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How to Create a Perfect Cottage Home

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Do you ever dream of a cozy, picturesque cottage home nestled amid a beautiful garden? The idea of building your ideal cottage home may seem like a far-off fantasy, but with the right floor plan, it can become a reality.

The floor plan is the foundation of any home, dictating the layout and flow of the space. For a cottage, it’s even more essential as the size and cozy atmosphere of the home must be carefully considered. A well-designed floor plan can make all the difference between a charming, functional cottage and a cramped, inefficient space.

In addition to maximizing space, the floor plan should also consider the functionality of the cottage. Will it be a year-round residence or a vacation home? Will you need space for guests, or plan to expand the cottage home in the future? Are you working from home or need an art/craft studio? These are all important questions to consider when designing the floor plan so that it can adapt to your evolving needs.

When it comes to building a cottage, there are endless possibilities for floor plans. From open-concept layouts to more traditional designs, the options are vast. Check out this collection of trending ideas to build a cottage.

1. Rustic Country Cottage

Rustic Country Cottage

GET PLAN 125013LEW HERE

In the words of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, “The house should be of the land, not on the land.” This sentiment rings especially true for this cottage home, where the floor plan works perfectly with the natural surroundings to create a harmonious and inviting space.

This charming country cottage boasts 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, an open-concept living area, and a generous 410 sq. ft. covered front porch. As you step inside from the expansive covered porch, a spacious living area with its impressive vaulted ceiling welcomes you in. The open-concept design seamlessly connects the living room to the well-appointed kitchen, which boasts a central island for casual dining and effortless meal prep.

Additionally, this small cottage offers a desirable split-bedroom layout. The private master suite on one side, complete with a well-sized bedroom, a private bathroom with dual vanities, and a walk-in closet. You’ll find the second bedroom and an additional full bath on the opposite side of the home, providing privacy for everyone.

2. Charming Country Cottage – 900 sqft

Charming Country Cottage Home - 900 sqft

GET PLAN 774005MWK HERE

This charming cottage checks a lot of boxes for an ultimate cottagecore experience:

  • single-story
  • under 1000 sqft
  • 1 bedroom
  • covered porch
  • place to park the car (carport)
  • screened porch

As you step inside, you’ll discover a thoughtfully designed layout where the entry opens directly into the main living space. The kitchen and bath areas were designed by CKBD (Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer). Most importantly, it ensures careful attention to circulation and cabinet planning, providing both style and efficiency.

As a 1-bedroom plan, it focuses on intimate, functional living, offering a private retreat with a spacious bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a dedicated laundry. A dedicated home office provides additional space, privacy, and productivity.

Also, this cottage floor plan provides a practical mudroom and a generous 365 sq. ft. combined porch space. While a classic front porch is perfect for morning coffee in a rocking chair, the screened back porch ensures protection from the bugs for intimate stargazing.

3. 2-Bedroom Cottage with Garage

2-Bedroom Cottage with Garage

GET PLAN 52496WM HERE

If you are looking for a compact cottage house, this 751 sq ft plan offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a convenient 1-car garage. Notably, having a garage is high on future homeowners’ priority list, as it can serve as storage or a place for a small workbench, in addition to its main purpose.

Firstly, you enter through a small front porch into an inviting living room with vaulted ceilings. A well-appointed kitchen serves as the heart of the home. Flowing effortlessly into the dining area, it is perfect for casual meals or intimate gatherings.

Second, both comfortable bedrooms, each enhanced by vaulted ceilings, are thoughtfully clustered on one side of the home. Furthermore, the shared full bathroom and convenient main-level laundry area with a stackable unit are easily accessible, while enhancing everyday functionality.

Truly, the only thing this cozy cottage is missing is a spacious covered porch. Though it can be easily remedied by building a deck or porch on the back with easy access to a cottage garden.

4. Spacious Cottage-Style Home

Spacious Cottage-Style Home

GET PLAN 56564SM HERE

If you love the cottagecore aesthetic but need more space, this floor plan boasts 1482 square feet with 3 bedrooms and a 2-car garage. Also, you would love its classic board-and-batten exterior. As you step inside from the side-entry garage, you’ll find a practical mudroom complete with a bench and storage closet.

