8 ways to create a relaxing cottage vibe in your home
Photo, Sian Richards.
Cottage decor West Elm
Create a cozy reading nook
There’s nothing better than finding a secluded spot at the cottage where you can get lost in a good book. Recreate the look in your house by filling an empty corner (or spare bedroom) with a multi-purpose daybed. It’s also a great spot for when guests stay over.
Daybed, $2,295, Kuda. Large area rug, $335, striped duvet cover, $170, dotted pillows, $45 each (inserts sold separately), braided pillowcase, $29, West Elm. Linen pillow, $39 (insert sold separately), striped pillow, $60, diamond pillow, $70, throw, $210, small area rug, $65, Michael Penney Style.
Use hooks and totes for instant storage
Keeping frequently used items on the backs of doors is super convenient. Hang your favourite straw totes or canvas bags on hooks, like this rustic-looking row of rope-wrapped ones from West Elm. Fill them with seasonal necessities like flip-flops, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and beach towels, so you can just grab and go!
Rack, $56, straw tote, $67, seashell garland, $45, West Elm. Door, $140, Rural Reclaiming.
Set out a self-serve table
Embrace the free and easy style of summer dining with casual place settings. A stack of plates and glasses placedat one end of a table along with cutlery in pitchers, a pileof napkins and a bevy of drinks and snacks means guestscan help themselves whenever they want.
Blue plates, bowls, from $8 each, cutlery, $45/5-pc. setting,vase, $39, blue napkins, $18/set of 4, West Elm. Beige napkin, $54/set of 4, Smith Handmade. Woven placemats, $8 each, white plate, $25/5-pc. setting, blue bottle, $30, cutting boards, $69/set of 3, Michael Penney Style. Table, $1,450, chair, $895/pair, Angus & Company.
<b> Mix up summer linens
Mismatched bedding is the epitome of cottage style. Keep it sophisticated by pairing classic stripes with pastel florals or pretty checks with basic solids. Look for a common colour or tone to tie them all together.
Coral, $160, chair, $299, table, $125, floral coverlet, from $120, cable-knit throw, $60, ticking-stripe pillowcase, $35, blue jar, $39, striped pillow, $60, Michael Penney Style. White blanket, from $79, blue-chevron throw pillow, $50 (insert sold separately), ikat sheets, from $90, West Elm.
Bring the garden indoors
Make the lush foliage of summer last way beyond the season with potted plants. Place pots and hanging planters filled with greenery in sun-filled areas around your home. You’ll keep your green thumb in tip-top shape too.
Table, $279, birdcage, $40, white cylinder pots, $9 each, Chatelet. Seashell planter, $18, tall vase, $45, small blue vase, $16, West Elm. Shutter, $140, Rural Reclaiming. Mirror, $89, large glass bottle, $50, watering cans, $30 each, clay pots, from $15, Michael Penney Style.
Lighten up throw pillows and area rugs
Swap out heavy area rugs and knitted pillows for ones made of natural materials like linen, cotton and sisal. Here, a striped rug and woven baskets add a chic just-back-from-the-beach vibe.
Bench, $599, wall shelf, $341, octopus pillow, $56 (insert sold separately), blue pillow, $50 (insert sold separately), wire baskets, $45 each, seashell garland, $45, glass bottle (with leaves), $113, West Elm. Striped pillow, $60, woven basket, $32, rug, $148 (4 × 6 ft.), Michael Penney Style.
Add decorative wooden details
Natural textures like rustic wood, coral and naval rope are the epitome of cottage style. Bring this look into your home by covering walls with bead board or wide lumber planks. Not ready to commit? Simply rest old wooden shutters against your walls instead.
Lamp, $170, knot art, $170, glass bottle, $113, West Elm. Desk, $995, Chatelet. Dhair, $895/pair, globe, $350, Angus & Company. Shutters, $250, Rural Reclaiming.
<b>Arrange flowers loosely
A bouquet of summer flowers is all about the casual, just-picked look. Create this relaxed arrangement by placing an assortment of blossoms in vintage glass bottles or hand-thrown ceramic pots.
Tall vase, $27, West Elm. Flowers, My Luscious Backyard. Wallpaper, $170/10-M Roll, Farrow&Ball. Green bottle, $15, wooden star, $15, Michael Penney Style. Pillowcase (used as tablecloth), Peaksandrafters.
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