Cottage Style Decorating

by Giorgina Devereaux

Consider the following ideas to help you achieve that Cottage interior.

For Cottage style decorating, the walls can be wood or brick.

If the walls are wood, you can add stain or varnish to give them an aged look.

However, if you are interested in allowing the wood to age naturally, you may leave them plain.

If you opt for this route, bear in mind that hanging pictures may prevent the wall behind it from aging.

This may be a problem if you decide to later remove the picture and leave that part of the wall exposed, which will look different from the rest of the walls.

On the other hand, you may also paint or wallpaper the walls. However, for this theme, the colors are important. You can use pastel colors, such as mauve, pinks, pale greens, peach, and blues in a floral or fruit pattern either for the wall color or for accessories, such as pillows, rugs and curtains.

Stenciling is another option, and is cheaper than wallpaper. It can be used around the windows, in areas where the walls are closest to the ceiling, on the floors, and even on furniture.

It’s not necessary to get too fancy or invest a lot of money, but you would be amazed at what color does for walls.

In Cottage style decorating, the furniture may or may not be upholstered.

Furniture that is not upholstered looks bare and gives the home a true country feeling.

Cottage furniture includes Adirondack chairs, Windsor chairs, chairs and couches upholstered in either floral or gingham patterns, fresh or dried flowers, vintage baskets, wicker or wire baskets, floral tapestries, linens and paintings, and wool blankets.

The floral patterns and candleholders are a reminder of the cottage style, and by incorporating a colorful blanket or throw, you can add life to your furniture.

With flooring, it’s important that it matches your overall design scheme. Yet, if you cannot afford new floors, then you can cover them with small rugs that have a country style.

If you are able to install new flooring, consider hardwood because it creates the best look and feel. Covering them with old rugs adds warmth to the floor and helps define the space.

You can put finishing touches by accessorizing with items such as wicker and wooden baskets, wooden frames, painted rustic scenes, plants, candles, lace curtains, and even scented candles that smell of pies baking or wood burning for that extra country feel.