Cottage Decor
Cottage Decor
A cottage is a place for sitting back, soaking in the sun and relaxing with friends and family. It isn’t a place to worry about work and finances, rather a sacred haven to unwind and forget about the day-to-day. There really is no right or wrong style choice when it comes to your cottage, you can do whatever feels right for you. However, if you are stuck and have no idea where to start, you have come to the right place! Below, we will offer up some great tips on how to create the ultimate cottage decor!
When it comes to cottage decor, sticking to simple, airy designs is always best. You never want to overcrowd your space with too many trinkets and antiques, but adding a few here and there is a great idea! When choosing which items will suit your space best, you may want to keep the following words in your head; rustic, earthy, nautical, fun and relaxing. If you follow a theme with those words kept in mind, you are sure to create the perfect cottage style!
So get ready to relax and unwind at your stylish cottage!
Cottage Decor Tips
Use Neutral & Earthy Tones
When choosing your paint and furniture for the cottage, you might want to go with neutral and earthy tones. These colours will bring the outdoors inside to create a relaxing and easy-going space. These colours can also make a room feel larger which is especially nice if your cottage is on the smaller side. There is no need for all of the cottage decor to be neutral and earthy, the larger items work well with these colours. You can pair the fun, bright colours when it comes to accent furniture such as chairs and side tables, or smaller decor like throw pillows and trinkets!
Try out Rustic & Nautical Decor
When looking for trinkets to add to side tables and fireplace mantels, you might want to try a rustic or nautical theme. Being near the water always calls for nautical items such as lighthouses, anchors, ships, treasure chests, rope, starfish, shells… there are tons of fun pieces you can incorporate! The more rustic, the better! Older antique furniture will add that cottage flair into any room. You may also want to try using a bright colour pallet with your accents including yellows, pinks and blues. These colours will bring a fun and upbeat feeling to your cottage decor when paired with the natural tones in the rustic decor.
Use Wood and Natural Materials
If you are looking to get that perfect cottage decor, then it is essential to incorporate the use of wood and other natural materials. This rustic feel can really create a cozy, cottage charm in a building. Try using exposed beams, wooden cabinets, shiplap, reclaimed wood features, old pallets, trendy coasters, any small thing that you can bring into the decor that is natural will bring the look together! Dried flowers can also act as stylish accents. Any way you can bring the outdoors inside is going to create that relaxing cottage charm and feeling.
Create Conversation Areas
Everybody knows that a cottage is a place for lounging about with friends, family and having a great conversation. Because of this, you will want to set up as many “conversation areas” as possible. Anywhere in your building that has space to hang out and chat is a great spot for comfy chairs. You will want to place your seating so it is facing each other to make it easy to talk to one another. You will also want some flat spaces set out such as end tables or coffee tables so your guests have a place to put their drinks down. Be sure to have a table lamp nearby as well to add some extra light and coziness!
Add Cozy Accents
Your cottage decor should have a light, cozy atmosphere to it. It truly is your sacred place where you can relax and enjoy. Adding a few cozy elements is sure to bring that peaceful setting to life! Adding things such as throw pillows and blankets can add so much warmth and comfort to a room. Some other cozy accents include house plants, floor mats, side lamps, mirrors, candles, books, and of course, comfortable beds and seating! Adding a headboard to a bed always adds a nice touch as well. It can bring the entire room together and give it more of a complete look. You might even be able to get crafty with it and try out some barn board or something from an antique store to use as a headboard!
Go Antiquing!
Rustic, vintage decor just goes so well with cottage life! And it’s always fun to check out antique shops. Why not check some local shops out and see if you can find some fun, little trinkets to go with your cottage decor. Think nautical, outdoor items such as lighthouses, ducks, anchors, sailboats, fish, ship wheels, etc. Even pieces like old lanterns and binoculars can look great on your cottage shelves! There are tons of different options from old lamps to the cute decor at antique shops. Find what fits your decor best and run with it!
Don't Forget About Outside
Outside is really where the magic happens at the cottage, so be sure to spruce up your outdoors. Like inside, it is a great idea to set up multiple seating areas for you and your guests to enjoy. Areas in the sunshine are great for catching some rays, but you might also want to have a seating area set up somewhere in the shade as well. Even adding a large umbrella can help to provide some well-needed shade on a hot day. Of course, you will want to set up all of your seating areas so they are overlooking the main attraction – the water! Having a seating area right down at the water is always a great option! Decorative throw pillows and comfortable chairs are a couple of must-haves. Adding some comical signage to trees and your boathouse is also a crowd-pleaser.
In conclusion, we hope you were able to pick up some fun ideas to incorporate at your family cottage! There are so many things you can do to create an inviting, relaxing space. That is really all you need when it comes to a cottage. The style should be simple and calming. Easy living at its best!
If you are looking to buy a cottage this summer, be sure to contact us. We would love to help you find the perfect summer getaway for you!
Thinking of making a waterfront purchase? Check out these 9 tips to help get you started!
