Cottage Decorating Style
Try these simple ideas to achieve the look without a lot of cash
Cottage style is a bright, relaxed look distinguished by painted
furniture with elegant lines, textural basics like baskets, bead board walls
and natural fiber mats, windswept finishes and colors taken directly from a
thriving flower garden.
The style has surfaced from our longing to go back
to a simpler way of life and is a key trend in decorating.
Light, sun washed colors are another way to make the room feel
comfortable. Keep fabrics on the light side and consider mixing in some
pale floral patterns to the mix.
The furniture doesn’t really need to match, and it is often bought
from flea markets, or gathered from family cast offs. Pieces are often
modified from one use to another in cottage décor.
Floors in cottage style
homes are usually casual with a laid back feel. Possible wooden with a
few character flaws. Windows should look light and
airy, since cottage style homes are relaxed.
Upholstery, slipcovers, window treatments, tablecloths, pillows etc. all
call for a mix of fabrics. It’s good to have a complementary theme, but
don't forget
there can be many colors and patterns in a cottage style setting.
Faded color schemes fit well into these casual homes, as do nautical colors for a
cottage near the beach, and flowered patterns for a country cottage.
To achieve the look, use soft floral fabrics, overstuffed upholstery and
painted woods. This look involves giving new life to the items you already
own by using pillows, slipcovers or just cheering up a room.
Anyone can use
the cottage look, just use a rug or a piece of fabric as a launch pad, and
build the room around it.
Cottage decorating is an easy décor type that goes well with demanding
lifestyles because of its focus on simplicity. When decorating in the
cottage style:
- Choose worn tables, chest and bookcase. Whitewash some of the
heavy wood furniture you already have.
- Bring in garden style, iron furniture into your home.
- Place furniture and accessories carefully, without cluttering the
room.
- Use bold colors and vivid prints to inspire warmth and comfort.
Mix your colors liberally.
- Accessorize carefully with items you really use, such as favorite
books and family photos.
- Rather than wallpapering or just basic paint, have a go at
decorative painting or stenciling.
- For a "grandma’s house" kind of ambiance, hang up your plates,
trays, teacups and saucers.
Cottages call to mind a get-away-from-it-all sentiment – a place of
childhood imaginings and special family memories with their peaceful and
distinctly simple settings. The cottage style produces a welcoming ambiance
that makes you want to spend time with family and friends.
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