Ward Off The Winter Blues With Cottage-Style Decorating

Similar in some respects to both country and coastal decor, cottage style decorating attempts to instill a strong sense of place in the home environment, with the inspiration drawn from the flower-filled lanes and cozy charm of a shady, off-the-beaten-path bungalow.

Instead of fussy floral prints and dim interiors, today’s reinterpretation of cottage-style decorating brings the outdoors inside in a distinctly feminine style. The overriding emphasis in today’s cottage-style decor is pairing crisp, clean backdrops with nature-inspired pastels.

White beadboard or paneling is a popular choice in cottage-inspired spaces. Once this aesthetic foundation is in place, a true cottage feel can easily be achieved by layering the room with furniture, art, accents, and accessories that coordinate harmoniously, but don’t match exactly.

The desired look is eclectic and dynamic, with visual interest sparked by color, texture, and interesting accents every where the eye is drawn. While a substantial amount of color is a defining characteristic of this look, the finishes are often muted or weathered, so bold, direct color statements that could be overwhelming are rare in a cottage-inspired space.

The furniture profiles and selections in cottage-style decorating are diverse and whimsical, with an emphasis on colorful, unique pieces that evoke the natural world and bear the marks of handmade craftsmanship.

Wicker and iron furniture, both evocative of garden seating, are frequently used as accents in cottage-style spaces. Needless to say, plenty of plants and flowers -- preferably potted in richly-textured woven baskets -- are an important finishing touch that can serve to unify and complete the cottage look.

Whether you are a gardening enthusiast with a green thumb or a city slicker who harbors secret dreams of shady flower beds and thrills at the idea of bringing a slice of nature into the living room, cottage-style decorating may be the style for you.