Rustic Style (also known as #cottagecore is currently very popular; perhaps it’s because we are all hunkering down in our homes (although the end of lockdown is now in sight!) and want to feel comfortable and cosy. The concept refers to countryside living, with the re-creation of simple, cottage-style nostalgic looks that can involve classic colours, detailed patterns and old-fashioned collectables. So, dig out those chintzy cushions, tea-sets, and vintage pieces that may have been relegated to the loft in recent years and read on as we show you how tiles can add a real sense of cottage style to kitchens, bathrooms, floors and walls.
#cottagecore Kitchen
Your cottage-style kitchen will hopefully have all mod-cons, from gorgeous drawers and integrated appliances, to a practical marble-style work surfaces (try Marbled Textures from Silestone for minimal upkeep and super-hardwearing qualities). As far as wall tiles are concerned, our Bella Craquele Beige ceramic wall tiles have an aged, vintage look, with a cambered surface which is just the job for a rustic kitchen – whether it’s in the country or not! For the floor tiles, consider Egyptian Ash Grey porcelain planks, which are a brilliant choice for a country kitchen as they’re tough and easy to maintain.
Cross-Checking
We love a patterned floor tile – not just for the colour and style it brings to the party, but for the undeniable fact that a busy kitchen does get gritty and dusty, and let’s be truthful, an all-over pattern is more forgiving! These are our Wicker Grey Pattern Wall and Floor tiles, in porcelain, designed to look like very traditional encaustic designs. They sit beautifully with kitchen cabinets that have raised and fielded panels and also with simpler, plainer, Shaker-style cabinets. Try our Mini Flat White Metro Tiles for the walls and/or splashbacks.
Cream Dream
Perhaps one of the most authentic choices for a real #cottagecore look, these are the kind of tiles that would have been seen in the scullery or wash house too. These are our Mini Metro Cream ceramic tiles with bevelled edges, and they look perfectly at home with timber work surfaces and cream-painted cabinetry. Add some chopping boards and a copper finish tap for some proper old-fashioned style. Open shelves are the modern equivalent of a dresser, and add very practical display space.
A Warm Glow
Ah, we’re dreaming of settling down in front of a wood burner, perhaps curled up on the shabby-chic sofa in the corner of the kitchen. This is the Esse Ironheart from Ludlow Stoves. It’s a combination of a wood burning stove and a traditional cast iron range cooker, so it’s a welcome addition to #cottagecore life, even if there’s already a smart fitted kitchen in place. Consider it as an additional cooker which is very controllable with primary and secondary air flow controls and two hot plates as well as a room heater for the deepest and darkest winter months…
Beautiful Blues
Our Faenza Rustic Blue Patterned Matt ceramic tiles are inspired by vintage Spanish-style encaustic tiles; they could be put to good use around a fireplace or behind a wood burner – each tile measures 330mm x 330mm and has the appearance of nine smaller tiles in one.
Log In, Log Out
Go full on #cottagecore with an array of log baskets – not necessarily just for logs, they’re also handy for the newspaper or recycling as well – which in turn is handy for starting the fire (and also for stashing the blankets too when it’s extra chilly!). These are from a fabulous collection of authentic basket ware at Marquis & Dawe
In The Pink
Add some quintessential rustic country-style to the home printed floral fabrics. This is Paisley Rose in Raspberry at the back, in linen-cotton mix, just right for curtains and cushions. The pink cushion at the front is Daisy Chain, all are from the ‘pinks’ collection by Jacqueline Milton.
Perfect Pink
[Dean, I’m waiting for a hi-res will send over asap]
Sally Cutchie, Marketing Manager at BC Designs sums up the rustic, rural, cottage-style trend: “Cottagecore remains the most popular interior trend moving into 2021. To bring the trend to life, think whimsical and homely when it comes to the aesthetics … which is why it has proved so popular during lockdown. The trend is all about creating a wholesome, pastoral, rural vibe. It is about creating a space that feels inviting and charming.
“Think warm whites, pale pinks, and duck egg blues for a colour palette, along with the use of natural materials and lots of textures. Layer this with feminine touches; soft lighting, cotton rich towels and scented candles. Introduce warm, organic textures to the scheme with natural wood-look flooring and furniture, hand-thrown pottery and pebbles. Natural materials are an easy way to make a bathroom look beautiful and connected to the outdoors”
This wonderful bath is the Casini in Cian® material, which is warm to the touch and has heat retaining properties too; it’s also available in a range of new ColourKast shades. Shown here with marble-style tiles, similar to our Milan Polished Porcelain tiles, suitable for walls and floors.
Natural Neutrals
If pink isn’t your thing, go for a decorative cottage-style look using subtle neutrals – it’s still possible to get the look, without going girly or glam. These are our Leyton Terra Floor tiles in porcelain, but designed with reference to traditional encaustic tiles. These subtle shades work well with the bold choice of black for the exterior of the tub, as well as vintage brass fittings and a little vintage wood stool. On the wall, try our Village Silver Mist for a similar look.
White & Wood
Keep it plain and simple with white tiles, wood furniture and burnished fittings. This look would admittedly fit in anywhere, but we think it’s a very pleasing style for a rustic, cottage-style home. Our Mini Flat White Wall tiles are ceramic, and would basically work anywhere too, and can accommodate future updates as well – such as if you decide to paint the furniture pink or black! The hexagonal floor tiles are Memphis Grey Hex Wall and Floor tiles in porcelain with a distressed surface appearance – another good choice for that #cottagecore look.
Strong Colours & Intricate Patterns
The combination of strong colours and intricate patterns are a must-have for a rustic, traditional cottage style. Here, our Adele Cloud Grey Floor Tiles add traditional pattern and colour to the room, without being overwhelming – they simply add an interesting background to a scheme whilst not dominating the look. They also come in two further colours, Adele Sea Green and Adele Light Blue, all of which would also work for a hallway, kitchen, boot room or porch.
Thinking of going for the #cottagecore vibe with your next interior revamp? If so then don’t forget to send us your pictures of your finished projects – share your pics with us over on Twitter tagging @TileMountainUK or on Instagram!
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.
