Cottage Style Decorating

A hot trend in interior design is cottage style decorating. No matter your location whether you are in the middle of a big city or in the country, by decorating in the cottage style, you can create the perfect relaxing retreat.

The basic decorating concept in a cottage style is keeping it simple and comfortable. It can work for any house or room and will create a warm and inviting feel. Cottage style rooms reflect a vacation-like atmosphere that will transport you to a relaxing getaway no matter what time of year.

There are various cottage styles such as:

• Beach cottage style uses natural materials with white and pastel shades. Decorative touches such as seashells or driftwood are used for accents. Wooden rocking chairs and shelves are also incorporated into the style.
• French country cottage style adds bright vibrant colors, such as yellow and fuchsia, to the mix. It is common to use roosters as decoration for French cottage style. Dried lavender will make you feel as if you are in the French countryside.
• Country cottage style mixes wood with rustic metals. Farmhouse touches such as quilts and greenery are used as well as gingham prints in reds and blues.
• English cottage style decorating focused on antique and lace adornments. It brings English country tea and pieces of china into the mix.

Cottage style furniture is not only rustic and natural but charming and comfortable as well. Woods such as pine are commonly used and it is often older and has been painted or refinished. Colors of white, cream and sage are commonly used as is a whitewashed finish. Furniture has a distressed look and can be a mixture of old and new. Cottage style furniture pieces have multi-uses. For example, a farmhouse bench can be used as a coffee table or a vintage table could be used as a desk. Outdoor furniture made from wicker is often brought indoors as well. An antique bookcase could house a television and serve as an entertainment center. Sofas and chairs are made from overstuffed upholstery and accented by lots of throw pillows, usually done in a floral fabric. One distinctive feature of cottage style furniture is that it is worn in and well loved.

Cottage style fabrics are a mix of colors and patterns. Fabric is used to pull a room together and provide a coordinating look. Pillows, slipcovers and curtains are often done in the same fabric. Relaxed prints such as floral, stripes and plaids are commonly seen in cottage style fabrics. Fabric colors used for cottage decorating are pinks, greens, light blues and a lot of white.

For a cottage style window treatment, be sure to keep it light and airy. Allow as much light as possible in and avoid heavy draperies and blinds. Lace curtains, swags or valances with flowers and soft, pale prints work best to achieve a cottage feel.

Stencils or wallpaper borders accent warm colored walls in cottage decorating. Hardwood floors work best in a cottage style room. Hand-woven area rugs are used over the hardwood floors and should match the overall décor of the room.

Anything goes when decorating in a cottage style. Accessorize your room with vintage picture frames, mirrors and collectable plates. Many antique stores or flea markets have one of kind treasures. Other accessories that will add charm to your room are:

• Fresh or dried flowers
• Lace tablecloths
• Wicker baskets
• Needlepoint wall hangings
• Hand-woven rugs
• Homemade items such as candles or soaps

Walk around your local flea market or a neighborhood garage sale to find unique cottage style decorations. Some online merchants such as Country Porch and Layla Grayce carry cottage inspired items from kitchen accents, curtains and quilts. Why not search your attic for forgotten treasures that not only are sentimental and personal but will compliment your cottage style?

The fun thing about decorating in a cottage style is that the possibilities are endless. You can limit the style to a single room such as the kitchen, living room, bedroom or even bathroom or you can carry the style throughout your entire house.

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