Many decorators attempting the Cottage style for the first time often overdo it. With the best of intentions, they often end up with something dreary – the opposite of what real Cottage style should be. This need not happen to you if you just follow the basics.

Simplicity in Window Treatment: One trademark of Cottage style is the great outdoors. There is no better way of getting this that letting sunshine in. Window treatments that block out light and air coming in take away from the Cottage style experience. Thick curtains and drapes have to go. Organza panels coupled with bamboo blinds give an airy feel to the room. Whenever there is a breeze, the added effect of movement is a nice touch.

Mix Old and New: The beauty of the Cottage style is that it does not follow a rigid set of rules. You can mix family heirloom pieces with furnishings you just bought without fear of ruining the look. Cottage style is open to interpretation and experimentation. Want to mix your wedding silver with Grandma’s china? You can try, and if you like the look, you can keep it. You can pair an old rocking chair from your ancestral home with a modern area rug in a foliage pattern. Mixing vintage with modern takes skill but is a lot of fun.

Keep Harmony in Mind When Blending: Blending elements is at its most effective when scale and patterns are balanced. For maximum effect, a large-scale pattern would work best on a yellow area rug, where it would easily catch everybody’s attention. Smaller-scale patterns belong on pillows or upholstery on a reading chair.

Display Your Cherished Possessions: Don’t go for a look that seems more suited to a museum. Overly organized displays will make your home look less inviting. Guests will fear ruining the meticulous arrangements that they will feel uncomfortable. With Cottage style, there is room for more artwork, your collections, your heirlooms, everything. Just don’t let it get to a point where you look like a compulsive hoarder. For example, instead of displaying your entire collection of crystal trinkets, just showcase a few. That way, you can rotate every once in a while and keep things fresh.

Be Creative With Color: Forget traditional Tuscan and Country French color schemes. You want your own Cottage style. For a more memorable theme, your color choices should reflect your personality. Used correctly, vivid colors can make small spaces appear larger – adding to the airy feel vital to Country style. A small white closet could be painted bright yellow on the inside. Fun and whimsy is the name of the game.

Use Texture in Layers: The vertical grooves on beaded-board panelling can provide an interesting contrast to smooth painted walls. Emphasize its texture with a bright color like ecru and you have another visual focal point. Combine with soft pillows and you might have a conversation starter on your hand.

Wicker Awareness: One thing that come to mind when you hear “cottage” is wicker. Don’t be limited by baskets and bowls. Wicker now comes as chairs, ottomans, loveseats, even bookshelves. What’s more, wicker can be painted to match any color scheme. Let your imagination run wild with this one.

Keep Things Warm: As a functional final touch, keep a lot of throws and quilts at hand for whenever temperatures drop. After all, what is a cottage without the cozy feeling that comes with it?
These simple touches will ensure that your foray into Cottage style territory will end up nicely.

Author Bio: Seraphina is a professional contributing author writing about cottage home decorating. She loves all home accessorizes especially these modern area rugs and yellow area rugs.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: home decor, home decorating,home decor basics