Tudor Cottage Style???

8 years ago

We’ve recently purchased a small, blonde brick tudor home. I want the style of the home to influence the decorating. Is there such thing as a “tudor cottage style” without veering into shabby chic? Or colors to consider? I want to avoid anything too trendy in favor or a more historical and/or timeless feel. We will be refreshing the kitchen and maybe including wallpaper. Current wall color is SW “classic light buff” (a dark cream/very pale yellow color).

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apple_pie_order

8 years ago

Google "storybook tudor" and take a look at the many styles used in furnishing the houses. In my area, people with Tudor cottages often use a mix of English traditional furnishings with a few whimsical touches such as dark wood carved chairs, tapestry wall hangings, marble topped end tables.

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Comments (16)

Judy Mishkin
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
think chic without the shabby. what the pieces and textiles would look like if they were in good condition.

try second hand stores in your area for 'fill ins'. we have one near by that is more like used furniture intersects antiques, i bought a 1920s telephone table in great condition for $60.

you might check your library's decorating section, as you dont want up to the second resources which are a mess of farmhouse confusion like pinterest is. you want a slightly older vision for your older home.
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jbtanyderi
8 years ago
Freshen up the paint if you need to: otherwise, LEAVE IT ALONE.
hollybar
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Charming house. You certainly can do the interior as "historical" or not as you choose. These houses are a bit of an historical pastiche,so your options are many. Personally,I rarely think shabby chic suits them....unless you consider these shabby chic?
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I think the best idea is to narrow down a colour palette and decide upon the degree of (in)formality and modernity you want to inject into each room. So much depends on the amount of light and your lifestyle. Are you beginning with much stuff?

Edited to add: If your Tudor cottage is like my Tudor Revival,you will need to measure and plan for every piece of furniture. Always a good idea,but triply important in these older homes with interior spaces and doorways built for when furniture was smaller. Fun fact: Arne Jacobsen's 3 seater sofa (1956) was only 72" wide.
LD
8 years ago
I have no advice. Just following along because I adore your home! Happy Houzzing!
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TEALFROSTED
8 years ago
There are many styles that work beautifully in Tudor homes. Have you considered industrial with a touch of classic design? If you're inspired by the architecture, think about the design elements that make Tudor homes charming. I personally love their dynamic layouts and overlapping facades.
Gini Pritchett
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate the thoughtful replies. Interestingly, a lot of the advice here is similar to what my husband suggested. Sometimes I just need to hear it from strangers on the internet!
suezbell
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Really nice home. Agree: Aside from repainting if needed, don't change anything ... at least for now.

If you currently have enough furnishings to move in without buying anything new, do -- then live with what you have and swap out what you have that you truly don't like for what you find that you truly do like ... a whole lot ... as you find it -- don't settle for something "iffy" just to get something new. Take your time and enjoy the process. The style you'll end up with will be, yes, your own style.
miss lindsey (She/Her)
8 years ago
Following to see updates. Such a beautiful house.
Beth H. :
8 years ago
cute house. love your kitchen. not really fond of that light green trim on the outside,,i don't think it works w/the roof color or the brick, so that's what I would paint.
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BeverlyFLADeziner
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I would create a 21 century look for the exterior of the home.

Here is a before and after Fixer Upper Tudor Cottage.
pink_peony
8 years ago
since the predominant time period of the Tudor cottage in America was the 1920's and 30's I would look at some case goods from that time period. I think you could easily sprinkle in more current pieces with those. Chesterfield sofas and chairs come to mind. Rich colored fabrics. Search for wallpaper patterns from that time period as well.
Gini Pritchett
Original Author
8 years ago
Beth H and Beverly-thanks for your insights. Updating the exterior is definitely on our “to do” list. I agree that the light green trim isnt quite right. I’m inclined to consider white (or cream) with black or glossy navy trim. But I’m concerned that those color schemes are too currently trendy. I’m glad exterior is going to be Phase 2 of the updates so I have some time to consider it.
Gini Pritchett
Original Author
8 years ago
Pink Peony, SCORE! We already have a chesterfield sofa that we love. I feel like such a design novice that it’s nice to hear some external validation.
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JudyG Designs
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
FYI, I believe your fab house is a Tudor Revival.
K Laurence
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I have nothing to say other than I love your house and would find it fun to tinker with the landscaping. Congratulations.

btw, I love the porch !!!