21 Pretty Cottage Exterior Designs You’ll Love

Cottage design represents a unique blend of comfort and architectural beauty. These homes emphasize a scale that feels manageable and welcoming to every guest who walks up the path.

The exterior of a cottage tells a story of the people who live within its walls. It focuses on textures, natural materials, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape or garden.

Whether you prefer the rugged look of stone or the soft appeal of painted shingles, cottages offer endless inspiration. The following designs showcase the diversity of this beloved architectural style.

1. The English Country Stone Cottage

The English country stone cottage is perhaps the most iconic version of this cozy dwelling. These structures are often built with thick walls made from local limestone or flint.

The irregular shapes of the stones provide a rich texture that changes throughout the day. As the sun moves, shadows play across the facade to highlight the craftsmanship of the masonry.

A steep roofline often accompanies this style to help with water runoff in rainy climates. This verticality adds a sense of grandeur to an otherwise modest and humble home design.

DIY Tips

• Clean your stone exterior using a soft brush and mild soap to remove moss and dirt safely.
• Re-point old mortar joints using a lime based mix to maintain the historical integrity of the stone walls.
• Plant climbing hydrangea or traditional roses at the base of the walls to add organic softness.
• Install a heavy wooden door with iron hardware to complement the ruggedness of the stone.
• Add a gravel path leading to the entrance to provide a satisfying crunch underfoot and rustic charm.

2. Coastal Shingle Style Retreat

Coastal cottages rely on durable materials that can withstand the salt air and high winds. Cedar shingles are the primary choice because they weather into a beautiful silver grey over time.

This design often features wide porches that offer views of the water and a place to enjoy breezes. The color palette usually remains neutral with whites, greys, and soft blues.

The shingles provide a repetitive pattern that is visually soothing and very classic. This look is synonymous with summer vacations and a relaxed pace of life near the sea.

DIY Tips

• Apply a clear water repellent to new shingles to slow down the silvering process if you prefer the wood look.
• Use stainless steel nails for any exterior repairs to prevent unsightly rust streaks from the salty air.
• Paint your window trim a crisp white to create a sharp contrast against the grey weathered shingles.
• Hang a nautical themed lantern by the front door to enhance the maritime aesthetic of the home.
• Install a simple outdoor shower on the side of the house to keep sand out of the interior.

3. French Provincial Stucco Cottage

The French provincial style brings a touch of European elegance to the cottage concept. It is characterized by smooth stucco walls and perfectly symmetrical window placements.

Tall and narrow windows often feature shutters that can be closed for privacy or during storms. These shutters are usually painted in muted tones like sage green or dusty lavender.

The roof is often hipped, meaning all sides slope down toward the walls of the house. This creates a compact and sturdy appearance that feels very sophisticated and timeless.

DIY Tips

• Repair small cracks in your stucco facade using a flexible patching compound designed for masonry.
• Paint your shutters every few years to keep the colors vibrant and the wood protected from rot.
• Add a window box to every front window and fill them with flowing red geraniums for a classic look.
• Install a gravel courtyard in the front of the house to mimic the traditional French country aesthetic.
• Use a wrought iron gate at the entrance of your driveway to add a sense of luxury and security.

4. Fairytale Storybook Design

The storybook cottage looks as if it has been plucked directly from a book of fables. This style features whimsical elements like rolled eaves and mismatched window sizes.

Chimneys in these homes are often oversized and made from rounded river stones. The aim is to create a sense of wonder and quirkiness that defies standard modern architecture.

Natural materials are used in exaggerated ways to emphasize the handmade quality of the build. It is a design that celebrates imagination and the joy of a unique residential identity.

DIY Tips

• Use decorative wood trim along the gables to create a gingerbread effect that enhances the whimsy.
• Install a curved wooden front door with a small viewing window to lean into the fairytale theme.
• Create a winding garden path using mismatched flagstones to lead visitors on a journey to your door.
• Place a few oversized garden ornaments like stone mushrooms or lanterns among the flowers.
• Use a mix of different shingle colors on the roof to create a mottled and aged appearance.

