| Cottage Decorating Styles |
| In recent years, cottage decorating and furnishings have grown to be a popular interior decorating style. The “cottage look” is best described as casual, comfortable, and colorful. Cottage decorating has become so popular that several focused style groups have emerged under the cottage design umbrella. |
Cottage Style
For cottage style, the focus is on relaxed, fun spaces that are easy to maintain
and enjoy. The main characteristics of the original cottage style decorating are:
For cottage style, the focus is on relaxed, fun spaces that are easy to maintain
and enjoy. The main characteristics of the original cottage style decorating are:
- frequent use of strong colors
- soft, casual & bright fabrics
- distressed wood surfaces & natural materials
- slipcovered furniture
- wood floors with area rugs
- mix-'n-match furniture pieces
- informal decorating accents
Coastal & Beach House
The increase of coastal second homes and retirement living has fueled the
growth of coastal and beach house cottage decorating. Coastal decorating
has all the characteristics of cottage style decorating, but is more focused on
colors inspired by nature:
The increase of coastal second homes and retirement living has fueled the
growth of coastal and beach house cottage decorating. Coastal decorating
has all the characteristics of cottage style decorating, but is more focused on
colors inspired by nature:
- coastal colors: blue, green, aqua, coral, light brown & white
- nautical & seaside themed furniture, accents, fabrics & rugs
- lots of soft and natural lighting
- emphasis on easy care and casual living is even higher to insure
everyone enjoys their time by the water!
Farmhouse & Country
Farmhouse decorating has evolved to rustic country style decor combined with
casual and colorful cottage design. It can be defined by:
Farmhouse decorating has evolved to rustic country style decor combined with
casual and colorful cottage design. It can be defined by:
- muted earth colors with splashes of brighter accent colors
- distressed & rubbed painted wood surfaces
- reclaimed wood furniture & farmhouse tables
- printed fabrics & rolled arm upholstery
- braided and floral rugs
- countryside decorative accents
Lodge & Lake House
Another popular approach to cottage decorating is the lodge style of design.
Mountain lodge design is characterized by:
Lakeside and mountain lodge designs tend to mix natural, rustic, primitive
and eclectic items into a casual outdoor feel of cottage decorating.
Another popular approach to cottage decorating is the lodge style of design.
Mountain lodge design is characterized by:
- deep reds, greens and earth colors
- comfortable over-sized upholstery
- darker distressed and reclaimed woods
- hickory twig furniture with splashes of strong accent colors
Lakeside and mountain lodge designs tend to mix natural, rustic, primitive
and eclectic items into a casual outdoor feel of cottage decorating.
| Cottage decorating can include elements of some or all of these style groups. The important part is not which style group you choose, but including the parts of each approach that create the right living space for your home! |
| COTTAGE HOME 10 Mountain Road Cape Neddick, Maine 03902 tel: 207.363.9799 fax: 207.363.3286 e-mail: cottage1@maine.rr.com web: www.cottagehomemaine.com |
