{"id":12157,"date":"2017-08-07T15:10:41","date_gmt":"2017-08-07T15:10:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/?p=12157"},"modified":"2018-02-13T07:25:04","modified_gmt":"2018-02-13T07:25:04","slug":"5-sensible-tips-for-refurbishing-a-country-cottage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/5-sensible-tips-for-refurbishing-a-country-cottage\/","title":{"rendered":"5 sensible tips for refurbishing a country cottage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- SEO Ultimate Plus (https:\/\/seoultimateplus.com) - Code Inserter module -->\n<script async>(function(s,u,m,o,j,v){j=u.createElement(m);v=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0];j.async=1;j.src=o;j.dataset.sumoSiteId='b68b392479b5981b8acf46565e9fe32a0734fc21a1f7c1e60121eaa6ca1a1c64';v.parentNode.insertBefore(j,v)})(window,document,'script','\/\/load.sumo.com\/');<\/script>\n<!-- \/SEO Ultimate Plus -->\n\n<p>Traditional country <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Cottage\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/cottage\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/cottage;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.03nxtz;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Cottage\" >cottages<\/a> have never been more popular and it\u2019s easy to see their appeal. While these period dwellings were originally designed and built for the less affluent <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"section\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/section-united-states-land-surveying\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/section_united_states_land_surveying;http:\/\/yago-knowledge.org\/resource\/Section_(United_States_land_surveying);http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.03j8pj;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Section_(United_States_land_surveying)\" >sections<\/a> of rural communities, the modern <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"homes\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/home\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/home;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.01l0mw;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Home\" >home<\/a> owner has come to appreciate both the enduring build quality and the wealth of endearing features characteristic of a country cottage. Add to that the quintessential bucolic charm of the rural \u2018chocolate box\u2019 setting, and what\u2019s not to love?<\/p>\n<p>Refurbishing a traditional country cottage can be very rewarding as long as you approach the task with a healthy mixture of enthusiasm and realism. I spoke to Sussex interior design experts <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pfeifferdesign.co.uk\/\">Pfeiffer Design<\/a> to get their advice on how to proceed.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve acquired a period cottage that\u2019s in need of some TLC and you\u2019re raring to go, here are some essential tips you should take on board before you get carried away with your interior design project.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-12160\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-588x450.jpg\" alt=\"refurbishing-cottage-1\" width=\"588\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-588x450.jpg 588w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-260x199.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-100x77.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-150x115.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-200x153.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-450x344.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-600x459.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1-900x689.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px\" \/><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h2><strong>Get to know your new home<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Advice Number 1 for any major <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/property\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/property;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.05wrt;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Property\" >property<\/a> refurb is not to rush into it. Assuming the cottage is habitable, it\u2019s much better to spend some time getting to know the feel of the <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"houses\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/house\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/house;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.03jm5;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/House\" >house<\/a> including the current layout, the existing features, the impact of light and how you use the space. Ideally, give yourself a full year to experience the different seasons before you make any big <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Building restoration\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/building-restoration\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/building_restoration;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.02xfxd;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Building_restoration\" >restoration<\/a> decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Research the history of the property, its architectural style and local building traditions. You will be aware if the house is <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Listed building\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/listed-building\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/listed_building;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.01cq1t;http:\/\/yago-knowledge.org\/resource\/Listed_building;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Listed_building\" >listed<\/a> or in a Conservation Area but do you know what exactly this means for the refurbishments you are planning? Check and double check to avoid unnecessary expense and disappointment.