5. Modern Farmhouse Cottage

The modern farmhouse cottage combines the clean lines of minimalism with the warmth of rural life. White board and batten siding is the hallmark of this popular exterior design.

Black window frames provide a sharp and modern contrast against the bright white walls. This look is clean, fresh, and works well in both suburban and rural settings.

A large front porch with simple wooden pillars offers a space for rocking chairs and relaxation. It is a design that feels organized yet remains deeply comfortable and approachable.

DIY Tips

• Use a high quality exterior white paint with a matte finish to achieve the authentic farmhouse look.
• Install black gooseneck light fixtures above the garage or front door for a touch of modern industrial style.
• Keep your landscaping simple with green boxwoods and white flowering bushes to match the house.
• Use natural wood for the porch floor to add warmth and break up the black and white palette.
• Add a simple black mailbox at the end of the driveway to tie the whole design together.

6. Craftsman Inspired Bungalow

Craftsman cottages focus on the honesty of materials and the visibility of structural elements. You will often see exposed rafter tails and heavy tapered columns on the porch.

These homes usually feature a mix of materials such as brick, stone, and horizontal wood siding. The colors are inspired by nature, including deep greens, browns, and warm ochres.

The wide front porch is a central feature that encourages community interaction and outdoor living. This style values the work of the human hand and the beauty of functional design.

DIY Tips

• Stain your front door a deep oak or mahogany color to highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain.
• Use copper gutters and downspouts that will develop a beautiful patina over the years.
• Install a built in wooden bench on the porch to provide seating and enhance the craftsman feel.
• Use stones of varying sizes for the base of your porch pillars to ground the house visually.
• Add a stained glass panel to the front door to introduce a bit of color and traditional artistry.

7. Victorian Gingerbread Charm

The Victorian cottage is famous for its ornate trim work often referred to as gingerbread. This includes decorative brackets, spindles, and elaborate bargeboards along the roofline.

These houses are typically painted in a variety of colors to highlight the different textures. Pastel shades like pink, yellow, and mint green are very common in this aesthetic.

Wraparound porches and small balconies add to the complexity and beauty of the exterior. It is a highly decorative style that appeals to those who love detail and historical flair.

DIY Tips

• Use a multi color paint scheme to make the decorative trim pop against the main body of the house.
• Replace missing or damaged wooden ornaments with high density foam versions that won’t rot or crack.
• Hang hanging baskets filled with trailing petunias from every porch hook to add more color.
• Install a decorative screen door with intricate woodwork to match the period style of the cottage.
• Use a vintage style brass doorbell to greet your guests with a classic and charming sound.

8. Rustic Woodland Log Cottage

A woodland cottage is designed to blend perfectly with a forested and natural environment. Using whole logs or heavy timber siding helps the structure feel like a part of the woods.

Dark colors like forest green and deep brown help the house disappear into the shadows of the trees. This design prioritizes the use of sustainable and locally sourced wood products.

Large windows are essential to capture views of the surrounding wildlife and changing seasons. It is a rugged style that provides a sense of shelter and warmth in a wild setting.

DIY Tips

• Apply a high quality log sealer every few years to protect the wood from insects and moisture.
• Use local river rocks to build a fire pit near the cottage for cozy outdoor evenings.
• Install solar powered path lights that look like natural lanterns to guide you through the trees.
• Clear a small perimeter around the house to prevent forest debris from accumulating against the logs.
• Build a simple birdhouse and mount it on the side of the house to invite nature closer to your home.

9. Cape Cod Symmetry

The Cape Cod cottage is a masterpiece of simple and balanced architectural design. It features a central front door with an equal number of windows on either side of the entrance.

The roof is steeply pitched and usually contains dormer windows to provide light to the upper floor. This creates a compact footprint that is very efficient to heat and maintain.

