Transitional Cottage: A focus on nature with a touch of European countryside charm.

This style is like a pair of comfy jeans—timeless, stylish, and not too formal. Blending traditional elegance with modern simplicity, it carries a focus on nature with a touch of European countryside charm. Transitional Cottage is all about creating cozy , lived-in spaces and making home out of the nostalgic charm of simpler times. Thrifted finds, floral and country-inspired patterns and let's face it, some handme-down furniture from Grandma. It's definitely here for that patio tea garden and not afraid of some wallpaper. You can dress this interior style up or keep it minimal to lean into that more old money type of feel.

Bring it All Together—
The Transitional Cottage Design Guide

1. The Perfect Paint Color and Floor Pairings for a Transitional Cottage home.

Design from the floor up. Floors, walls, and ceilings set the foundational tone for your home; it only makes sense to give it first dibs when planning your home aesthetic. Start by first carefully pairing your floors with complimenting paint. Pay attention to the undertones and how the colors sit together. For a transitional cottage home, we lean to creamy whites and warmer shades. For accents we like to pull deep saturated and earth tones to bring eclectic European influence into the space to bring home that cottage countryside feel. 

Light Transitional Cottage Palette
Heirloom Oak paired with Benjamin Moore 1520 Hushed Hue, 1522 Inner Balance, 1573 Castle Walls, 1574 Rushing River, 1575 Rainy Afternoon

Moody Transitional Cottage
Cocoa Oak paired with Benjamin Moore 1260 El Cajon Clay, Going to the Chapel, Morning Mist, 1527, 1523 Embassy Green, 446 Pinelands, 447 Holiday Wreath, 448 Dakota Shadow

Download the Transitional Cottage Design Guide for more floor and paint pairings information

2. To Wallpaper or Not To Wallpaper

It’s totally up to you! Wallpaper is a wonderful way to boost the personality of a home and it pairs well wood looks. If you do, choose options that pull colors from your already decided color palette and stay committed!

Pictured: Heirloom Oak

3. Cabinets

When it comes to cabinets, the options are wide open. We are partial to a painted soft white shaker cabinet, but if you are aiming for bold statements and contrast, dark walnut cabinets are also a fantastic choice.

Cabinets, Floors, Hardware Comparison: Heirloom Oak and Cocoa Oak compared against white painted cabinets and dark walnut cabinets with hardware and Tahitian Cream Quartzite countertop.

4. Hardware: The Jewelry of Your Home

Think about your hardware finishes as jewelry to your home that completes the look. Want that vintage charm? Opt for antiqued pewter for an aged silver look. Going for a European flair? Brass is your go-to, or kick it up a notch with unlacquered brass for that beautifully aged patina. For cottagecore, cabinet latches are a definitely go-to for bringing in character and old world charm into the kitchen.

5. Keep Your Countertops Classic

Keeping natural materials and European influence in mind with cottagecore, choose from subtle veined marble looks, soapstones, quartzites, and even consider butcher block. This really depends on how polished you want your cottagecore aesthetic to feel. Is it leaning more sophisticated or more rustic? Up to you! 

6. Look for Handmade Tiles

Choose handmade looks. Look for different earthenware tiles like terracotta tile, zellige tile, brick, also consider some porcelain tiles can look handmade as well. These give a timeless, lived in aesthetic that will age well in a transitional cottage home.

Pictured: Heirloom Oak floors with zellige tile walls, see style_meets_home for décor information and more.

6. Touch of Charm

If you’re looking to add a fun, whimsical touch to your space, consider incorporating scalloped edges! Vintage finds with those cute curves can really amp up that transitional cottage vibe. They bring a cozy charm that feels like home and adds character to your decor. Plus, there's something special about using unique, previously loved pieces—they just have a way of telling a story and making your space feel more inviting!

Heirloom Oak floors, see style_meets_home for décor information and more.

Pictured: Summer Oak

If all of this sounds too hard, Canopy is here to help! Email info@canopyfloors.com and we can help you find the perfect floor to match your home vibe—together!

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Download the Transitional Cottage Design Guide for more floor and paint pairings information.