Cottage Design

For classic cottage charm, the general decorating principle seems to be 'anything goes.' The aim is to create a comfortable, eclectic atmosphere that reflects your style of living, with objects selected for their charm and personal worth rather than what matches.

Cottage style furniture is often vintage or recycled, either found or bought at markets or collected from families and friends. Special finds and collected antiques can live together in a 'shabby-chic' aesthetic, following a sort of 'trash and treasure' mode of collection. Some pieces can also be adapted from one use to another, for example a bench could be converted into a coffee table, and a kitchen table could be used for a study desk.

To emphasise the comfort and livability of your cottage, windows should be light and airy, using lace instead of heavy drapes, or even leaving them open and bare. Flooring should be informal, even showing signs of wear and tear- many cottages use bare wooden floors or raw planks, throwing vintage rugs over the surface to create a warm and homey feel.

Use a range of different fabrics and prints, combining florals, stripes, checks and plaids in an eclectic mix. A popular idea for making use of customised pattern is to have slip covered furniture, which gives a relaxed feel as well as being a simple way to update the look of a room. The beauty of cottage decor is that any colour or pattern scheme will work, but you may want to have a theme, such as forest colours or beachy hues to create a unifying feel.

Importantly, cottages are a place for craft and the unconventional- any charming object you find can make a great accessory, and homemade items add a homely touch.