White trim against grey or blue siding is the traditional color choice for these sturdy homes. It is a timeless look that has remained popular for hundreds of years for a reason.

DIY Tips

• Ensure your shutters are the correct size to actually cover the windows if they were closed.
• Paint your front door a bright and welcoming color like red or yellow to break the symmetry.
• Use a simple white picket fence to define the front yard and add to the classic cottage feel.
• Install window shutters that are operable rather than just decorative for an authentic touch.
• Plant symmetrical bushes like boxwoods on either side of the front steps to mirror the house.

10. Scandinavian Hygge Style

Scandinavian cottages focus on the concept of hygge which is about coziness and well being. These designs are often very minimalist with clean lines and large glass openings.

Light colored wood like pine or cedar is used for the siding to keep the look bright and airy. The architecture is simple and avoids any unnecessary ornamentation or complex shapes.

This style emphasizes the connection to light during the dark winter months of northern climates. It is a functional and beautiful way to live that values quality over quantity in every detail.

DIY Tips

• Use a light grey or white wash on exterior wood to maintain a bright and modern appearance.
• Install large sliding glass doors to make the transition between inside and outside feel seamless.
• Keep the landscaping very natural with native grasses and few structured flower beds.
• Use black metal accents for things like door handles and lights to ground the light wood design.
• Create a small outdoor seating area with a simple wooden bench and a cozy outdoor throw blanket.

11. Southern Charm with Wide Porches

The southern cottage is all about surviving the heat while maintaining a sense of grace. A deep and wide front porch is the most important feature of this architectural style.

The porch ceiling is often painted a light blue known as haint blue to ward off insects and spirits. High ceilings and large windows allow for maximum air circulation through the home.

White siding is common to reflect the sun and keep the interior of the cottage as cool as possible. It is a design that invites you to slow down and enjoy a cold drink on a hot afternoon.

DIY Tips

• Paint your porch ceiling a soft sky blue to follow the traditional southern color palette.
• Install a porch swing or several wooden rocking chairs to create an inviting outdoor living room.
• Use ceiling fans on the porch to keep the air moving and provide relief on humid days.
• Plant large leafy trees like oaks or maples to provide natural shade for the front of the house.
• Use wide white trim around the windows to give the house a more substantial and classic look.

12. Mountain Stone and Timber

Mountain cottages are built to look as strong as the peaks that surround them in the landscape. This style uses massive stone bases and heavy timber beams to create a sense of security.

The roof is often made of heavy metal or thick shingles to handle the weight of winter snow. Darker earthy tones help the house blend in with the rocky and rugged terrain.

Large stone chimneys are a focal point, suggesting a warm and cozy fireplace waiting inside. It is a powerful design that respects the strength and beauty of the high altitude environment.

DIY Tips

• Use a dark brown or grey stain on your timber beams to protect them from the intense mountain sun.
• Install a snow guard on your roof to prevent large sheets of ice from sliding off unexpectedly.
• Use natural stone for your front steps to ensure they are durable and slip resistant in the winter.
• Add a heavy duty doormat to trap mud and snow before it gets tracked into your cottage.
• Hang a large thermometer by the door to keep track of the rapidly changing mountain weather.

13. Colorful Eclectic Cottage

An eclectic cottage allows the homeowner to express their personality through bold colors and shapes. There are no strict rules for this style, which often mixes elements from different eras.

You might see a bright turquoise house with yellow trim and a purple front door. The goal is to create a joyful and vibrant exterior that makes people smile as they walk by.

The garden is usually just as eclectic, with a mix of wild flowers, vegetables, and artistic sculptures. It is a celebration of individuality and the fun side of cottage living.

DIY Tips

• Choose a palette of three or four bright colors that you love and use them consistently across the house.
• Paint your old garden furniture in bright shades to match the house and create a cohesive look.
• Use colorful tiles to create a mosaic on your front steps or around the house number plate.
• Hang whimsical wind chimes or spinners in the garden to add movement and sound to the space.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns like stripes or dots on your flower pots.

