In the heart of the Cotswolds, Charlie and Josie Irons have created a collection of beautiful holiday cottages that celebrate the character of the English countryside. Combining natural materials, antique finds and a palette of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colours, Strawtop Cottages offer plenty of inspiration for anyone drawn to the charm of cottage-style interiors. From soft, milky whites to fresh greens and earthy tones, the colours have been chosen to complement the cottages’ traditional features and rural surroundings. Pea Green bedroom in the cottage. Photography: Sarah Frances Kelley Decorating with colour in a country cottage One of the joys of decorating a cottage is working with the character that’s already there. Exposed timber, stone floors, traditional joinery and smaller, often irregularly shaped rooms all contribute to its appeal. At Strawtop Cottages, Charlie and Josie have embraced these features, using colour to complement the natural materials and create a welcoming atmosphere. Rather than relying on a single neutral throughout, their palette brings together softer whites, greens and muted countryside tones, creating interiors that feel connected to the surrounding landscape. A natural palette inspired by the Cotswolds Colour plays an important part in creating the character of a cottage interior. Soft whites provide a versatile backdrop for antique furniture, patterned fabrics and natural timber, while greens introduce a connection to the landscape beyond the windows. Earthier shades can work particularly well alongside the honey-coloured stone and traditional architectural details associated with the Cotswolds. Our natural paints are made with a plant-based binder and real earth and mineral pigments, offering a beautiful way to introduce colour while celebrating natural materials. Olympian Green living room. Photography: Sarah Frances Kelley Mixing antiques with natural colour Cottage interiors are often at their most interesting when they feel as though they’ve evolved over time. At Strawtop Cottages, the combination of colour, antique furnishings and decorative details creates rooms with plenty of individual character. Vintage furniture, artwork, ceramics and textiles can all contribute to this layered look. Rather than matching everything too carefully, consider bringing together pieces with different finishes, periods and textures. A painted wooden chair, an old landscape painting or a collection of handmade pottery can sit beautifully against walls in natural, earthy colours. The result is a home that feels personal and welcoming, rather than overly coordinated. Pea Green bedroom Bathroom in Milk White and Granite Green Pea Green bedroom How to bring cottage style into your own home You don’t need to live in the countryside to take inspiration from cottage interiors. A few considered decorating choices can introduce the same character into homes of all ages. Start with the materials already in your space. Timber, stone, brick and existing architectural details can help guide your colour choices. Consider using soft whites or earthy neutrals as a backdrop, introducing greens or stronger colours on walls, woodwork or individual pieces of furniture. Layering natural fabrics, antiques and artwork will bring further interest, while choosing colours that work together across adjoining rooms can help create a sense of continuity. Above all, cottage-style decorating is about creating a home that reflects the people who live in it, rather than following a prescribed formula. Drab Green boot room Discover Strawtop Cottages Charlie and Josie’s beautiful Cotswolds holiday cottages offer a wonderful opportunity to experience these interiors first-hand. Explore @strawtopcottages on Instagram for more photographs, inspiration and information about staying at the cottages. For help creating your own country-inspired colour scheme, our Colour Consultants can advise on choosing colours to complement your home’s architecture, natural light and furnishings.
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