The hallway leads directly into the heart of the home – an open-concept great room with dining area, and kitchen. Furthermore, a practical island and a walk-in pantry offer plenty of storage and a dedicated prep zone.

As you explore the layout, you’ll find that the private main suite offers a serene retreat. It is located on the main level and features a spacious bedroom, an elegant en-suite bathroom, and a walk-in closet with direct access to the main-level laundry room. Next, the split-bedroom layout places two additional bedrooms on the opposite side of the home.

Lastly, enjoy the quintessential country cottage lifestyle with a grand wrap-around porch. As it stretches across the front and side of the house, it provides a great space for outdoor lounging and welcoming guests. Additionally, you have a private rear porch, creating an ideal spot for tranquil al fresco meals.

5. Charming Country Cottage

Charming Country Cottage

GET PLAN 22740DR HERE

As we continue our journey exploring popular cottage house plans, let’s take a look at this charming country home. With a spacious 2-story layout, 2 bedrooms, and a wrap-around porch, it has almost everything for comfortable country living. Firstly, admire its curb appeal – compact 32’x25′ plan all wrapped in a timeless board-and-batten exterior.

Step inside to explore a thoughtfully designed lower level, complete with a practical mudroom, laundry area, and a spacious living room. As the whole family gathers by a fireplace, the main level boasts a fluid layout, connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Also, a walk-in pantry adds both functionality and a touch of luxury to the whole culinary experience.

As you make your way upstairs, you’ll find the private sleeping quarters with a shared bath and plenty of storage. Lastly, for an ultimate cottagecore lifestyle, enjoy tranquil mornings and quiet evenings on the spacious covered front porch.

6. Cozy 1-Bedroom Cottage (with optional basement)

Cozy 1-Bedroom Cottage

GET PLAN 22710DR HERE

If you are afraid that you’ll feel claustrophobic in a small cottage, check out this 1,198 sqft floor plan. Though it offers only one bedroom, an optional basement makes it perfect for a mountain retreat or a serene lakeside escape. Step inside through a foyer with storage to discover a cozy open area with 16-foot ceilings and lots of natural light.

A well-equipped kitchen has access to a 198 sqft covered terrace for relaxed family meals. Moreover, the private primary bedroom suite, conveniently located on the first floor, offers a tranquil sanctuary. With a walk-in closet, walk-in pantry, and a dedicated laundry room, the cottage doesn’t lack modern amenities.

Lastly, an expansive 1,198 sq. ft. unfinished basement provides significant potential for future customization. Homeowners could expand living space and storage, add additional bedrooms, or create a personalized media room.

7. Modern Scandinavian Cottage

Modern Scandinavian Cottage

GET PLAN 61676UT HERE

If you are a fan of clean modern lines of Scandinavian architecture, take a closer look at this 1,723 sq ft contemporary cottage. It features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious 527 sq. ft. two-car drive-under garage, all wrapped in a sleek, contemporary exterior.

Step inside to discover an inviting open-concept layout with a dramatic two-story great room. Thoughtfully designed space ensures comfort and functionality throughout while seamlessly connecting the great room to the modern kitchen and dining area.

The serene master suite and additional bedroom are conveniently located on the first floor. The two spacious bathrooms ensure privacy and convenience. Upstairs, a versatile bonus room offers flexible space, ideal for a home office, gym, or art studio.

Enjoy the outdoors on the expansive 244 sq. ft. covered front porch. It’s an ideal spot for morning coffee or evening BBQ with friends.

8. Modern Cottage Home with Office

Modern Cottage Home with Office

GET PLAN 22731DR HERE

This small home presents a sleek modern cottage aesthetic with dark horizontal siding and clean lines. Also, there is an option for a white exterior, as illustrated. The exterior boasts a distinctive slatted wood feature at the entrance, creating a stylish curb appeal.

Step inside this 1,344 sq. ft. contemporary Scandinavian house plan featuring a single spacious bedroom and a convenient home office. A thoughtfully designed great room delivers an immediate sense of openness. 

An open-concept area is designed for effortless flow, combining living, kitchen, and dining areas. A rare feature in cottage homes, a dedicated home office, provides a quiet space for productivity. The master suite offers a private retreat with ample space and comfort.

