Cottage Style Decor Defined

Monday, May 25, 2009

Do you love simple, vintage, light, lived-in comfortable styles of decor? If so, you might be a candidate for Cottage Style decorating! The term 'cottage style' can be adapted to a variety of settings, and your home deosn't literally have to look like, or function as, a cottage to incorporate this decor theme into your lifestyle.

The color scheme you select should be light overall, with soft shades of blue, green, pink, rose, aqua, yellow and a healthy dose of white. Use these colors on your walls and don't hesitate to vary the colors from room to room. To add a little bit of drama to the area, use one of your chosen colors in a deeper tone as an accent.

The ideal floor treatment in cottage style decor is wood. If you are into the time-worn look, use wood planking or distressing techniques to make newer wood look old. You can paint the floor, stencil the perimeter, stencil an 'area rug' onto the floor or use area rugs to continue the cottage theme.

Furnishings can be handled a couple of different ways. If you want a little more elegance in your cottage style decor, use newer furniture and accessories, keeping the wood tones and colors light. Small patterned fabrics, mix and match prints, throw pillows, table skirts and the like will maintain the theme yet keep the overall look clean and fresh.

For those who enjoy true vintage, flea markets, antique shops and garage sales can be great sources for cottage style furnishings and accessories. Look for vintage prints, fabrices, accent pieces, and anything that tickles your fancy. Cottage style allows for a mix and match of accessories, whether you are showcasing a collection or all pieces are unique.

Window treatments are simple and informal. Wood shutters, plantation shutters and wood blinds are always a good choice. If you use fabric for valances or side panels, use an organic fabric such as cotton or a simple weave, or perhaps some lace.

As you can see, there is not one right or wrong way to decorate Cottage Style. If you keep your selections to light, natural, vintage (real or reproduction), organic materials and colors, you can create your own unique Cottage Style home.


Candi Randolph is a Design Consultant and author of 'Ten Simple Steps to Design Success!', a home decorating ideas E-Book that is filled with simple and inexpensive ways to decorate your home.