Cottage Style Decorating - How to Add a Cottage Look to Your Lake Home
Have you ever dreamed of living by a lake? A cottage by the lake makes a wonderful place to live on a permanent basis or to use as a vacation home.
Here are ideas for cottage style decorating to make that dream cottage a reality.
*Since cottage style decorating is rooted in the English countryside of long ago, the use of floral cotton chintz is a mainstay of cottage style decorating because it was a cheery contrast to England's gray, cloudy days.
Past generations met the test of limited budgets by mixing and matching the old with the new in fabrics, paint and slip covering.
*A coat of paint on the walls in a neutral shade will give you a backdrop for adding your favorite accent colors.
Neutral shades offer a less-fussy variation of the cottage style.
In your cottage style decorating plan the use of deep accent colors, such as, cranberry red and hot pink, stand out when combined with a neutral background.
*An easy way to bring flowers into a room as part of your cottage style decorating is to use floral paintings.
Dark oil paintings become lifelike and natural when hung on white walls.
It's a great way to have flowers inside all year! *Don't spend a fortune on furniture and accessories--modify what you already have.
Nicely fitted slip covers change upholstered furniture into "new" cottage style decorating pieces of furniture.
Choosing neutral fabric will provide a perfect backdrop for beautiful accent pillows.
You might also want to add an upholstered chair in an accent color that will "make a statement.
" *Using "see-through" furniture, such as, a glass-top table for the dining table will help to open up a small dining area.
It will give your cottage style decorating scheme a less cluttered look which is a trend in today's cottage look.
*Cottages are the ideal place to display vintage dishes and glassware.
Place them on a mantel, sideboard or occasional table to add character to the décor--they will no doubt be a topic of conversation for friends and family.
Remember that cottage style decorating can complement most decorating styles from traditional to contemporary--the key is keeping the style relaxed.
It doesn't matter if your home has expensive antiques or yard-sale treasures; the goal is to have a feeling of friendly comfort.
Here are ideas for cottage style decorating to make that dream cottage a reality.
*Since cottage style decorating is rooted in the English countryside of long ago, the use of floral cotton chintz is a mainstay of cottage style decorating because it was a cheery contrast to England's gray, cloudy days.
Past generations met the test of limited budgets by mixing and matching the old with the new in fabrics, paint and slip covering.
*A coat of paint on the walls in a neutral shade will give you a backdrop for adding your favorite accent colors.
Neutral shades offer a less-fussy variation of the cottage style.
In your cottage style decorating plan the use of deep accent colors, such as, cranberry red and hot pink, stand out when combined with a neutral background.
*An easy way to bring flowers into a room as part of your cottage style decorating is to use floral paintings.
Dark oil paintings become lifelike and natural when hung on white walls.
It's a great way to have flowers inside all year! *Don't spend a fortune on furniture and accessories--modify what you already have.
Nicely fitted slip covers change upholstered furniture into "new" cottage style decorating pieces of furniture.
Choosing neutral fabric will provide a perfect backdrop for beautiful accent pillows.
You might also want to add an upholstered chair in an accent color that will "make a statement.
" *Using "see-through" furniture, such as, a glass-top table for the dining table will help to open up a small dining area.
It will give your cottage style decorating scheme a less cluttered look which is a trend in today's cottage look.
*Cottages are the ideal place to display vintage dishes and glassware.
Place them on a mantel, sideboard or occasional table to add character to the décor--they will no doubt be a topic of conversation for friends and family.
Remember that cottage style decorating can complement most decorating styles from traditional to contemporary--the key is keeping the style relaxed.
It doesn't matter if your home has expensive antiques or yard-sale treasures; the goal is to have a feeling of friendly comfort.
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