9. Rustic 2-Bedroom Cottage Plan

2-bedroom cottage plan

GET PLAN 125012LEW HERE

This inviting small cottage boasts 2 bedrooms with a modest 752 square feet of total space. With an undeniable curb appeal, it showcases a modern dark board-and-batten exterior and a sleek metal roof.

As you step inside, you’ll discover an open-concept living area where vaulted ceilings create an expansive, airy atmosphere. With the seamless flow between the vaulted kitchen and living room, you have an ideal space for daily living and entertaining guests.

Most importantly, the floor plan offers certain flexibility based on your lifestyle. You can have a spacious bedroom and a home office, or 2 bedrooms sharing 1 bath. Furthermore, a 138 sq. ft. covered porch extends the living space outdoors, offering a perfect spot for enjoying the serene cottage garden.

10. 3-Bedroom Cottage Home with Flex Room

Charming 3-Bedroom Cottage

GET PLAN 25070DH HERE

This comfortable country cottage offers one thing that lots of homeowners would appreciate: flexibility. It’s not a secret that life circumstances change. Firstly, you may have kids who need privacy and separate bedrooms. Next, you are an empty-nester who may need a home office and an occasional space for overnight guests.

This charming 1,056 sq. ft. country cottage offers 3 comfortable bedrooms and 1 full bathroom. Admire its rustic country charm with classic cottage siding and an inviting covered front porch. An open-concept living space, where the great room flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area, creates an ideal setting for daily life and family gatherings. 

The heart of the home features a spacious great room with a dramatic cathedral ceiling and a cozy ventless gas fireplace. All three bedrooms are thoughtfully clustered for convenience and a cohesive layout. The middle bedroom can serve as a flex space and provide a convenient home office, gym, or small guest room.

11. Tiny Fairytale Cottage

Tiny Fairytale Cottage

GET PLAN 420127WNT HERE

Cute as a button, this tiny modern cottage with its 15’x38′ footprint is suitable even for a narrow lot. So whether you need a cottage for in-laws or a backyard ADU for extra income, this 570 sqft plan solves the problem.

As you enter, you are greeted by an open-concept living room with 16-foot vaulted ceilings. A well-appointed kitchen with casual bar seating has a seamless flow with the living area. On the back, you’ll find a 100 sq ft bedroom and bathroom, along with a stackable washer/dryer.

More Ideas for Cottagecore Living

Charming Cottagecore Interior Design Ideas

Besides creating the ‘bones’ of your cottage with the right floor plan and exterior, it’s important to incorporate the charm and tranquillity of cottagecore into your home with these enchanting interior design ideas:

  • Use Soft, Earthy Pastel Color Palettes
  • Add Rustic Wooden Elements
  • Incorporate Vintage Furniture Pieces
  • Embrace Floral Patterns and Botanical Prints
  • Add Handmade and DIY Decor
  • Add with Lacy and Crochet Accessories
  • Create Cozy Nooks
  • Bring the Outdoors Inside with Plants and Flowers
  • Display Vintage China and Tea Sets

Create an Enchanting Cottagecore Garden

When you have a perfect cottage with an ultimate cottagecore interior, let’s not forget about the surroundings: a cottage garden. Step into a world of whimsy and charm as we uncover the secrets to creating a picture-perfect cottagecore garden. Imagine a lush oasis filled with vibrant blooms, cozy nooks, and vintage touches that transport you to a fairy tale realm.

From selecting the right plants and flowers to adding a DIY herb garden, you can create a cozy retreat that will leave you feeling enchanted every time you step outside. As you immerse yourself in these DIY projects, remember to keep the spirit of cottagecore gardening alive by embracing imperfections and celebrating the beauty of natural materials.

In Conclusion

When it comes to building a cottage, there are endless possibilities for floor plans. From open-concept layouts to more traditional designs, the options are vast. But with the help of a professional architect or designer, you can create a floor plan that fits your vision and needs perfectly.

So, if you’re dreaming of building a cozy cottage home, make sure to start with a well-planned and thoughtfully designed floor plan. It’s the first step towards turning your dreams into a beautiful reality.