When it comes to designing a modern cottage style living room, the key is to complement cozy with simple and contemporary style. This can be found in a number of ways but below are a few tips to get you started toward having the living room of your dreams.
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1. Choose a Neutral Color Palette
For the modern cottage aesthetic color is one of the easiest ways to get started. You can use color but think pops of muted tones of dusty blues, sage or olive greens, and then neutral whites and beiges as your base. These hues will be the beginning of your backdrop for the rest of the space. Use soft colors that complement earthy tones and textures, if you can see it in nature then it may be a good example of a color to use.
Using neutral tones as your base also allows you to play with seasonal decor changes easily. For instance, warmer hues like terracotta can be introduced in the fall, while dusty blues and greens keep things fresh in spring and summer time.
2. Layer Natural Textures
Choose natural materials like wood, stone, linen, and jute to enhance the cottage feel. Remember, earthy tones and textures are a good thing. A natural wood coffee table, neutral woven rugs, and linen throw pillows can instantly make the space feel warm and inviting.
Don’t be scared of mixing textures. For example, a jute rug underfoot combined with velvet throw cushions and a chunky knit blanket creates dimension to the room with all of the different visual textiles. Add wicker baskets for storage, and consider furniture with cane or rattan detailing for a subtle vintage touch.
3. Highlight Architectural Features
If you are lucky enough to have natural architectural features, such as exposed beams or a stone fireplace, make these the focal points of the room. If you do not already have these elements then consider adding faux beams, vertical shiplap walls or beadboard (horizontal is for a more farmhouse style), or a natural wood mantle to complete the look. These details bridge the gap between old cottage coziness and modern design.
4. Mix Vintage and Contemporary Furniture
A successful modern cottage living room blends old and new seamlessly. Pair a vintage armchair with a simple, minimalist sofa. The term “modern” always conjures sharp angles and sleek lines for me, but I am typically adverse to that style here. You can look for furniture with simple, clean lines, and neutral tones but balance it with pieces that show its rustic charm, like a natural wood coffee table or an large wicker trunk for storage.
White Cloud Modular Sectional Sofa
Here is where thrifting your decor can truly shine. Find timeless and vintage pieces like artwork in a gilded frame, natural wooden bowls or platters, or lamp bases that can be DIY’d with a simple stone looking spray paint.
5. Embrace Soft Lighting
Lighting is key in setting the mood for a modern cottage living room, harsh lighting negates the purpose of the soft tones and textures you’ve chosen. Choose ambient lighting like floor lamps, and table lamps to soften the overhead lighting. I prefer 3500k as a neural yet soft warm color for my light bulbs.
Candles and twinkle lights can also enhance the cozy atmosphere. Consider arranging candles of varying heights on a tray, they can even be faux if you’re trying to prevent toxic fumes in your space. For a non-toxic option choose beeswax.
6. Add Cozy Layers
Drape a chunky knit throw over the sofa, add plush area rugs, and include plenty of cushions in various textures and neutral tones. These layers not only enhance the look but also invite relaxation and warmth. Who doesn’t love to cozy up with a blanket on the couch?
Loloi Teagan Rug in Ivory/Sand
For an added layer of comfort and style, consider using a mix of different seating options like a love seat, an oversized armchair, and a pouf or ottoman. These pieces not only provide functionality with more seating but also contribute to a layered, lived-in look.
7. Include Greenery
Bring life to your living room with greenery, whether faux or real. Potted plants or dried flowers can add an organic touch to the space. You may be surprised by how much warmer and happier a space feels with added greenery. Choose planters made from natural materials, like stone or woven baskets, to stay true to the cottage aesthetic.
A tall fiddle-leaf fig or olive tree in one corner or a collection of succulents on a windowsill can create visual interest and enhance the room’s vitality.
8. Create a Personal Touch
Finally, add personal touches that make the space uniquely yours. Here is where thrifting goes a long way again. Display a collection of vintage books, hang framed family photos, or showcase handmade pottery. These details tell a story and make the room feel like home.
Additional Ideas for Modern Cottage Living Room Design
Use Smart Storage Solutions
Modern cottage living rooms are often cozy in size, so smart storage solutions are essential. Opt for multi-functional furniture like an ottoman with hidden storage or built-in shelving around the fireplace. Decorative wicker storage baskets can hold blankets, toys, or magazines while blending seamlessly with the decor.
Focus on the Ceiling
Don’t neglect the ceiling when designing your living room. Adding beadboard or tongue-and-groove paneling to the ceiling can introduce a cottage feel you may be lacking.
Incorporate Artistic Elements
Art can easily elevate your living room’s design. For a cottage touch, consider landscapes, botanical prints, or watercolor pieces in gilded or natural wood frames.
Inspiration in Practice
Imagine walking into a living room where a plush white sofa sits atop a jute rug, flanked by a pair of weathered leather armchairs. Above the mantle, a round mirror reflects soft natural light streaming through sheer linen curtains. On the coffee table, a vase of fresh eucalyptus adds a pop of green, while a stack of books invites quiet moments of reading. Nearby, a tall plant in a stone pot adds height and freshness. This is modern cottage design at its finest: effortlessly chic yet endlessly inviting.
By blending timeless cottage charm with today’s style trends, you can create a living room that’s both stylish and cozy. Whether it’s for hosting friends or enjoying a peaceful evening by the fire, your modern cottage living room will be a haven of warmth and style.
What’s the next room in your house you’re focusing on decorating? Leave a comment and tell me what your plans are!
Have you checked out the previous post about how to decorate with brass ceiling lights? Read it here!
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