Forget What You Know About Cottages—This New Trend Is Shaking Up Interiors in a Big Way
Are we really going back to an English cottage interior style?
Not quite—but we’re borrowing from its charm and reimagining it for modern times. The Colourful Cottage trend for 2025-2026 channels the nostalgic appeal of English aesthetics but mixes it up with bold colour choices and eclectic layering. It’s not about perfectly recreating traditional cottage interiors; it’s about celebrating history in a playful, fresh way. Think lively patterns, unexpected colour combinations, and vintage-inspired touches—a delightful blend that brings the past into the present while keeping it vibrant and dynamic.
Nostalgia with a Contemporary Spin
At the heart of Colourful Cottage is a sense of nostalgia but with a modern edge that feels joyful and dynamic. Rather than settling for the muted tones of a classic English cottage, this trend takes a more adventurous approach with rich colours like Emerald Green, Cobalt Blue, and Ruby Red. It’s a celebration of layering, with mixed patterns, textured fabrics, and unique decor items that tell a story.
While this trend does share some DNA with traditional English cottage aesthetics, it offers designers more room for creative freedom. Instead of aiming for a strictly period look, it invites the layering of new and old elements, encouraging a mix of classic patterns with modern furnishings for a curated, eclectic effect.
The rising popularity of historical cultural influences, such as those seen in shows like Bridgerton, has helped rekindle interest in English design motifs. However, Colourful Cottage takes things further by introducing bold colours and eclectic combinations, allowing designers to reinterpret nostalgia for today’s market.
Mastering the Art of Layering
Layering is a central element of Colourful Cottage, transforming interiors into richly textured environments that evoke a sense of depth and character. The look is about mixing materials, patterns, and textures in a way that feels collected over time rather than overly coordinated. Imagine pairing floral wallpapers with gingham upholstery, adding in hand-painted ceramics and woven rugs for a space that feels both curated and cozy.
Several designers are already embracing this layered aesthetic. Sanderson Design Group is renowned for its heritage-inspired prints, often featuring botanical motifs and nature themes that align well with the Colourful Cottage look. Similarly, Matilda Goad is known for her whimsical, colourful homeware pieces that add a playful touch to interiors, while Buchanan Studios brings an eclectic mix of modern and vintage elements, creating spaces that feel grounded yet fresh.
The Bold Power of Colour
Colour is a defining feature of Colourful Cottage, pushing the boundaries beyond traditional cottage-core palettes. This trend favours vibrant hues and unexpected pairings, infusing energy and modernity into spaces that might otherwise feel too nostalgic. Designers are encouraged to use colour as a tool to highlight architectural details, introduce contrast, and inject a sense of joy into the room.
For example, De Gournay’s hand-painted wallpapers, with their lush and intricate patterns, add a sense of luxury and whimsy to any space. House of Hackney, known for its maximalist approach, offers bold prints that bring vibrancy to interiors while still nodding to traditional motifs. In collaboration with Anthropologie, House of Hackney makes these eclectic styles accessible, allowing designers to incorporate elements of Colourful Cottage on various scales.
Early Adopters: Get Ahead of the Curve
With a commercial viability score of 2/5 and a velocity of 4/5, Colourful Cottage is still very much in the early stages of widespread adoption. However, its rapid rise in popularity signals a growing desire for interiors that blend history with modernity. This trend presents an opportunity for designers to set themselves apart by incorporating its elements, establishing themselves as trendsetters who bring a distinctive, character-rich style to their projects.
Practical Tips for Integrating Colourful Cottage
- Start with Pattern: Introduce patterned elements like floral wallpapers, checked fabrics, or embroidered cushions to establish the layered look.
- Mix Old and New: Combine vintage-inspired pieces with modern furnishings to create a curated, collected feel. For instance, pair a traditional floral armchair with a bold, contemporary rug.
- Incorporate Unique Accessories: Items such as ceramic vases or antique lighting fixtures add depth and authenticity to the space.
- Embrace Bold Hues: Use colour strategically to create focal points, like a deep green bookcase or a coral-painted doorframe. These add visual interest while keeping the overall look cohesive.
- Explore Collaborations and Artisan Designs: Incorporate pieces from brands like Maison Flaneur, known for their curated, artisanal home decor, or consider unique furniture collaborations, such as Caitlin Wilson x Cooper Classics, for a touch of bespoke style.
Conclusion: Nostalgia Reimagined
Colourful Cottage is not about rigidly adhering to the past; it’s about taking inspiration from history and reinventing it in a way that feels joyful, fresh, and full of character. By blending vintage elements, playful colours, and layered textures, this trend allows designers to craft interiors that are as lively as they are comforting. It’s an invitation to explore the charm of English aesthetics while making bold, unexpected choices that keep the look relevant for today’s discerning clients.
Featured Designers and Brands:
- Sanderson Design Group: Traditional prints with a modern flair.
- Matilda Goad: Whimsical, colourful homewares that add a playful touch.
- House of Hackney: Bold prints and eclectic patterns for a maximalist vibe.
- De Gournay: Luxurious, hand-painted wallpapers with historical motifs.
- Maison Flaneur: Curated, artisan home decor for a collected look.
- Buchanan Studios: Eclectic interiors blending modern and vintage influences.
By embracing these influences, designers can offer clients a fresh take on a nostalgic style that’s anything but ordinary. The Colourful Cottage trend encourages us to celebrate history with a modern twist—one vibrant layer at a time.