How to Get Cottage-Style Rooms

Incorporate distressed furniture for a cottage-style atmosphere.

Regardless of where you live, you can enjoy cottage-style rooms. Cottage-style decorating allows you to incorporate new with old, and elegant pieces with rustic ones. You can create a formal yet relaxing atmosphere. People are often surprised to learn that there are numerous cottage decorating styles, such as country cottage, French country, English cottage, beach cottage, and romantic cottage. Nonetheless, most cottage styles have common elements you can incorporate regardless of which style you prefer.

Instructions

1. Include distressed painted pieces of furniture in your room. A white distressed fireplace mantel or painted distressed end tables instantly create a cottage-like atmosphere in any room. Freshly cut flowers are another element in cottage-style décor.

2. Incorporate a variety of wood tones to create a cottage-style room. For instance, you can mix a dark wood antique dining table set and a painted buffet or china cabinet. Another decorating option to create a cottage-style dining room or breakfast room is to cover a table with a burlap tablecloth, and then pull up a set of antique chairs.

3. Create a cottage-style bedroom with floral patterns. Choose a floral valance and a floral quilt. Paint the wall for a fresh, country feel. Colors often used in cottage-style decorating are mint green, light blue, and pale yellow. However, you can incorporate any color as long as the accessories in the room lend themselves to cottage-style décor. Examples of accessories include baskets, painted mirrors, ceramic vases, rustic area rugs, wooden clocks, and painted chairs.

4. Consider a crisp neutral like white. For example, upholster or cover your couch and side chairs in white. Paint the side tables white as well. Add color with throw pillows, flowers, and wall art. Wicker end tables work well in a cottage-like setting.

5. Add cottage style to any room with open shelving. Display your favorite china in the kitchen or use the shelves for storage in a bedroom or bathroom.

6. Install a vintage farmhouse sink and a claw-foot bathtub for a cottage-style bathroom. Don’t forget to install vintage light fixtures as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose colors opposite on the color wheel such as violet and yellow, red and green, or blue and orange for the perfect color scheme for your cottage-style rooms.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: Cottage Style
• Cottage Home Decorating: Choosing Color Schemes

Resources

• Cottage Home Decorating: Cottage Style Decorating