Cottage Decorating for Your Lifestyle

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"Cottage decorating is not only a design style, it can play a significant role in a simpler, less stressful lifestyle."

What is it about Cottage Decorating that appeals to so many today?

Is it our yearning to lead a simpler life, both in budget and lifestyle?

We want to surround ourselves with cottage home decor, for its simplicity and charm may influence our hectic schedules and help ease the body and soul after a hectic, stressful day.

Let's visualize a cottage (you decide where it is located...on the beach, in the woods, on a tree-lined street with a white picket fence out front...your choice!) with a 'Furnish Me' sign on the door.

How would we go about filling this charming space with cottage home decor? Let's walk inside and see what the 'bones' of the space offer.

First, the floors (of course we can see them well because this cottage is not yet furnished!). They appear to be well worn and aged wood of a medium to light finish.

Nothing perfect about these floors, as they have been distressed from much use, although they could have just as well had some help from an owner giving them the appearance of aging! And there is nothing wrong with newly laid wood floors - just keep the tones light overall.

We'll probably put down some simple area rugs, nothing fancy, in plain or braided style, organic material, vintage, etc. We might wash the floor with a coat of paint, white or another light color.

Alternatively, the floors could have some carpet in a bedroom, or they may be tiled. Whatever the choice, our cottage decorating will remain uncomplicated and comfortable.

The walls of the living area have bead board up 2/3 of the wall, finished with a wide molding. The walls above the molding are a beautiful blush color. We can work with that!

In addition, our cottage decorating project is complete with light, breezy sheers at the windows. They are hung on simple iron rods to allow them to be pulled back during the day and together at night to allow for some privacy.

We might consider a simple shade or blind for additional privacy in the evening. And, a valance made from vintage napkins, hankies or lace might be an interesting addition to the kitchen windows.

So how shall we complete our cottage home decor?

Here are some very likely choices:

• The furnishings and accessories will be a blend of fabrics and patterns, with a floral, stripe, plaid, and/or check combination. We'll keep the color palette consistent and have fun with the rest!
• We may have a new piece of furniture along with slipcovered used pieces - that's perfectly fine in cottage decorating.

  Now, we might want to have entirely new upholstery, depending on our budget. Just remember that mixing and matching in cottage home decor is an integral piece of the decorating style.

• We'll place our furniture in groupings that welcome and invite conversation, good home cooked meals (I know, I'm stretching that one!) and family get together's.
• The case goods we'll put in our cottage may be flea market finds, family heirlooms, reproductions or new purchases.

  Again, they are definitely NOT a matching set, and as a matter of fact, our cottage decorating project involves the search for interesting, unique pieces that have a personality of their own.

• As we find our cottage style furnishings and accessories, we'll use a predetermined color palette that will most likely include shades of rose, blue, yellow, teal and green. Overall, our furnished cottage will have a light, airy, informal and welcoming look.

Are you visualizing our cottage home decor? I know I am! I suggest you also have a look at the uniquely European cottage & country decorating ideas on this designer's website."

Read on for more cottage decorating ideas, tips and information!

Shop Country Cottage Decor Find all the best furniture and unique accent pieces for your cottage style decorating!

More Cottage Style Decorating Ideas! Just about any home can be transformed into a cottage style residence on the interior with a design strategy that utilizes the fundamentals of cottage style decor. They are not difficult, and are for the most part budget-friendly to incorporate into your home's decor.(Click on title to read more)

Country Cottage Decor - it's not just for cottages! A home that reflects a country cottage style doesn't have to be a literal cottage, nor does it have to be an older home. It is the country cottage style decor design selections that create the comfortable, welcoming, vintage environment that defines this style. (click on title to read more)

Country Cottage Furniture is an integral part of cottage decorating. Here are some of the best selections with prices that will make you smile!(click on title to see more)

Cottage Window Treatments Simple, easy breezy cottage window treatments for your cottage decor. Pictures and ideas to inspire your creativity!

Cottage Style Kitchens What can speak more clearly about the simple, open, welcoming design of cottage style decor than a charming cottage style kitchen. After all, the basis of cottage style decor is about simplicity, charm, understated design and a sense of natural elements.

Here are some great ideas for your cottage style kitchen. Select those that will work for you, your budget and the space you have to work with.(click on title to read more)

Small Cottage House Plans If small cottage house plans are on your list of 'homes I would love to live in', you've come to the right place. See cottage house plans 1,500 sq. ft. and under now!(click on title to see plans)

Cottage Style FurnitureHow do you create this cozy and inviting style? Here are some great ideas and tips for cottage style furniture and accessories!(click on title to read more)

Coastal Cottage Furniture Enjoy the nuance of this decor style that is closely aligned to cottage style, with just a hint of upscale.

Cottage Chic decorating ideas for your comfortable, casual home. Create a relaxed, welcoming space combining vintage finds with new pieces. It is a style that offers versatility and is easy on the budget!











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