ordinary kitchen cabinet into a hidden secret.

 

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the heat broke in the wee hours of the morning, delicious breezes bringing perfect sleeping weather with them. We opened the windows wider and stole a few more minutes before rousing for the farmers market where I was delighted to find the first tiny fingerling carrots, white turnips with their tender green tops, spring cipollini onions, garlic scapes, a glut of snap peas and summer corn Back from the farmers market I was inspired to pull summer bedding from the linen cupboard- oversized vintage linen sheets, with ornate AB initials long ago stitched into the corner and a light striped cotton blanket perfectly faded from hanging on the summer line . . . . . #cottagefarm #eleganceintheeveryday #seekthesimplicity #houseandgarden #myoklstyle #dwell #howyouhome #bhghome #darlingweekend #livebeautifully #pocketsofmyhome

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Antique portraits make the best friends

Part of the joy of remote cottage living is escaping the bustle of big crowds. When the loneliness inevitably kicks in, however, it helps to be able to turn to your artwork for company. Portraits instantly give a space soul. Krissy O’Shea from Cottage Farm relegated her friend to the bedroom fireplace mantel for a larger-than-life statement.

 

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How about a fun #beforeandafter to kick off this new year? It’s been a while since you’ve seen my #masterbath so thought I’d give you guys a little looksee to start off 2019! . . SWIPE to see what this space looked like before! ??? For perspective, the tub and toilet are in the same place. But the vanity is now on the opposite wall. The old hot water heater was located roughly where the ladder is. . . Can you look at the before and envision the after? It’s amazing what a little cleanin’ up can do for space. ?I knew the first time I walked into this bathroom the potential that could unfold! I just could SEE it!!! ❤️❤️❤️ . . And PS: That ladder is a roadside #trashure find and is from a bunkbed! Hooray! I don’t have any towel racks in here. The ladder is my towel rack. ?? . . Y’all I’m super excited about 2019!! Thank you guys again for all your support this last year. It truly means soooo much!!! Can’t wait to continue to walk this journey out with y’all. Have a super Wednesday & Godspeed if you have to go back to work today. ??? . . #simplysoutherncottage #bathroomdecor #bathroomdesign #bathroomremodel #shiplap #oldhouselove #bhghome #restoration #renovation #myafh #cottagestyle #farmhousestyle #fixerupper #fixerupperstyle #grovehome #rshome

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Minimalism and glam can go together

One part rustic, one part minimalist, and one part glamorous, Sara McDaniel’s master bathroom is a triple threat. Between the shiplap walls, utility ladder, sleek white vanity, and luxe crystal chandelier, this space is making us rethink complementary styles.

The kitchen is begging for a vignette

Personal trinkets and composed vignettes are an essential part of every room in a cottage—including the kitchen. Melissa Michael topped her perfectly styled Seattle cookhouse off with a tiny painting, cutting board collection, and freshly picked florals.

 

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Glorious Green! ? Hendra House Powder Room | In small spaces its a great opportunity to go bold with colour or pattern! I think we are going to be seeing a lot more green. ? Photo: @HannahPuechmarin Styling: @RachaelHonner Design: @Interior.Peace #InteriorsByPeace . . . . #interiorpeacedesign #interiorpeacedecor #decorating #interiordecorating #GrannySmith #PortersPaints #PowderRoom #PendantLight #Vintageart #vintagedecor #luxuryinteriorsonabudget #mycollecteddecor #mystoryindecor #edesign #countrystyleinteriors #onlineinteriordesign #classicinterior #classicdecor #traditionalinteriors #interiorlove #interiordesigninspo #remotedecorating #queenslandinteriors #queenslandhomes #queenslanderhome #brisbanedecorator #brisbaneinteriordesigner #brisbaneinteriordesign #interiordesignerbrisbane

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Granny Smith apple green is the new navy

Peace Lehman’s colorful Brisbane bungalow delivers drama in a darling way. While splashes of soothing blues and violet make their mark, we can’t stop thinking about this sliver of Granny Smith green in the powder room.

An open door policy works wonders in the bedroom

Sandra Cavallo’s picture-perfect Cape Cod home has us wondering… is it summer yet? While we’re digging those antique iron beds and the contrast of rust with the clean sheets, we’re also partial to the designer’s indoor-outdoor approach.

 

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Play doh is the work of the devil. My child now looks like a cross between a Smurf and an Oompa Loompa (hair and clothing, thankfully not her face) and her and my cats appear to think that grinding it into my floors on their feet is a socially acceptable past-time. I can’t wait until we have to get the craft box out ??. #skonahem #walltowallstyle #homestead #aquietstyle #pocketofmyhome #nestandburrow #myfabhome #myinteriorstyle #hyggeforhome #sodomino #hyggevibes #myinteriordetails #mygorgeousgaff #currentdesignsituation #myperiodhomestyle #fleamarketstyle #myhouselikethis #hyggehome #myrustichome #interiorstyling #jeannedarcliving #modernrustic #instainteriors #scandinave #cityfarmhousestyle #mycottage #faffthegaff #countryfarmhouse #mystylishspace #moderncountry

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Bare is beautiful

It’s a lesson you’ve heard before: less is more. In Little Moss Cottage, simplicity takes the form of a singular circular wreath over a completely empty fireplace. What the walls lack in color or art they make up for in natural sunshine.

Every nook is an opportunity

Scandinavian cottages are cozy marvels in their own right. This quiet seaside cabin—appropriately dubbed “Captain’s Rest”—is a welcomed reminder that every corner carries power. What would a cottage nook be without a waterfront view, antique art, and atmospheric lighting?

You don’t have to pick just one table linen

Cheryl Carr, the curator and shopkeeper behind Albert and Grace, a destination for rustic farmhouse wares, prefers a layered look in the dining room. With warm, neutral linens as her base, brass candle holders and earthy ceramics help to complete the rustic scene.

 

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Light & bright. | Even on a cloudy day. | Time to get cosy we say.

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Canopies are underrated

A cloud-like canopy presides over the whitewashed living room in this dreamy cottage (built in 1880). Rainy days don’t seem so bad when you can seek extra cuddly coverage under an all-encompassing blanket.  

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