About Cottage-Style Decor

Cottage style decor creates a cozy, welcoming and relaxed look that incorporates vintage items and can highlight the individuality of the people living in the home. You can tailor cottage style to your own preferences, make it minimal or busy, and emphasize the country, shabby or vintage elements of this versatile style.

History

As a distinct style of interior decorating, cottage style began as a collage more than a complete style. Vacation homes and cottages were often "decorated" using cast-offs from permanent homes; these cozy, relaxed, mishmashes of furniture and fabrics morphed into a style of decor. The style became very popular in the 1990s with the rise of the "shabby chic" approach to decorating.

Types

Cottage style has a few basic components but several distinct types within the framework. These include country cottage, shabby cottage and vintage cottage. The types match their names; country cottage puts the focus on country-style accessories and fabrics and rough-hewn furniture. Shabby cottage incorporates white, plush and cozy fabrics, and a lived-in and well-loved look. Vintage cottage makes a style out of using vintage items, accessories, fabrics and furniture from any area; it pulls the components together by maintaining a light and neutral background.

Features

You'll find some or all of these features in any cottage style decor:
Light colors, lots of whites and brighter neutral shades of paint and fabric
Wicker furniture
Lighter, cushioned furniture rather than heavy upholstered pieces
Slipcovers
Worn paint on furniture and accessories
Breezy window treatments, sheer and light
Comfortable cushions and fabrics
Vintage accessories and prints

Effects

Cottage style tends to put people at ease because of its emphasis on informal, cozy living rather than minimalist perfection or picture-perfect decor. Cottage style works great for families with young children, as slipcovers can be removed and washed and the well-worn look of furniture and accessories won't be ruined by frequent use or children's sticky fingers.
Cottage style is great for relaxing and creating a homey, welcoming environment. It doesn't have to be cluttered, though you can include as many accessories as you like. Cottage style lends itself well to individual interpretations and still manages to maintain a consistent, cottage feel.

Considerations

If you want to start decorating using cottage style, hit the flea markets and garage sales. Look at your own basement and find items that could be repainted or used in a different way. What vintage treasures do you have hidden away in boxes that can be brought out into the light and used as funky accessories or fun wall-hangings?
Grab a stack of cottage style decor books or magazines for ideas. You'll find the same style in books about junking, flea-market decorating, shabby chic and modern country.

Resources

• About Cottage Style
• Cottage Style Decorating Guide