A little shabby chic, a little rustic, and a little French Country, cottage decor takes the best aspects of these and blends it into one clean decorating style. Let’s break it down:
What it is:
A little more relaxed than Shabby Chic decor, and a lot brighter than rustic, cottage decor is all about comfort and cleanliness. Bright whites are complemented by pops of greenery and bright, open spaces. Imagine coming into a luxe beach house, full of big windows and comfy couches (without the seashells). That’s cottage decor (also sometimes known as “farmhouse decor”).
Color Palettes:
White, beige, and more beige. The predominant color here is white and muted, with pops of color in the accessories. Here are a few colors to get you started.
Key Features:
Bright, unpretentious, and comfy…these are the 3 words that best fit cottage decor. It’s all about creating an effortless look and incorporating natural, organic things into the mix. Lots of light woods, florals, greenery and used as accent pieces.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Cottage decor is all about white, bright, and floral accessories. While a little more unisex than French Country or Shabby Chic, this is not the best style of masculine sensibilities. And while aged or worn furniture is a feature, keep in mind that this is a decorating style that features lots of white, so if you’ve got pets or have a hard time keeping the house tidy, this might be a challenge to keep up with.
Tools You’ll Need for Cottage Decor DIY Projects:
- Sandpaper or a Power Sander – For getting off the lacquer or sheen on wood floors, cabinets, and furniture
- Flowers – Hydrangeas, peonies, and roses are big features of this style, so if you’ve got some gardening skills, this might be right up your alley.
- Miter saws – If you’re going to build your own furniture or remodel a thrift store find, a basic miter saw is your best bet for getting started. Later on you can upgrade to a compound miter saw, which is AMAZING.
- Staple Gun – if you plan to reupholster thrift store finds
A Few Favorite Cottage Decor Examples:
Get Started with These Cottage Decor Accessories:
Similar Styles: French Country | Rustic | Shabby Chic