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Cottage style is one of those designs that fuse refined and rustic; perfection and imperfection; treasures and simple finds; aged and modern furniture. It is a welcoming aesthetic that is both cozy and unpretentious.
More than anything, cottage style is a state of mind rather than a design approach. Cottages are often humble homes but they are full of heart.
Cottage style is casual and comfy, it can also be personal. This is perfect for people from all walks of life. The fabrics used in this interior design theme can be unforgiving. The furnishings are so inviting that what you would want to do is to flop down and just relax.
There is much freedom for personal expression in this kind of style.
Love the Patina
Back in the day, cottage style was pretty much like shabby chic. The term seems stale now but the elements that make cottage style timeless are these – flowing fabrics, light colors, mismatched furniture, faded prints, peeling paint, rumpled fabrics, and the overall vintage beauty.
There is a very thin line between beat up furniture and the distressed ones. Be careful that you don’t cross that fine line. Be sure to balance the weathered pieces with the new ones. The color schemes need to be simple and soft. The furniture must be gracefully aged in a place that is updated. The window treatments and trim are streamlined but the pieces inside your home look elegantly old.
Everything Is Fresh
Cottage colors are clean and soft. If you are to think of a fabric to compare to it, then it is a cotton sheet – nothing can be fresher than that. There should be no shocking or bright colors inside a cottage style home.
Consider mixing ivory and white with cream. You can layer in the pale blues, pinks, washed-out colors, and the light greens. Don’t make the mistake of combining a lot of pastels, though. Use just one or two shades to achieve a cottage look.
If You Have To…
If you really can’t resist using bold colors, then use ‘em, but limit it to smaller furnishings and accessories. Use tone on tone such as the case with the turquoise pillow among some pale blue throws. Put in a chartreuse rug, paint the ceiling with light yellow, and you’re going towards the right direction.
Defining Femininity
Fabrics have a great power to define cottage style. Use delicate florals, gingham, stripes, and eyelet. The use of linen and burlap, even cotton, is also acceptable. Use vintage-looking fabrics from the dishcloth to the hankies.
As for the quilts, pillows and chair seats, be sure to use sack-like fabrics. The curtains should be sheer so that the room stays breezy.
Do not overdo florals, though. You can mix and match this element but putting too many would render the place too saccharine sweet. Say no to lace also as the place could end up looking like a bridal shop when it is supposed to evoke a cottage feel.
The one thing that shouts cottage is beadboard. It is that grooved paneling which is the constant favorite among designers. This can add warmth and character to any cottage style home as it can make a boring cabinet, wall or ceiling more interesting.
Use the Power of Paint
The paintbrush can liven up any battered wrought-iron bed or table. You can use white paint to brighten dark wood or simply to unify various furniture pieces.
Don’t carry the mismatching too far as it can appear cheap. Painting is fuss-free and affordable.
Old Flooring
The classic cottage cannot be achieved with vinyl or wall-to-wall carpeting. Use rustic materials instead whether the wood you would use is pickled, painted, stained, stenciled or natural. Don’t use elaborate rugs, instead, look for braided cotton.
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