14. Tudor Inspired Brickwork

Tudor cottages are known for their half timbering and intricate brick patterns. The mix of dark wood beams and light colored infill creates a very striking and graphic facade.

Leaded glass windows with diamond shaped panes are a classic feature of this historical style. The entrance is often arched and tucked under a small gable for a sense of protection.

Brickwork is frequently done in a herringbone or basketweave pattern to add even more texture. This design feels solid, historical, and very cozy in a traditional and old world way.

DIY Tips

• Use a dark brown paint on any exterior wood beams to mimic the look of traditional aged oak.
• Clean your brick using a gentle pressure washer setting to avoid damaging the old mortar.
• Install a wrought iron door handle and knocker to enhance the medieval feel of the entrance.
• Plant ivy that can grow up the brick walls to soften the look and add a sense of history.
• Use a copper light fixture with an antique finish to complement the warm tones of the brick.

15. Lakeside Serenity Design

A lakeside cottage focuses on the view of the water and easy access to the shore. These houses often feature many windows on the side facing the lake and a large back deck.

The colors are usually inspired by the lake, including deep navy, soft teal, and sandy beige. The siding is often horizontal wood or vinyl that is easy to clean after a long summer.

The design is practical and casual, meant for bare feet and wet towels after a day of swimming. It is a peaceful style that prioritizes the natural beauty of the waterfront location.

DIY Tips

• Build a simple wooden rack on the side of the house to store kayaks or paddleboards.
• Install motion sensor lights along the path to the dock for safety during night walks.
• Use durable outdoor rugs on the deck to create a comfortable space for bare feet.
• Hang a bell near the back door to call people in from the water for meals or activities.
• Plant native water loving plants along the shoreline to help prevent erosion and look beautiful.

16. Desert Oasis Adobe Style

Desert cottages use materials that can handle intense heat and very little rainfall. Adobe or stucco walls are thick to keep the interior cool during the scorching day.

Terracotta tile roofs are a signature feature, providing a beautiful red contrast to the tan walls. The shapes are often rounded and organic, mimicking the dunes of the desert.

Xeriscaping is used for the garden, featuring gravel, rocks, and drought resistant plants like cacti. It is a sustainable and striking design that honors the unique beauty of the arid landscape.

DIY Tips

• Paint your exterior in light earth tones like beige or ochre to reflect the sun’s heat.
• Use large clay pots for any plants near the house to keep their roots cool and protected.
• Install a simple drip irrigation system to keep your desert plants healthy with minimal water.
• Add a wooden pergola over your patio to provide essential shade during the peak of the day.
• Use colorful Mexican tiles around the door frame to add a splash of color to the neutral walls.

17. English Garden Vine Cottage

This cottage style prioritizes the landscaping as much as the house itself. The goal is for the house to be almost hidden behind a lush and overflowing garden of vines and flowers.

Trellises are attached to the walls to encourage wisteria, clematis, and climbing roses to grow. The house serves as a backdrop for the ever changing colors and scents of the plants.

The materials of the house are usually natural stone or brick to better blend with the greenery. It is a romantic and soft design that feels like a living part of the ecosystem.

DIY Tips

• Install sturdy wooden or metal trellises about six inches away from the wall to allow for airflow.
• Prune your climbing plants twice a year to keep them from growing into the gutters or windows.
• Use a mix of plants that bloom at different times to ensure color in the garden all year.
• Add a stone birdbath in the center of the garden to provide a focal point and water for birds.
• Create a small hidden seating area among the tall plants for a private and quiet retreat.

18. Minimalist White Cottage

The minimalist white cottage is all about purity, light, and the absence of clutter. Everything from the roof to the window frames is often painted in a single shade of crisp white.

The lack of color forces the eye to focus on the shape and shadows of the architecture. It is a very calm and serene look that works exceptionally well in bright sunny locations.

