1. Pick up secondhand finds. Don't worry about everything matching perfectly. English cottage style is all about mismatched, shabby chic.
Find a worktable for folding laundry on at a local flea market. Sand it down and spruce it up with some paint — soft greens, baby blues or powder pinks always fit this style well.
An old metal sink is great for this look, and these sinks are often nice and deep — great for hand washing items of clothing. Big white ceramic farmhouse sinks are a nice nod toward country style too.
Add some personal touches such as a cute little vintage picture (a personal photo or some needlepoint art would look great); a green plant or a small vase of flowers would add something fresh. This vintage fan adds character, and the little lamp provides accent lighting and gives the space a homely feel.