Cottage chic in the Cotswolds: styling Strawtop Cottages with natural paint

Slow down and step inside Strawtop Cottages

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, a cluster of storybook cottages stands quietly, their walls softened with a palette of our natural, plant-based paints.

Each hue has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect the timeless beauty of the countryside: soft milky whites, vibrant greens, and the muted hues of the local hedgerows and meadows. The cottage aren’t only well decorated, they are cocooned in comfort, blending effortlessly into the surrounding landscape.

With every brushstroke, Charlie and Josie Irons have enhanced what’s already there: the sense of peace, warmth, and slow, rural charm that defines life in the English countryside.

Book a stay in these beautiful cottages HERE

Cottage-style interiors have captured so many hearts because they offer something increasingly rare: a sense of calm, comfort, and connection.

Rooted in simplicity and natural beauty, this style invites you to slow down and surround yourself with things that feel lived-in, loved, and grounded. It’s more than just an aesthetic, t’s well being and connecting with the past

With its soft colour palettes, intricate details, and use of natural materials like wood, linens, and stone flooring, cottage style creates an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia. It can transform even the most modern space into a sanctuary that feels timeless and personal. But perhaps most importantly, cottage interiors gently draw you back to nature.

Whether it’s through wildflower prints, hand-thrown pottery, or paint colours inspired by misty mornings, the style encourages a deeper awareness of the seasons, the land, and the simple joys of rural life.

In a fast-paced world, cottage interiors remind us to pause, to find beauty in imperfection and to appreciate life!

One of the most charming aspects of cottage style interiors is how effortlessly they tell a story, layering colour, antiques and artwork is key to that story. Scouring local car boot fairs, vintage shops, or village markets for treasures allows you to build a space that feels collected over time, not curated overnight.

An old wooden stool, a faded painting, or a ceramic jug with chips in all the right places, these pieces bring  character, anchoring the softness of the ‘cottagecore’ palette with texture and history.

Colour consultancy could also be a helpful tool. Whether you’re working with a blank canvas or refreshing an existing space, professional guidance helps you harmonise tones, maximise natural light, and choose shades that elevate your finds. Our experts are here to help with a suite of options to make decorating enjoyable and effortless.

Choose from in-home, in-store or virtual sessions, click here to book and for more information.

The result? A home that feels deeply personal, perfectly imperfect, and effortlessly connected to nature.

These beautiful holiday cottages in the Cotswolds are available to book online HERE 

Charlie and Josie have really mastered the art of creating a  home from home and they haven’t stopped yet, with some new cottages on the way, keep an eye on what they’re up to and follow along on Instagram.

Follow along with Josie (@josieldn) and Charlie (@charlieirons) on Instagram and make sure to also follow @strawtopcottages and @oldhouseourhome a follow too, for more countryside musings, inspiration and colour stories.