The recent rise in popularity of modern cottage-style homes may be explained by today’s homeowners looking for a fresh take on the much-loved modern farmhouse.
While the modern farmhouse has easily been the most popular house plan for several years, there was a “small but noticeable uptick in cottage house plan sales in 2025, as the style moved into fourth place with just over 7% of overall plans sold, compared with 6% in 2024,” says Aurora Zeledon, vice president of product marketing for Zonda, including Houseplans.com
Modern Cottages: A Softer Take on the Farmhouse
Part of the appeal of the modern cottage is the overlap with farmhouse style, making the shift feel familiar instead of abrupt. Modern cottages tweak many features of the modern farmhouse, giving homeowners confidence to explore a style that is softer and more expressive, and on trend for what homeowners are after in 2026: practical design that is comfortable, grounded, and tinged with nostalgia.
A cottage stirs images of a cozy home, with whimsical, fairytale vibes. The modern cottage embraces that magical spirit, with a practical design that resonates with today’s homeowners.
“Cottage can be interpreted in various ways, but the ones that feel the freshest skew towards the modern side of things with clean lines, a bit of French country flair with asymmetry, and lots of white brick,” says Zeledon.
“People are looking for a different style, and the modern cottage fits,” says Jason Diederich, founder of Advanced House Plans. . "Modern cottages are just a little bit more classical and cozier.”
Modern Cottages are Cozy, but Not Small
Although the word cottage suggests a small, compact home, it’s scalable across multiple footprints.
“When people hear the word cottage, a lot of times they’re thinking it’s going to be just a cute bungalow-looking style,” says Diederich. “That’s not the case.”
He notes that many modern cottage homes are much larger than people expect, and that what defines the style is not size, but how the design details are carried through the home, both inside and out.
Cottage Curb Appeal
Modern cottage exteriors share a few defining elements, says Diederich. “I do a lot of steep roof pitches and give them a flat front. I like to add accent dormers to help tie in a cottage feel.”
Exteriors are often clad in stucco, brick, board-and-batten siding, or natural stone.
Front porches are also popular, although typically smaller than the grand, wide porches associated with modern farmhouses.
Front entrances are a focal point, with engaging entryways, including lots of curves, archways, and linear windows, which also serve to flood the cozy interiors with natural light.
Inside the Modern Cottage
“People think the interior has to match the exterior exactly, and it doesn’t,” says Diederich. “You want to design it around how people live today.”
Modern cottages often feature open floor plans, but open spaces are balanced with closed-in or softly defined rooms. This leans into the coziness that characterizes the modern cottage, as well as creating privacy.
“We’re starting to see people move away from completely open floor plans,” Diederich says. “They want spaces where they can step away, make a phone call, or have a conversation without shutting themselves off entirely.”
This might include having an open kitchen, with a separate butler pantry or scullery, with French doors or glass partition walls, which divide the space, but let light continue to flow through.
Modern cottage decor favors soft finishes, classic details, and layered textures that add patina for a warm welcome.
Textured finishes, such as limewash or plaster.
Neutral colors, with toned-down classic patterns, such as monochromatic florals and herringbone.
Slim shaker-style cabinetry, with soft profiles.
Stained or painted wooden beams (different from the modern farmhouse’s rough-hewn exposed beams).
Matte, honed, and low-sheen finishes.
Artisanal-look tiles with old-world patina.
Furniture-style islands, storage, and bathroom vanities.
Arched doorways and niches (curves, similar to the exterior facade and entryways).
Soft, layered lighting, with simple fixtures.
Cozy textiles, throws, and rugs.
Curved, tufted furniture, with curated pieces, rather than matching.
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Hero Image Credit: Houseplans.com, courtesy of Advanced House Plans.
