Tips For Creating A Cottage Look In Your Home

When people think of a cottage thoughts of the beach, vacations, rural retreats and other slow paced relaxing environments. It is, therefore, no secret why so many attempt to recreate this feel inside their own homes. Doing so is much easier than you may think, all it takes is a little detail with color, combined with the right furniture and you will have that cottage look you are seeking right in your own home.

The first thing you look at when trying to create the cottage look in your home is the colors you are going to use. Preferably you will want to use light colors, such as white, beige, apricot, tan, blue, green, yellow and other light colors that provide a warm and crisp appearance. If you decide you would like to add bold colors to your room, this will also work but be sure to use furniture and accents that are neutral in colors so that the room balances itself out. Mixing different shades of the same color or using two complementing shades is also a great idea. The main thing to keep in mind is that you keep it simple.

All furniture should be solid colors. If it has designs it should be simple, not complicated. Furniture with complex designs should have slipcovers on it to bring the same low maintenance feel cottage style brings. Furniture color should use the same colors as the walls. It doesn't have to match the walls, but the colors have to be neutral. Bold colors in furniture are fine, but get only one. The rest should be neutral or light, warm colors to balance out the bold furniture. If you are going to have bold colors on the walls, don't have bold furniture colors. Choose one. Painting rustic furniture or decor makes it pop. Add a braided cotton or sisal rug to complete the look.

There are certain pieces of decor that you look at and instantly think cottage. Things like wood floors, wood furniture and wooden grooved wall panels are classy looking, always in style and provide the room with a warm, inviting cottage feel. When hanging up shelves you want to make sure that they are open and from any angle in the room they can be seen, as well as everything that is on them.

Mixing and matching furniture is encouraged. Combine modern materials of today with cottage decor. Pair cottage shelves with modern granite or marble counter tops in the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances mixed with wood flooring or cabinets is gorgeous. Farmhouse sinks with fixtures made of copper or nickel is a work of art. In other rooms mix and match different shapes and sizes of the same thing (glass bottles, pots and pans, vases, baskets, etc).