Country Cottage Decorating

Country Cottage Decorating is a new, fresh approach to Country Decorating as we've known it.

You may ask yourself, why not just call it "Country Decorating"? What makes this style have Cottage appeal?

The secret lies in the mix and match of new and vintage elements.

This decorating style is cozy and warm, with a generous portion of farmhouse appeal. A homey feel that beckons everyone to gather around and stay awhile.

You will see how easy it can be to create Country Cottage Decorating. Don't think you have to own a vintage farmhouse to incorporate this look. You can certainly bring this look into any room or living space wherever you live.

So gather 'round and sit a spell! Let's take a look at this warm and welcoming cottage style.

Country Cottage Decorating colors are: most commonly the classic colors of Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green. There is a variety of color combinations you can create with these basic colors. You can incorporate whites and creams to give this color scheme the fresh "cottage" look.

Country Cottage Walls: can be painted in the country colors as shown throughout this page. You could use wallpaper in warm, country patterns and motifs. A wallpaper border is an inexpensive way to add country cottage appeal around a room.

One of my favorite wall treatments is bead board. Here is a sample of this shown here. You can find it in natural wood or primed and ready to paint. Bead board can be purchased at any local hardware store that supplies paneling for walls.

Bead board can be attached part way up the wall at chair rail height, like is shown in this picture. It can also add that cottage charm to furniture and cabinets.

Country Cottage Decorating Furniture: Can be made of natural warm woods such as, oak and pine. You will also see plenty of painted furniture pieces.

The furniture will tend to be simple and less ornate than with some of the other cottage styles. Antique pieces or antique reproductions always make the perfect accent.

Old jelly cupboards, pie safes,and kitchen queens make great additions to your country kitchen. Look at this old furniture piece, it's adds so much warmth and charm.

With Country Cottage you should feel free to mix up your furniture. It adds interest if you use some painted pieces here and there to compliment natural furniture finishes.

Country Cottage Decorating Fabrics: can be a mixture of checks, stripes and florals. In the past we only saw checkered fabrics and small calico designs, mostly with a homespun feel.

Today's Country Cottage look gets a fresh addition of stripes and florals. Look at the subtle stripes and checks used in this romantic country cottage bedroom.

Country Cottage Floors: are great with the warmth of natural wood or tile. Painted wood floors would work great also.

Consider a painted pattern on your floor. You can find floor stencils today, or you could tape off a checkered or diamond design and add charming country appeal.

After painting the design, make sure you use a top varnish coat to protect it. Just don't be afraid to have the floor develop a distressed or time-worn look. Remember you want to add that country feel!

Don't forget to add some homey and fun throw rugs down, they will also add that warmth that you want to achieve. Besides, you need something to sink your toes into!

Antique bobbins can be grouped together and used as is. Or use them as candle holders. The varying heights make them interesting.

Kitchen utensils are fun to collect. Look at this great assortment of wooden spoons. They will add a charming accent to your country cottage kitchen.

Search the garage sales and flea-markets, kitchen utensils are usually easy to find and quite inexpensive.

Old suitcases are an excellent accent for your cottage style home. They make great storage and can be stacked to provide an end table. Suitcases add so much character and interest. Collect different sizes and colors to keep it interesting.

Bottles make another great collection. Group them together in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Look also at the colorful pans hanging here in this kitchen. A great display for a country cottage look!

Take notice of the wonderful old window behind, that's a great country cottage addition.

Easy Country Cottage Decorating tips:

Tip #1:Add color in interesting ways. You can put a display of yarns in a large wooden bowl as shown here. Just think- you can use any decorating color scheme you like. Talk about inexpensive and colorful! Even it you're not a knitter, this makes a fun display.

Take notice of the whole display here. The use of an old white pitcher filled with earthy branches. The wall art that echoes all the colors in the yarn. This display is cozy and yet has elegance. A true winner combination!

Tip #2: Use newer floral fabrics to bring in a contrast with the traditional checked and striped fabrics. These add an element of elegance. Remember it's good to mix different patterns together.

Tip #3: Adding fresh flowers makes a cheery and welcoming feel to any cottage home.

Any flowers in season are always in style. When you use fresh flowers, it tells others that you care about your surroundings.

Look at these simple daisies, they just make you want to smile. So simple, yet so fun!

Even if you don't have a fireplace, try to scout around at antique shops and flea-markets for old fireplace fronts. These will give the look of a fireplace in any room, even an apartment!

If it's out of season for the heat of a fire, you can place candle arrangements and candle holders in the fireplace. See here how these candles add that special glow.

Tip #5:What could be more inviting than a porch swing? This welcomes all who come into your home. It also adds that element of a relaxing cottage retreat we are all longing for.

You ought to be feeling at home by now!

Country Cottage Decorating is definitely not a stuffy or formal look. You can see how warm and inviting it truly can be.

Now you can get started filling your home with the things you love!

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