How to Infuse Your Home With Cotswold Cottage Charm

If you’ve ever watched Pride & Prejudice and longed to be surrounded by those beautiful green rolling hills and picturesque villages, you need to head to the Cotswolds. This sprawling rural region of the United Kingdom is known for its rural charm, limestone homes, and unique interior decor style. The thatched-roof cottages were originally (and many still are!) humble homes for local farmers that were built to last and filled with beautiful wood pieces and cozy textures. Basically, this is where cottagecore really came from. “Cotswolds style is British understated opulence, a bold color palette, the introduction of beautiful textiles and furnishings, the restoration of existing antique furniture and paintings, and the reupholstering of chairs and settees,” says Jordan Hughes, general manager of The Lygon Arms, a historic hotel in Broadway, a village in the Cotswolds. “It makes every room feel like you’re coming home to your very own Cotswolds house!”

Luckily, there are still ways for those of us who, sadly, don’t live in this storybook-worthy place to bring some of that warmth and beauty into our own homes. Interior designer Mikel Welch tells us how.

Embrace Rich Harvest Tones

Interior designer and major Cotswolds fan Mikel Welch says earthy tones are the key to this look. “Shades like wheat, maroon, and forest green evoke the natural beauty of the countryside and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere,” he says. It’s all about bringing the colors and feelings of the iconic local landscape indoors. This room at the Lucknam Park Hotel in Wiltshire, England, features that aforementioned palette of maroon and wheat.

Layer Traditional Patterns

Florals, plaids, and damask are your three best friends here. Mixing those textures and prints is what makes the space feel so cozy. “The trick is to blend patterns that share a common color palette to avoid overwhelming the eye,” he says. “Whether it’s a floral throw blanket paired with damask curtains or a floral rug over a striped floor, layered patterns create a warm, inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed.” Just check out this gorgeous bedroom from The Lygon Arms for the visual proof.

Add Some Antiques

“Cotswold design thrives on antiques that show age and tell a story. Look for furniture and decor pieces with patina, such as weathered wood, tarnished brass, or faded upholstery,” Welch says. A piece’s imperfections are what makes it charming.

Hang Vintage Art or Tapestries

“Tapestries and vintage portrait paintings are a must-have in Cotswold-inspired interiors,” Welch says. These, or vintage art pieces, help bring history into a home and make the space feel lived-in and loved. Welch used a show-stopping vintage tapestry in his Cotswold-inspired bedroom for the Kips Bay Show House this year.