Simple and Resourceful Ways to Make Your House Feel Like a Cozy Cottage

1.     Bring the outdoors in whenever possible – have a designated bowl or shelf to display a collection of unique rocks, acorns, leaves, flowers, or pinecones from nature walks.

2.     Make your decorations functional and primitive by bringing any unique or rustic looking bowls, boards, utensils or mugs out from hiding in the cabinets and arranging them on shelves and counters. Use cutting boards and potholders as back drops, trays, and coasters for extra layers.

3.     Do the same with baking supplies, dried foods, coffees, and sugars, displaying them in pretty glass canisters to add color and texture to your home.

4.     Save tiny jars and bottles from honeys, syrups, jams, and candles. Take dried flowers from old bouquets and have a whimsical afternoon making arrangements and putting one in every room.

5.     Save pretty ribbons from packaging and gifts, especially if they’re lace, and tie them around any vase, jar, or basket handle for a storybook look.

6.     Ring in the seasons naturally by crafting garlands of vibrant leaves and pinecones in the fall, oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks in the winter, and dried flowers bunched with twine in the spring.

7.     Spread a thrifted lace doily or runner on any table or dresser to add aged softness, or a subtly patterned dish towel from your drawer for a functional farmhouse feel.

8.     Line up antique novels on the mantel or old cookbooks in the kitchen to bring mystery and history.

9.     Hang up various thrifted paintings, quilts, and lace curtains for a classic ambience.

10.  Use Mason jars unconventionally to contain everything from makeup brushes and craft supplies to dish wands to honey sticks, so every loose item has an organized place with a collected appearance.

11.  House at least one plant on the windowsill, preferably a functional one like aloe or herbs for a lively touch.

12.  Make use of natural and lamp light rather than overheads. Thrift tiny lamps and place one in every room, especially unsuspecting ones like kitchens and bathrooms, to make the whole house feel warm.

13.  Take advantage of empty windowsills as opportunities to display candles, seasonal items, and special trinkets and treasures.

14.  Hang a cute vintage apron visibly in the kitchen for a domestic feel.

15.  Throw a pretty blanket or handmade quilt haphazardly over every chair and couch to provide a lived-in atmosphere and permission to relax.

16.  Always keep a vase of fresh picked wildflowers on the table, counter, or hutch to bring romance and vivacity.