For those who crave cheerfully calm, cool and collected rooms, the cottage-chic look is a natural choice. Cottage-style decorating is characterized by its unpretentious, casual charm. Think:
Matte, patinated finishes;
A soothing colour palette (lots of washed out whites, mixed woods, and vegetal-and-mineral hues inspired by nature);
Comfortable furnishings that work well together but are not matchy-matchy (they come from different eras and styles), and that only get better with time
That said, not all cottage-style decorating looks the same. Here are three of-the-moment takes on this iconic style.
Wall palette is largely white or cream, washed out greys or natural lichen tones, punched up with warm-and-cheerful patterns and prints on furniture and bed linens, often in casual reds, greens and blues
Lots of patinated wood: natural, waxed or varnished
Painted wood, including cabinetry and hardwood floors
Must-have elements:
Barn lights
Rag rugs, mismatched throw cushions (often hand-embroidered or -sewn)
Layered window treatments such as natural-fibre shades or blinds paired with curtains in an eye-catching print fabric
Palette dominated by shades of white and cream, along with a litany of blues ranging from navy to pale and watery, and small hits of corals, yellow and/or chartreuse
Plenty of naturally distressed and aged wood
Comfortably inviting sofas and chairs with shabby-chic-inspired slipcovers in coastal-chic white canvas, white-and-blue ticking stripes or other mellow prints
Uniquely nautical or oceanic themed collectibles from shells and driftwood accessories, to artwork
Must-have elements:
Bead board paneling
Natural sisal or sea grass: great for chairs or area rugs
Diaphanous, gossamer treatments or drapery for windows and patio/French doors; can be layered with natural fibre shades for greater shade or privacy
Traditional cottage elements like bead board and a washed out white palette are punched up with industrial-sleek stainless steel, luxe stone elements and eclectic décor accessories in hot, flea market brights
Shimmer and shine pops through in unexpected places: high-gloss paint finishes mixed among all that matte, or opalescent glass tiles next to painted cabinetry
Add bit of eclectic style, a dash of midcentury modern style, and a hit of industrial to cottage-chic to get this inspired cottage-style look!
Must-have elements:
Eclectic area rugs
Sophisticated (rather than shabby-chic) chandeliers or pendant lights
Mix of naked windows and minimalist white shades where privacy is a concern
