Visualize the perfect spot to spend time relaxing, reading and sipping coffee in a comfortable cottage setting. Now transform this visualization into a style that says relax. The effect is comfortable and inviting, it is Cottage Style.
We know it when we see it, wood and painted furnishings mixed with muted tones of color, mis-matched chairs around a dining table, formal and casual accents blended together, floral fabrics with ruffle details, vintage lighting and architectural remnants. But how do you begin to create your own cottage style?
The starting point to redecorate your home to suit your taste and lifestyle is a floor plan. This will define what will fit into the space. Don’t rely on keeping every detail in your head; write your ideas and intentions on the floor plan. Once your plan is done, focus on things you love and use that as the inspiration for the color palette and decorating details. A great way to establish a color scheme is to find a fabric that wows you and use that as a guide. Once the floor plan and color scheme is established, go shopping. You will know exactly what you are looking for and can easily make decisions. You will avoid buying furnishings that don’t fit into your space.
The photos highlight a real-life example of cottage style. It is relaxed, not perfect and a place where everyone can be comfortable.
Details that make it cottage style:
- Soothing shades of blue make a bedroom peaceful. A headboard is made from window shutters with a cute cut-out that are painted and distressed. Vintage chenille bedspreads were made into pillows.
- Hang a formal crystal chandelier over a well-worn farm wood table and you have instant cottage appeal.
- For a casual seating area, bring the furniture close together, have a place to put your feet up, place lamps for reading and add tables for beverages.
Have fun while creating your cottage décor and remember to design your home to accommodate your everyday lifestyle.
Julie Fergus, ASID is a professional interior designer. Her shop and design studio is American Home Gallery located at 49 Center Street in Wolfeboro, NH. Julie’s design projects have been published in Country Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Yankee and New Hampshire Magazine. To contact Julie visit her website at www.JulieFergus.com / 603.569.8989
Furniture placement and selection is so important when planning a room. I love this project before and after because it is such a great example of size and placement. This client was anxious to get new furniture for their new house. They went shopping purchased two large leather sofas because that were in-stock and well priced. Once they were delivered my client knew they weren't right. That's when I came to the rescue, sort of. The leather sofas were sold at a loss. We started over with a floor plan then went shopping together to find pieces that would fit in the space. I designed a built-in for the long wall to help with storage. When the new furniture arrived it was a success and everything worked out beautifully. My client invested in a few hours of my time and got exactly what she wanted in the end. This is a great example of why working with a designer can save you money. Instead of spending money on things that you'll have to sell at a loss, spend it on a professional that can lead and assist you in achieving the style and function you want.
When you are shopping for new furnishings for your home know the sizes of pieces. The most common mistake is buying pieces too big or tall for a space. Here are tips to help you choose a sofa: do you want bun feet, exposed legs or a skirt? Do you want high arms or low arms? How high do you want the back? Do you like back cushions attached or do you like no cushions and a smooth upholstered back? Do you like two seat sofa or three seat sofa? Once you know that, then start looking at fabric. There are lots and lots of choices. Hone in on what you like and what will work in your space before you go shopping. Have fun and enjoy it.
