Make Way for the Modern Cottage

The modern English cottage style is overtaking the all-white farmhouse trend with warmer and more welcoming spaces that blend modern elements with touches of European influence. The result is a casual elegance with a lot more character and visual interest. This was the perfect energy for interior designer Emily Pueringer to bring to a recent project for a young family that wanted a stylish home that feels happy.

Characteristics of an English-style country kitchen include lots of natural woods, vintage-inspired faucets and fixtures, and a showstopper European range. In this case, Pueringer selected a terra-cotta colored range that adds an elegant pop of color and pairs well with the kitchen’s hand-painted backsplash tiles. A combination of painted and natural wood cabinetry not only adds interest, it ensures the space retains a light and cheery brightness.

Cambria’s Hawksmoore quartz design tops the kitchen island and perimeter countertops with a creamy background accented with chocolate brown striations and delicate rust-colored veins. Quartz is a luxe material that is also scratch and stain resistant. Pueringer says, “We opted for Cambria countertops due to their exceptional durability, capable of withstanding the rigors of a bustling household filled with young children and frequent entertaining.”

A fabricated edge profile on the island countertop, brass bin pulls on the kitchen drawer fronts, and turned furniture-style legs on the island base are attention to details that help define the timeless elegance of this transitional space.

The addition of arched doorways adds another uniquely beautiful touch to this modern English cottage style home. This architectural design choice makes an “I’m a classic” statement in a contemporary home. And Pueringer recently told Better Homes & Gardens, “They’re the kind of detail that makes you appreciate true craftsmanship.”

A butler’s pantry or scullery is fast becoming a “must-have” in today’s modern kitchens. The reasons we’re in love with this trend go beyond just having a separate space for storage. A well-designed kitchen with a butler’s pantry actually enhances the functionality and organization of a home. It’s also the perfect place to experiment and have a bit of fun with design. Pueringer’s selection of a bold English cottage-style wallpaper pattern is just the bit of whimsical inspiration we hope encourages more people to embrace this interior design trend.

Good design builds on unifying elements or themes while eschewing anything too matchy-matchy. Pueringer perfectly achieves this by continuing all the way into the primary bath with more hand-painted tiles, natural wood cabinetry, terra-cotta colored flooring, and arched mirrors that subtly call back on the home’s uniquely timeless interior design. In addition, she says, “We opted for a thicker countertop, measuring two and half inches, adding a touch of luxury and substance to the space.”

Pueringer opted for Cambria’s Delgatie quartz design in the bathroom. This subtle design features flowing white-on-white tonality and warm cross veining. It has a quiet demeanor that blends effortlessly with its surroundings in the English cottage style bathroom while maintaining its own delightful personality. Plus, Pueringers says, “The assurance of a lifetime warranty was essential to ensure longevity and peace of mind, while supporting a local business added an extra layer of satisfaction to our decision-making process.”