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h2><strong>Respect the heritage of the building<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A good starting position is to view yourself as a guardian of the <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/building\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/building;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.0cgh4;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Building\" >building<\/a> rather than its owner. After all, your cottage has been around for centuries and it\u2019s the period charm that attracted you to it in the first place. Make sure that any refurbishments are sympathetic to the existing property. This applies to building and decorating techniques as much as any <a href=\"http:\/\/www.homedit.com\/design-tips-cottage-style-decorating\/\">interior decoration scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no need to faithfully restore or replicate every single original feature in the house \u2013 after all, you don\u2019t want to live in a museum. That said, the type of design style that works in a cool contemporary city pad is likely to be completely wrong for a period country cottage. Striking just the right balance between the practicalities of modern living and the heritage building you are dealing with is crucial to achieving a result that looks and feels \u2018right\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h2><strong>Be prepared to compromise<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Put bluntly, cottage living is an exercise in compromise. Unlike many modern properties that can be treated like a blank canvas in <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Contractual term\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/contractual-term\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/contractual_term;http:\/\/yago-knowledge.org\/resource\/Contractual_term;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.02rfhkx;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Contractual_term\" >terms<\/a> of interior design, your period building already has a strong personality that dictates the direction of any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/decorators-guide-to-cottage-style-decor-1973873\">cottage design schemes<\/a>. If you change the building too much, it will no longer be a cottage.<\/p>\n<p>Take space and light, for example. Part of the cottage appeal is the cosiness of the space, so don\u2019t expect generous <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/room\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/room;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.06ht1;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Room\" >room<\/a> sizes or overly large windows. Heating is another issue. While you can, of course, install modern central heating or underfloor heating, be aware that traditional cottages were not built with damp proof courses and walls and floors need to breathe. Also, if you\u2019re not a fan of open fires or wood burners, consider the possibility that perhaps country living is not for you.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-12161\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"refurbishing-cottage-3\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-260x173.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-3.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\n<h2><strong>Enjoy cottage style decorating<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A country cottage should be the epitome of relaxed living, meaning your approach to decorating and furnishing it needs to be flexible, not a perfectionist. Throw away any rigid preconceived ideas of how you think it should look.<\/p>\n<p>Cottage style decorating usually means pretty and practical, casual and character, nature and nurture. In terms of interior design, choose soft colours, feminine florals or country checks, vintage treasures and an eclectic mix of styles to complement honest \u2018heirloom\u2019 furniture made from natural materials. The end result will be a wonderfully warm space that\u2019s unique and personal to you.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for design inspiration to get the cottage look, help is at hand from a wide variety of sources. Why not go and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.houseandgarden.co.uk\/interiors\/english-country-cottages\">visit some beautiful cottages<\/a>, or take a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.co.uk\/explore\/cottage-interiors\/\">Pinterest boards<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.idealhome.co.uk\/all-rooms\/all-rooms-ideas\/9-steps-to-a-nostalgic-country-cottage-look-64755\">interiors magazines<\/a>, or contact a professional interior designer for a personal consultation.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li>\n<h2><strong>Don\u2019t forget the cottage garden<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Finally, it doesn\u2019t matter how lovingly you\u2019ve restored and <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Renovation\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/renovation\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/renovation;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.06b49c;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Renovation\" >refurbished<\/a> your bijou country home, no English cottage is complete without a classic cottage garden. From the ubiquitous roses round the door to lush, romantic, informal mixed planting schemes in combination with traditional landscaping materials, it\u2019s the perfect idyllic setting.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a gardening novice looking for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2016\/jun\/11\/herbaceous-borders-cheats-guide-gardens-lia-leendertz\">general advice on herbaceous borders<\/a>, or you need expert guidance on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.periodliving.co.uk\/advice\/create-cottage-garden\/\">how to design your cottage garden<\/a>, the results will be well worth the effort.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Traditional country cottages have never been more popular and it\u2019s easy to see their appeal. While these period dwellings were originally designed and built for the less affluent sections of rural communities, the modern home owner has come to appreciate<span class=\"ellipsis\">&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/5-sensible-tips-for-refurbishing-a-country-cottage\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":12158,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wl_entities_gutenberg":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","spay_email":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"wl_entity_type":[602],"modified_by":null,"_wl_alt_label":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/refurbishing-cottage-2.jpg","wl:entity_url":"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/post\/5_sensible_tips_for_refurbishing_a_country_cottage","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12157"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12157"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12157\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14124,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12157\/revisions\/14124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12158"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12157"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12157"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12157"},{"taxonomy":"wl_entity_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wl_entity_type?post=12157"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}