Cottage Style Decorating
Ranked #81,956 in Home & Garden, #1,654,440 overall
Cottage Style Decorating - The Perfect Style For Today
Do you like things like soft pastel colors, wicker, baskets, floral prints, mismatched china and bead board? If so, then Cottage Style Decorating is perfect for you!
Cottage Style Decorating evolved from the time when a cottage was often a summer or vacation home and as such was furnished with hand-me-downs from the main house. Because of this anything goes, old, new, vintage, mix and match and anything in between. There are no hard and fast rules. You can just let your personality guide you and choose things that you love being around, things that make you happy or evoke a favorite memory.
While there are no rules, in Cottage Style Decorating you are trying to create a simple, relaxing, comfortable atmosphere, a retreat from the stress and fast paced life we seem to live these days. This can be accomplished by using furniture and accessories that have a lived in but loved look. Just like that comfortable shirt or pair of jeans that we reach for when we want to just "be comfortable", we are trying to create a home where we can go to relax and unwind.
Cottage Style Decorating evolved from the time when a cottage was often a summer or vacation home and as such was furnished with hand-me-downs from the main house. Because of this anything goes, old, new, vintage, mix and match and anything in between. There are no hard and fast rules. You can just let your personality guide you and choose things that you love being around, things that make you happy or evoke a favorite memory.
While there are no rules, in Cottage Style Decorating you are trying to create a simple, relaxing, comfortable atmosphere, a retreat from the stress and fast paced life we seem to live these days. This can be accomplished by using furniture and accessories that have a lived in but loved look. Just like that comfortable shirt or pair of jeans that we reach for when we want to just "be comfortable", we are trying to create a home where we can go to relax and unwind.
What are the elements of Cottage Style?
There are several elements that traditionally make up Cottage Style Decorating and many of these can be found at local garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores and antique stores. You might also find just the right accessory already lying around the house or stored in Grandma's attic or in a closet or cupboard. This makes it the perfect style for today's economic climate and those of us who love to decorate our homes, but are on a limited budget.
1. For walls, you should choose soft, pastel colors in shades of blue, green, yellow, pink and aqua with lots of white in moldings, trim and architectural details. Just think colors you see in nature. Some people also prefer white walls with lots of white trim and accessories.
2. When choosing furniture, lighter shades of oak and pine are best. You can also find thrift or garage sale furniture and paint it white or a pastel shade of green, blue, yellow or pink depending on your room colors. Upholstered furniture should be comfortable and can be covered in pleasing floral print slip covers. Bringing the outside in is also a hallmark of Cottage Style Decorating so wicker and garden furniture also work well.
3. Simple, informal window treatments that let in lots of light are best. Ideal are white sheers or lace alone or with a simple valance. I also love the look of white wood shutters or wooden blinds.
4. Pretty cotton floral prints are most often associated with the cottage look, but eyelet, chintz, chenille and vintage or new quilts can also add just the right touch.
5. Accessories are where you can really let your personality shine through. Bring out those collections like tea pots, tea cups, Depression glass, mismatched pottery and china, baskets, birdhouses, crystal and silver. They are right at home in cottage decor. You can also add things like ruffled pillows, wicker, fresh or silk flowers and embroidered linens. They all add to the relaxed and cozy feel.
Cottage Style Decorating is such a fun way to decorate because there are no hard and fast rules. You can just choose those things you like. Things that make you feel comfortable and relaxed and make your home a cozy, nurturing place to live where you and your family will love spending time
1. For walls, you should choose soft, pastel colors in shades of blue, green, yellow, pink and aqua with lots of white in moldings, trim and architectural details. Just think colors you see in nature. Some people also prefer white walls with lots of white trim and accessories.
2. When choosing furniture, lighter shades of oak and pine are best. You can also find thrift or garage sale furniture and paint it white or a pastel shade of green, blue, yellow or pink depending on your room colors. Upholstered furniture should be comfortable and can be covered in pleasing floral print slip covers. Bringing the outside in is also a hallmark of Cottage Style Decorating so wicker and garden furniture also work well.
3. Simple, informal window treatments that let in lots of light are best. Ideal are white sheers or lace alone or with a simple valance. I also love the look of white wood shutters or wooden blinds.
4. Pretty cotton floral prints are most often associated with the cottage look, but eyelet, chintz, chenille and vintage or new quilts can also add just the right touch.
5. Accessories are where you can really let your personality shine through. Bring out those collections like tea pots, tea cups, Depression glass, mismatched pottery and china, baskets, birdhouses, crystal and silver. They are right at home in cottage decor. You can also add things like ruffled pillows, wicker, fresh or silk flowers and embroidered linens. They all add to the relaxed and cozy feel.
Cottage Style Decorating is such a fun way to decorate because there are no hard and fast rules. You can just choose those things you like. Things that make you feel comfortable and relaxed and make your home a cozy, nurturing place to live where you and your family will love spending time
Latest Posts From CottageStyleDecorating.net
I have enjoyed interior decorating ever since I purchased my first home many years ago. Over the years, my husband and I have had some great homes and some not so great homes. But one of the first things we do when we move in is to start changing things to reflect our style. I recently discovered Cottage Style Decorating and realized that most of the things we like fit this style.
My blog, www.cottagestyledecorating.net, is where I share our ongoing projects. We've been in our current house for about 4 years and still have so much we want to change. It is my hope that you will find inspiration to help with your own decorating projects in the before and after pictures and decorating ideas I will be sharing.
One of my favorite pastimes is antiquing, thrifting and visiting quaint shops in neighboring communities. I'll sometimes take you along and show you what I've found and how it can be used in Cottage Style Decorating.
So come back often and see all the latest posts below. Or better yet, stop by my blog......I would love to have you visit.
My blog, www.cottagestyledecorating.net, is where I share our ongoing projects. We've been in our current house for about 4 years and still have so much we want to change. It is my hope that you will find inspiration to help with your own decorating projects in the before and after pictures and decorating ideas I will be sharing.
One of my favorite pastimes is antiquing, thrifting and visiting quaint shops in neighboring communities. I'll sometimes take you along and show you what I've found and how it can be used in Cottage Style Decorating.
So come back often and see all the latest posts below. Or better yet, stop by my blog......I would love to have you visit.
by CottageStyle
Sandy Garrett has enjoyed interior decorating ever since she purchased her first home many years ago. She recently discovered the popular cottage sty... more »
- 0 featured lenses
- Winner of 3 trophies!
- Top lens »
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Country Cottage Bedroom Decor Country Cottage Bedroom Decor
- Victorian Halloween Ideas Victorian Halloween Ideas
- Vintage Tablecloths Vintage Tablecloths
- Mouse Cottage Store Mouse Cottage Store
- Shabby Chic Bedroom Decorating Shabby Chic Bedroom Decorating
- Shabby Chic Bathroom Decorating Shabby Chic Bathroom Decorating
RSS: Add your blog
