Long enjoyed in vacation homes and getaways near the ocean or woodlands, cottage interiors are now in demand for everyday living. This laid-back, cozy style has its roots in the utilitarian designs that local craftsmen employed as they built small cottages and bungalows. Interior walls and ceilings were usually left open to the support beams, with planks placed in between the studs for shelving.

Open shelves and exposed woodwork are still key components in home decorating cottage style. To keep the interior light and airy, bare wood beams are sometimes painted in various shades of white. With an emphasis on simplicity, inner doors are often a flat style with little adornment. Another idea for cottage style decorating is the addition of window seats and balconies for the enjoyment of scenic, garden vistas.

Cottage Colors and Texture

A cottage interior is defined by a soft color palette which is taken straight from the garden. Popular colors include corals, pinks, greens, white, and splashes of yellow. These charming tones are frequently displayed in floral patterned fabrics and fresh flowers resting in simple ceramic pitchers. Combinations of blue and white are also perfect in a cottage decorating style.

Texture is an important element in home decorating cottage style. Woven baskets, often painted white, along with natural fiber and braided rugs are simple ways to add this essential layer. Using beadboard as wall paneling or wainscoting will infuse subtle texture into a room and is another wonderful idea for cottage style decorating. Mixing shiny and dull textures, along with rustic nautical accents, are also common elements. Home decorating cottage style often involves the use of wallpaper in floral patterns as well as small-scale geometrics and stripes.

Cottage Furniture and Fabrics

Furniture pieces in cottage style decorating are usually painted and feature a distressed finish or slight weathering. The shapes of sofas and large furniture pieces are typically very graceful. Sofas and chairs should be overstuffed, comfy spots featuring slipcovers and plenty of throw pillows. Wicker and iron furnishings are also a great idea for cottage style decorating. Items from the garden and patio have a lot of texture and fit nicely with this worn, relaxed look.

Cottage decorating English style evokes sofas covered in soft, floral patterns with checked and striped fabrics making an occasional appearance. Pillows may feature trim and fringe as simple detail elements. Furniture pieces may also be upholstered in leather or corduroy for an understated, texture-rich effect. Fabrics made from natural, woven fibers are commonly seen, as well as sheer fabrics on windows.

Decorating Cottage Style Kitchens

Straight-forward designs in cabinetry and overall layouts are the standard in decorating cottage style kitchens. These spaces are usually open to adjoining rooms for a serene flow between the living areas. Cabinets and woodwork are finished without much detail, creating an uncluttered look that is easy to keep clean. When decorating cottage style kitchens, shutters are many times used as window treatments, but this element can also be repeated throughout the rest of the home. Oil rubbed bronze and brushed nickel are the customary metals used in fixtures and hardware.

Cottage Internet Resources:

Cottage Living Magazine

Cottage Life Magazine

HGTV's Cottage Style Project Library