The English cottage was introduced by British aristocrats who admired the simple beauty of the homes of farmers and craftsmen. These nobles hired architects to design similar buildings for them. The English cottage soon became popular with the general population, especially in North America, because its small scale made it more accessible.
Today, the country charm of an English cottage can be created in any home, not just those with thatched roofs and ivy covered walls.
The windows of an English cottage are often decorated with delicate lace curtains or a floral fabric, like cabbage rose print. A cozy window seat provides a perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea in the china cup passed down from a grandmother.
On the walls of an English cottage hang framed nature prints or memories preserved in vintage frames. A bird tin wall plaque, a collection of framed vintage postcards, or a carefully stitched sentiment, are equally at home here. Favorite family photos in antique frames might hang in the hall, a vintage framed mirror in the entrance way.
The cottage cupboard is an essential element of the English cottage and is used for storage or to display a collection of treasures. On its shelves you might find a glass vase painted with pink roses, an antique English teapot with plum flowers, or a vintage cottage plate. This is the place to store the embroidered tea towels from your
mother or the vintage pure white linens you bring out for special occasions.
Outside in the cottage garden, you'll find colorful blooms and roses, or ivy that climbs trellises and arbors. Homemade bird houses, wrought iron bird baths, welcoming garden statues, and sweet garden plaques create a cottage feel here too.
With cottage touches in just the right places, the simple beauty of a country cottage can live anywhere, not just in the English countryside.
Come shop for cottage treasures at Grandma
G's and the other boutiques of Make Mine Pink!
Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette Photo Contribution 2: Petite Bookstore
4 comments:
English cottages are absolutely gorgeous, & the lovely gardens that surround them so beautifully impeccably kept. It is a sight to see. TTFN ~Marydon
I adore the English cottages and with a thatched roof yet! Oh, it would be bliss to live in one...!
Deanna :D
I love English Cottages. I wonder how many of those thatched roofs went up in flames?
Cheri
Oh YUM! I don't think there could ever be anything cuter than an English Cottage....so dear.
Blessings,
Spencer
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