10 ways to decorate in cottage style
Cottage decorating
Wood everywhere
Cottages are one of the few places you can get away with wood on every surface: floors, walls, ceiling... you name it. It’s all part of that cottage vibe. Nautical elements like round porthole mirrors, deck wall lights and of course an actual boat itself (if you happen to have an extra one lying around!) complete the look.
Just beachy
If you love the look of a laidback beach house, start by whitewashing all your surfaces: floors, walls and ceiling. Add in some slipcovered furniture and accent with bright ocean-worthy colours like aqua, teal and green. Wicker stools and beachcomb finds, such as shells and coral, round out the overall feel.
Take it outside
Summer living is all about being outside. Make the most of your outdoor space with comfortable seating like these all-weather ottomans. They’re perfect for large parties or just lounging on your own. A tree stump coffee table is the ideal centrepiece and can stay out year round.
Bring the outdoors in
Wood shingles and a vintage sign — elements we normally see outside — are brought indoors to impart a rustic, relaxed vibe at this cottage. Outdoor furniture has come a long way in terms of comfort and style and looks right at home inside this summer getaway.
Keep it natural
Stay true to the roots of your country escape by using elements from the surrounding landscape to decorate your home. Natural stone, tree stumps, unfinished wood and rough hewn beams give a nod to the view outside the window. White walls and ceiling keep the look bright and fresh.
Set the mood
Cottage life wouldn’t be complete without a few barbeques. Set a pretty table using overhead patio lanterns, candles in hurricane lanterns and graphically printed napkins and placemats.
Light and airy
No one wants to be stuck in a kitchen on a hot summer day; Invite the sunlight and cool lake breeze inside with large curtain-less paned windows. The light and airy effect is enhanced with glass, upper kitchen cabinets that mimic the look of the windows.
Maximize your seating
Chances are if you have a beautiful cottage you will find yourself entertaining friends and family. Choose a large dining room table with seating for 8 to 12 people, so that everyone will have a seat. When not in use for meals, it’ll be a great place to lay out a puzzle or play a game of scrabble.
Keep it simple
Mismatched chairs, plates and glasses, as well as an unfinished ceiling and walls are all part of the charm of a rustic cottage home. Embrace the ease and simplicity of summer decorating by using what you have already and not worrying if the look is perfect. Chances are it will come together beautifully!
Mix and match prints
A multi-coloured headboard with a large floral print is the perfect jumping off point for an eclectically dressed bed. Pink pillow shams, a pale cream and yellow comforter and basic white sheets look right at home. Since you don’t want to spend all your time at the cottage doing laundry choose linens that you can easily mix and match.
GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.