Meet modern cottage style – the sleeker, more contemporary take on rustic farmhouse design that you ought to get to know

In interior design, we're no stranger to the appeal of traditional cottage interiors, with farmhouse and Cottagecore aesthetics at the forefront of trends over the last few years. But for those of you looking to combine that lived-in charm with some more modern sensibilities – we have some good news for you.

It's time to get to know modern cottage style. An interior design style that everyone needs to know about. And while this isn't anything new (designers have been playing with mix-and-match, transitional design for years), it's really a trend that has come into its own of late.

Offering a fresh twist on the cozy, rustic nature of cottage homes with sleek and contemporary touches, the modern cottage style strikes the perfect balance between old and new. Here, interior designers explain why they love it so.

What Is Modern Cottage Style?

'Modern Cottage Style strikes a perfect balance between cozy, comfort, and sleek sophistication,' explains Kristen Ekeland of Studio Gild. 'It embraces the warmth and charm of traditional cottage elements while incorporating clean lines and contemporary design features.'

This design aesthetic marries together rustic with minimalism, with no space for maximalism here. It’s an approach that invites warmth into the home while maintaining an airy, uncluttered feel that nods to contemporary design.

'Right now at Montana Labelle Design, we are embracing modern cottage style in a major way,' says founder Montana. 'Gone are the days of dark wood cabins with dimly lit interiors. We're blowing off those old cobwebs for a new style and are embracing the cozy ambiance of a bright and fresh country home with a newfound aesthetic appeal.'

Rather than heavy, ornate furniture or an abundance of Cottagecore-style patterns and prints, the modern take on cottage interiors leans into clean lines, subtle textures, and more functional pieces. The key is to embrace simplicity, paring things back and allowing pieces to breathe without sacrificing comfort.

How To Nail Modern Cottage Style In Your Home

1. Stick to cool toned neutrals

A hallmark of the modern cottage style is its calming palette, and while warm neutrals have dominated schemes this year, cool-toned neutrals take center stage here. Think soft whites, muted grays, and hints of black or blue, which provide a canvas for layering.

'A neutral color palette, often dominated by whites, creams, and soft grays, serves as the backdrop for modern cottage style,' adds Kristen Ekeland, designer of the living room above. 'Pops of color, introduced through accessories, artwork, and textiles, add vibrancy and personality to the space,' she advises.

'I'm obsessed with this look,' adds designer Bethany Adams. 'For me, it's all about clean wood paneling on walls and ceilings, stone floors, and green tiled surfaces. Whether you're at the lake, the beach, or the mountains, there's nowhere this style can't fit right in. Furnishings are low-slung and casual but still modern and organic. Open shelving filled with hand-made mugs and bowls from the local potters guild is more the vibe. Sand, dirt, and dogs are at home in this kind of space so steer clear of anything white or too precious. This is not Nancy Meyers' house.'

2. Mix-and-match eras and design styles

'Cottagecore is showing no sign of going anywhere – it is, however, evolving and shifting year over year. And this year, it's all about modern cottage style,' notes famed interior designer Kathy Kuo.

Modern cottage style thrives on contrasts. One of the most charming approaches is its ability to seamlessly mix pieces from different eras and design aesthetics to create a space that feels layered and curated. Don’t be afraid to bring in unexpected elements, like the vintage rug in the white kitchen seen above or the rustic kitchen island.

'This means mixing some modern silhouettes and color pops in with classic cottage elements like weathered wood, floral prints, and traditional motifs,' says Kathy. 'Try contrasting a couple of mid-century pieces in and amongst your antique finds, or adding modern decor pieces into a shelf styling moment alongside more quaint and English countryside-inspired pieces. In short, think of modernism as a contrast to traditional cottage style, the same way you think of contrasting colors or textures.'

3. Preserve as many original features as possible

'Don't view your home as having to go down the clichéd cottage route decor-wise,' suggests designer Benji Lewis. 'Instead, retain as much character detail as possible like ceiling beams, a fireplace, original wooden or flagstone floors, or paneling but use a strong color on the walls or showcase large contemporary or mid-century artwork to provide that contrast.'

Original features are the heart of a cottage. They tell the story of the home’s past so to embrace the modern cottage style, you should look to showcase these features and blend them with newer, more functional elements. For example, old wooden beams can be left exposed to contrast with contemporary furniture, or an antique mantel can be updated with sleek, contemporary decor.

'These elements not only add texture and depth to a space but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both rustic and refined,' adds Kristen Ekeland. 'Antique furniture and decor items are juxtaposed with contemporary designs, creating a unique and eclectic aesthetic that feels both timeless and current.'

4. Focus on comfort

Just like in a traditional cottage or farmhouse, the more modern iteration still prioritizes creating a warm, welcoming, and comfortable ambiance. Sure, while sleek lines and simplicity are part of the look, every room still wants to invite relaxation.

Take the bedroom by Studio Gild seen above, the original floorboards, vintage rug, and rustic decor pieces are complimented with a contemporary bed frame, linens, and black light fixture. Focus on soft fabrics like linen and wool, and ensure you have plenty of cushions, throws, and soft lighting.

'Modern cottage design emphasizes creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life,' says Montana Labelle. 'This focus on comfort is essential for mental well-being, providing a space where people can unwind and relax. The combination of modern elements with traditional cottage charm creates a unique aesthetic that is both stylish and timeless.'

With neutral tones, natural materials, and curated vintage pieces, a modern cottage strikes the perfect balance between old and new, creating spaces that feel both timeless and inviting. Whether you’re drawn to pared-back neutrals, a mix of old and new, or the importance of comfort, the beauty of this style lies in its versatility and contrast.