This design often features simple rectangular windows and a very clean roofline. It is a modern take on cottage living that values simplicity and a clear mind above all else.

DIY Tips

• Use a high quality paint with built in UV protection to prevent the white from yellowing over time.
• Keep your garden very structured with simple green hedges to complement the clean house lines.
• Use a natural wood front door as the single point of warmth and color on the entire facade.
• Clean your white siding frequently with a garden hose to keep it looking bright and new.
• Use hidden or very simple outdoor lighting to maintain the minimalist feel of the structure.

19. Dutch Colonial Gambrel Roof

The Dutch colonial cottage is easily recognized by its unique gambrel roof which has two slopes on each side. This provides more head room on the second floor without a taller house.

The front of the house often features a long shed dormer that spans most of the roofline. This architectural detail gives the cottage a very sturdy and historic appearance.

Shingle or clapboard siding in traditional colors like grey or cream is the standard choice. It is a charming and practical design that has a very strong presence on the street.

DIY Tips

• Ensure the flashing between the different slopes of the roof is in good condition to prevent leaks.
• Use decorative shutters on the first floor windows to add more visual interest to the facade.
• Install a traditional lantern style light fixture on either side of the front door.
• Paint the window sashes a darker color than the trim to add depth and detail to the windows.
• Use a brick or stone walkway to the front door to match the historic feel of the colonial style.

20. Retro Mid Century Cottage

A mid century cottage brings a bit of the 1950s and 60s charm to the small home world. These designs feature low profiles, large windows, and pops of bright retro colors.

Materials like stacked stone and horizontal wood siding are often used together on the exterior. The roof is usually flat or has a very low pitch, emphasizing the horizontal lines.

A bright orange or turquoise front door is a classic way to finish this cool and vintage look. It is a design that celebrates optimism and the stylish side of simple suburban living.

DIY Tips

• Search for vintage style house numbers in a mid century font to add an authentic touch.
• Use a starburst pattern for your outdoor wall lights to lean into the retro aesthetic.
• Keep your lawn well manicured and use geometric planting beds for a neat and tidy look.
• Paint your garage door the same color as the siding to keep the focus on the front entrance.
• Add a simple metal mailbox with a sleek and modern design from the mid century era.

21. Mediterranean Charm with Red Tiles

The Mediterranean cottage is inspired by the coastal homes of Italy, Spain, and Greece. It features thick stucco walls that are usually painted in warm white or cream.

The roof is the most distinctive part, made of red or terracotta clay barrel tiles. Wrought iron balconies and window grilles add a touch of detail and security to the home.

The design often includes a small courtyard or patio with a fountain to create a cool and private space. It is a sun drenched and beautiful style that feels like a permanent vacation.

DIY Tips

• Use a warm white paint that has a hint of yellow or pink to mimic the Mediterranean sun.
• Install a simple wall fountain on your patio to provide a relaxing sound and cool the air.
• Use large terracotta pots filled with lavender or rosemary around the entrance of the house.
• Paint your exterior wooden doors a deep blue or dark brown to contrast with the light walls.
• Install a wrought iron gate at the entrance to your garden for an authentic and stylish look.

Conclusion

Cottage exterior designs offer a wonderful variety of ways to create a home that is both beautiful and welcoming. From the rugged stone of an English cottage to the sleek lines of a modern farmhouse, there is a style for every taste.

The beauty of a cottage lies in its scale and the attention paid to the small details that make a house a home. By focusing on quality materials and thoughtful landscaping, anyone can achieve this charming look.

Whether you are building from scratch or looking to update your current exterior, these designs provide a wealth of inspiration. Remember that the best cottage is one that reflects your personality and provides a sanctuary from the world.

Investing time in your home’s exterior not only improves its curb appeal but also enhances your enjoyment of your living space. A pretty cottage is a joy to behold for the owner and the entire neighborhood.