The interior trends shaping holiday cottages in 2026

A recent Country Living trend report highlighted a wave of nostalgic decorating ideas returning to interiors in 2026, from lace trims and quilts to braided rugs and everyday silver. Rather than feeling old-fashioned, these details are being reimagined in ways that feel relaxed, personal and quietly joyful. For holiday cottages, this trend feels particularly natural. Many of the elements described in the report already exist in the kinds of spaces that make people fall in love with a cottage stay, like layered textiles, inherited furniture, and shelves filled with everyday objects that carry stories. 

In other words, our holiday cottages are already living this trend. Here are some that show how these nostalgic touches quietly shape the character of a great cottage stay. 

Lace and soft details  

Nostalgic fabrics are finding their way back into interiors, and holiday cottages are embracing the softer side of this trend. According to Pinterest’s 2026 trend report, lace and doilies are making a surprising return, driven largely by Gen Z and Millennial decorators. As the report puts it, they are “gently reminding us that more is more, especially when it’s this pretty.” 

In cottages, the look tends to appear in subtle ways, like delicate cafe curtains filtering morning light, embroidered table linens, or vintage fabrics layered across cushions and throws. Rather than perfectly matched interiors, the charm lies in the sense that pieces have been collected over time.  

At East Quay Pod 5 in Devon, this spirit of playful nostalgia appears in unexpected ways. Stencil patterns trace the walls, and cushions edged with delicate lace soften the clean architectural lines. It’s a reminder that even contemporary spaces can carry the warmth of traditional cottage textures. For travellers settling in for a few days or even a week, that layered softness makes a cottage feel less like accommodation and more like a home from home. 

Quilts, blankets and layered comfort 

If one textile defines the modern cottage bedroom, it may well be the quilt. Long associated with traditional country interiors, quilts are returning with renewed confidence, often paired with simpler furniture and contemporary colour palettes. 

Handmade textiles carry a sense of history that fits naturally with cottages built centuries ago. At Penicuik Estate, bedrooms take this layered approach seriously. Super-king beds with Hypnos mattresses are dressed with quilts, blankets and soft textiles that make the room feel both generous and inviting. After a day exploring the surrounding estate or walking the nearby Pentland Hills, it’s exactly the kind of bed you look forward to returning to. 

Across the Sawday’s collection, our inspectors often notice layered beds rather than a single duvet. It’s a small shift, but it changes the mood of a room completely, inviting guests to slow down, read longer, and settle in for the evening. In holiday cottages designed for longer stays, these tactile details turn bedrooms into places you genuinely want to spend time in. 

Braided rugs and natural texture 

Natural materials are becoming increasingly important in holiday cottage interiors. Wooden floors, stone walls and linen upholstery are now often paired with tactile pieces that bring warmth underfoot. Braided rugs, highlighted in the Country Living report, are one example. Traditionally handmade and slightly irregular, they introduce warmth without dominating a room.  

At Jean’s Cottage in Cumbria, these textures sit comfortably alongside the building’s long history. Once a travellers’ inn and later the village post office from 1890 to 2020, the cottage still carries echoes of its past. Careful renovation has balanced historic features with cosy modern touches, including soft rugs and warm textiles that make the living spaces feel welcoming and relaxed. 

In holiday cottages, this kind of material works especially well. Guests spend more time barefoot, wandering between kitchen, garden and living room, so soft flooring becomes part of the comfort of the space. Jute rugs, woven runners and vintage wool pieces all help anchor rooms while keeping interiors relaxed rather than overly polished. 

Everyday silver 

Another nostalgic detail making a comeback is the use of silver in everyday spaces. Once reserved for special occasions, vintage trays, candlesticks and serving dishes are finding their way back onto dining tables and mantelpieces. At holiday cottages like 15 Pound Street in Lyme Regis, these small touches add depth and warmth to interiors. A polished serving dome on the table or a silver tray catching firelight instantly elevates a simple meal or morning coffee. 

Placed in spaces designed for lingering rather than rushing, these quiet details add depth and atmosphere without ever feeling overly styled. 

It also reflects a broader shift in holiday living. Guests aren’t just passing through for a night or dining out every evening. They’re cooking, gathering around tables and spending slower evenings indoors. Thoughtful details like these make everyday moments feel quietly celebratory. Rather than formal luxury, it’s about adding a sense of occasion to ordinary routines. 

Ruffled bed skirts and softer bedrooms 

Bedrooms in holiday cottages are also becoming softer and more relaxed. One detail highlighted by Country Living is the return of the bed skirt, particularly the gently ruffled styles that create a layered, lived-in feel. At Park Farm House, the look feels perfectly at home. A softly gathered bed skirt paired with patterned textiles and antique furniture adds warmth without tipping into fussiness.  

Rather than crisp hotel style minimalism, the atmosphere is softer and more inviting and the space feels thoughtful and comfortable, somewhere to read for a while before bed or linger over morning coffee. 

These kinds of details help bedrooms feel calmer and more personal. Combined with natural fabrics, comfortable armchairs and good reading light, they encourage guests to slow down at the end of the day. For many travellers, that sense of quiet comfort is exactly what they’re seeking from a holiday cottage escape. 

A quieter kind of design trend

What’s most interesting about these trends is how naturally they fit into holiday cottages. None of them feel forced or overly styled. Instead, they reflect a broader shift towards interiors that prioritise comfort, texture and character. 

Holiday cottages have always been places where everyday living takes centre stage. In 2026, that spirit continues, just with a few extra quilts, a little more silver on the table and perhaps a softly ruffled bed waiting upstairs. For guests arriving after a long journey, those details make all the difference. 

Find your perfect holiday cottage with Sawday’s >

You might also like