13 irish cottage style decor
I’ve been doing a little bit of research on the subject of Irish cottage style decor. I’m hoping to make our home a little more like an Irish cottage.
I have always been drawn to this style and have had bits and pieces of it in my home. I’m ready to make a bigger commitment to this look.
I think it is a cozy and homey style that is perfect for our 1890’s home. It is also a great way to incorporate a little bit of my Irish heritage into my home.
Irish Cottage Style Decor
Irish cottage style decor is a little different than the typical farmhouse style you might see in the U.S.
Irish cottages are known for their cozy and rustic charm, with a little bit of a romantic and whimsical vibe as well.
The Irish cottage style is all about creating a warm and inviting space where you can relax and unwind.
Think of it as a mix of vintage, rustic, and shabby chic decor.
The key to decorating your home in this style is to keep things simple and not too fussy, while also adding in a few unexpected and whimsical touches.
1. Exposed Beams & Stone
One of the most charming aspects of Irish cottage interiors are the exposed beams and stone.
This is a classic look that you’ll find in many a cottage in the Irish countryside.
If your home doesn’t have these elements already, you can add them in like with this faux stone wall tutorial.
I’ve also seen some beautiful wood beam mantels that you can install in your home.
Or, you can just work with what you have and add in some of the other elements on this list!
2. A Hearth or Fireplace
Irish cottages are all about warmth and a cozy fireplace is the perfect way to achieve that.
A fireplace is a staple in Irish homes and is the focal point of the living room.
If you don’t have a fireplace, you can create a faux fireplace with a mantle and electric fireplace insert.
You can also create a cozy hearth with candles or a fireplace candelabra.
3. Wood Floors
Wood floors are a must in a traditional Irish cottage. They’re usually made from wide planks and left natural.
The idea is to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
If you’re lucky enough to have a home with original wood floors, leave them be! If you’re looking to add some Irish cottage style to your home, consider laying down some wide plank wood floors.
4. Worn
Ireland is an old country, and the countryside is full of signs of wear and tear. The same can be said for cottage-style decor.
This style is all about embracing the imperfections, and you can do that by incorporating vintage and antique pieces into your decor.
You can find these pieces at thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales, or you can look for new pieces that have been intentionally distressed.
Worn furniture, chippy paint, and faded fabrics are all hallmarks of cottage-style decor.
Distressed Furnishings
Distressed furnishings are popular in Irish cottage design.
This can include anything from tables, chairs, and dressers to doors, windows, and shutters.
You can find vintage distressed furnishings at flea markets and antique shops. Or, you can even create your own distressed look with chalk paint.
Chalk paint is a great way to easily add a distressed look to furniture. You can find many tutorials on how to do this on YouTube.
5. A Cottage Kitchen
It is a place where meals are prepared, but also a place where family and friends gather to talk, laugh, and share.
An Irish cottage kitchen is often a simple, rustic room decorated with a few vintage items, and a lot of love.
A few key elements of an Irish cottage kitchen include:
• Open shelving
• Vintage dishes and crocks
• A farmhouse sink
• A vintage-style range
• A simple wooden table
• A vintage-style rug
• A few live plants
• A kettle on the stove or a tea pot on the table
• A few well-loved cookbooks on the shelf
6. A Cozy Nook
Every cottage should have a cozy nook. Whether you have a window seat or a corner of the living room, fill it with plush pillows and a soft throw.
Add a small table or ottoman to hold your cup of tea and a good book. I love how this nook has a beautiful view of the garden.
7. A Touch of Green
You can’t have an Irish-inspired home without a little green, right? The greenery in this room is the perfect way to bring the outdoors inside.
I also love the mix of green and blue in the rug and the pillows. It’s a subtle way to bring in the green without being too literal.
8. A Clawfoot Tub
There’s no better way to take a bath in an Irish cottage bathroom than in a clawfoot tub.
If you’re lucky enough to find a vintage tub, paint the outside a fun color like this one in a home designed by Kingston Lafferty Design.
9. A Splash of Irish Blu
The last thing you want to do is to make your Irish cottage look like a box of Lucky Charms, but a little bit of the Irish flag’s colors can be a fun nod to the culture.
I love the way this room’s bright blue walls are picked up in the pattern of the chair, and the subtle touch of red in the rug.
The bold blue is balanced by the white walls, ceiling, and trim, as well as the light-colored furniture.
10. A Cottage Garden
An Irish cottage garden is a thing of beauty, a wild and colorful tangle of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that seem to grow themselves.
If you have the space, you can create a cottage garden in your backyard, but even a small plot or container garden will do.
The key is to create a beautiful, bountiful space that feels natural and a little bit wild.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for creating a truly Irish home. It’s all about finding what feels right for you and your family. So, whether you choose to incorporate a hint of Irish charm or go all-in with a full cottage makeover, we hope this post inspires you to embrace the cozy, welcoming nature of Irish style in your own home.
