The Defining Features of Cottage-style Homes

What is the Cottage Revival Style? Let the Architects Tell You!

The Cottage Revival style popularized during the 1920s housing boom brought cozy charm and whimsical craftsmanship to tree-lined streets across America. Reinterpreting elements of classic English architecture, cottage-style homes feature dramatic roof slopes, welcoming arched doorways, and oversized chimneys. Almost 100 years later, homeowners are once again embracing cottage-style design. Our Austin architects explain the history of cottage-style homes, discuss the style influences of the design movement, and define the features of Cottage Revival architecture. Plus, we share why the cottage style is trending again today.

A Brief History of the Cottage Revival Style

Original cottage architecture dates back to Medieval Europe. The term “cottage” referred to homes where farmers called “cotters” resided. These quaint houses featured stone facades, gabled rooflines, brick pathways, oversized chimneys, and thatched roofs. The cottage look has become synonymous with the English countryside, where many cottage-style homes still dot the landscape.

After WWI, the United States experienced a housing boom during the 1920s. While 1920s house styles are often associated with glamorous Art Deco designs, many architects and homeowners had a renewed interest in European styles. Soldiers who fought in the war brought back design inspiration from abroad and favored the design styles of United States allies, like England. Architects embraced Arts & Crafts, Tudor, and cottage-style elements, combining them to create the Cottage Revival look that would go on to become a popular style of the decade.

Influences of the Cottage Revival Architectural Movement

Cottage Revival architecture pulled from three main design references. The design movement took inspiration from popular Craftsman-style homes and English Tudor architecture and combined these elements with the historical features of centuries-old cottages. The result was an updated cottage look that highlighted the advances of new building technologies and skilled craftsmanship. Like Craftsman homes, cottage-style houses featured custom details like hand-carved woodwork, intricate brick lays, and natural stonework. The Cottage Revival style also borrowed the steep gable rooflines and massive chimneys seen in Tudor homes. Of course, the original English cottage was the main inspiration. The cottage style always placed a welcoming feel at the forefront of the design.

Defining Architectural Features of Cottage-style Homes

Cottage Revival architecture includes a range of stylistic elements that evoke whimsey, comfort, and charm. Here are the nine most common architectural elements seen in cottage-style homes.

Asymmetrical Design

Unlike Colonial, Neoclassical, or Cape Cod architecture that traditionally features symmetrical designs, the Cottage Revival style relies on asymmetrical architecture. While asymmetrical homes don’t look the same on either side, they still achieve a feeling of balance.

Steep Gable Rooflines with a Large Front Peak

Taking inspiration from Tudor architecture, Cottage Revival-style homes typically have steep gable rooflines with a dramatic front peak accenting the home entrance. In some cases, these rooflines slope all the way down the side of the home, coming close to ground level.

1 1/2 or 2-story Construction

Given the dramatic gable peaks associated with cottage-style homes, these builds often include a second-story or a half-story loft or attic space. The interior of the second-floor rooms will have sloped ceilings that echo the roof’s pitch, adding a cozy feel.

Decorative Arched Entryway

Cottage homes are all about creating a welcoming feel. These designs feature arched entryways to highlight the front door, and some houses even have custom-made arched doors to match.

Small Front Landing

While Cottage Revival homes don’t often have large front porches like Craftsman homes of the decade, they do provide small front landings. These landings give a cozy space to greet guests and offer a warm transition from the front yard to the interior.

Oversized Chimney Stack

In historic cottages of the English countryside, the fireplace was central to the home, offering a heat source and a place to cook. Cottage Revival architecture honors the importance of the fireplace with massive chimney stack features that are often placed on the front of the home near the front door. Oversized chimney stacks provide a dramatic quality to the facade.

Multipane Windows with Decorative Light Divides

Similar to Craftsman homes, Cottage Revival houses feature window groupings of three to four. However, while Craftsman homes have double-hung windows with linear light divides, cottage-style houses often have casement windows with diamond-patterned light divides.

Brick, Stone, Stucco, or Wood Siding

Cottage Revival homes can be clad in brick, stone, stucco, wood siding, or a combination of all four materials. While exterior material selections vary in the cottage style, they have a similar application. For example, front entry archways, roof slopes, and gable peaks are all highlighted with trim or accent materials.

Charming Finishing Details

Like Craftsman design and architecture, the Cottage Revival style includes plenty of charming finishing details. Cobblestone pathways, slate roofs, window boxes, and brick garden walls are all commonly seen in cottage-style homes.

Why is the Cottage Style So Popular Today?

So why is the cottage style trending again today? Cottage Revival architecture offers timeless charm, cozy comfort, and a welcoming feel that speaks to many homeowners. In a constantly modernizing world, it can be refreshing to retreat into comfortable nostalgia and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the day. Who wouldn’t want a cozy spot to unwind?