"IT'S FULL OF rustic warmth"

RACHEL SHARES THE SECRET TO CREATING A COSY RETREAT BY BLENDING VINTAGE CHARM WITH SOFT HUES AND ABUNDANT NATURAL WOOD FOR A WARM AND TIMELESS FEEL

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1 "Make a fireplace the focal point"

I discovered the cottage's story as I peeled back the layers.

We opened this fireplace, adding reclaimed terracotta hearth tiles and a new fire surround.

BUY THE KEY PIECES

Charlottesville pine surround, £218, B&Q. Painted in Paris Grey chalk paint, £26.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan. Wicker lined log basket (for Christmas tree), £149.98 for two, Ivyline

2 “Embrace the quirks and character”

‘The low doorway and step down from the second living room into the kitchen is just one of the many features that we have learned to live with; they are part of the cottage’s unique charm.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES

Ektorp two-seater sofa in Hakebo Grey-Green, £399, Ikea. Driftwood Interiors sell similar vintage-style towel ladders, £155

3 "Ensure your kitchen still works well for everyday life"

‘The trickiest part of fitting our new cabinets was dealing with the cottage’s wonderfully wonky walls. I spent ages trying to get things perfectly level before realising the best approach was to settle somewhere between what looked right and what actually was. To make the space work harder, we converted the old outhouse into a utility room and loo.’