In recent years cottage decorating and furnishings have grown to be a popular interior decorating style. The “cottage look” is best described as casual, comfortable and colorful. Cottage decorating has become so popular that several focused style groups have emerged under the cottage design umbrella.
Cottage Style
The main characteristics of the original cottage style decorating are frequent use of strong colors, soft casual, bright fabrics, distressed wood surfaces, slip covered upholstery, natural materials, wood floors with area rugs, mix-and–match furniture pieces and informal decorating accents. The focus is on relaxed, fun spaces which are easy to maintain and enjoy.
Cottage Style Furniture
Coastal&Beach House
The increase of coastal second homes and retirement living has fueled the growth of coastal and beach house cottage decorating. Coastal decorating has all the characteristics of cottage style decorating but is more focused on natural coastal colors – blue, green, aqua, coral, light brown, white. Furniture designs, fabrics, rugs and decorative accents include more nautical and seaside themes. The emphasis on easy care and casual living is even higher to insure everyone enjoys their time by the water.
Coastal & Beach House Furniture
Farmhouse & Country
Farmhouse decorating has evolved from the combination of rustic country style décor with the more casual and colorful cottage approach. Farmhouse decorating tends to use more muted earth colors with splashes of brighter accent colors, distressed & rubbed painted wood surfaces, reclaimed wood furniture, large farmhouse tables, printed fabrics, comfortable rolled arm upholstery, iron beds and countryside decorative accents. The farmhouse style is a unique American combination of country and cottage decorating styles.
Farmhouse & Country Furniture
Shabby Chic Style
A recent popular approach to cottage decorating has emerged as the shabby chic style of design. The shabby chic style is characterized by soft, pastel colors, comfortable, very casual, over stuffed upholstery, white distressed woods, white, muted and floral fabrics, crystal, silver and beaded accessories. Shabby chic designs tend to mix old and new items into a soft light eclectic approach to cottage decorating.
Shabby Chic Style Furniture
Cottage decorating can include elements of some or all of these style groups. The important part is not which style group you choose but using the best parts of each approach to create a great living space for your home.
Cottage Home is focused on providing furniture and accessories to help you create a sophisticated, fresh & fun lifestyle. Our website presents many of the products we have in our 1840′s barn gallery and shop located on the southeastern coast of Maine. We believe comfort & beauty should go hand-in-hand with style & durability. A home needs to be welcoming, attractive & enjoyable; it must also reflect each owner’s unique personality.