| Cottage Style decorating can have many | | | | of the landed gentry scaling down after changing |
| variations depending on personal taste, but one | | | | economic circumstances--a blend of the grand |
| thing is certain--comfort, ease of living, and a | | | | with the inviting. Think large armoires, floral |
| welcoming feel take priority. The style lends itself | | | | camelback sofas with rolled arms, leather-bound |
| well to small spaces, whether you live in a home, | | | | books, and generational family photos. A faded |
| condo, or an apartment. My husband and I have | | | | look of age which includes Oriental rugs and |
| decorated all 11 of our dwellings during our 25 | | | | tapestry footstools and chair seats is typical. |
| years of marriage in several variations of Cottage | | | | Shabby Chic: This style was started by Rachel |
| Style and we have found it to be a flexible and | | | | Ashwell. It usually includes lots of white walls with |
| affordable way to create a comforting and | | | | pale pink, green, and robin's egg blue linens and |
| welcoming home. | | | | accessories, quirky old chandeliers with crystals, |
| What's your favorite Cottage Style? | | | | white loose-fitting slipcovers, distressed painted |
| Romantic: Think lots of colorful flowers on | | | | furniture, with a touch of Old-World French style |
| everything from upholstery to pictures, plates, | | | | tossed in for charm. |
| and linens. Colors are often soft pastels of pink, | | | | Modern: Forget the cozy clutter. This one has |
| peach, green, and rose, but can be more vibrant | | | | furniture with modern simple lines but perhaps |
| hues of gold and burgundy and deep green. | | | | accented with a touch of softness and favorite |
| Antique wooden furniture with soft curves is | | | | colors in the throw pillows or textured throws on |
| often mixed in with curvy wrought iron gates and | | | | the sofa. A few carefully chosen and favorite |
| beds. Furniture finishes can be original dark wood, | | | | accessories and art are present, but not |
| or painted white or a favorite color. | | | | overpowering. |
| Eclectic: Think artfully arranged collections of the | | | | Cabin/Camp: If a cozy retreat in the woods is |
| owners, both in furniture and accessories. | | | | your passion, then this is the Cottage Style for |
| Treasured items purchased while on vacation, or | | | | you. Knotty-pine walls and bookcases, berry red |
| at flea markets and art fairs are proudly | | | | and forest green plaid blankets, twig furniture, and |
| displayed. Favorite colors of the owner are also | | | | Native American artifacts like arrowheads are the |
| used. Upon entering this home, it has a sense of | | | | hallmark of the camp cottage look. |
| "personal style." | | | | Vintage: Generational family photos in black and |
| Beachy: Easy-breezy! This one might include lots | | | | white, lace curtains and tablecloths, family heirloom |
| of white and blue, and maybe a touch of yellow | | | | antique furniture, and aged floral draperies used |
| or red. Furniture lines are often simple and a tad | | | | for upholstery fabric make this Cottage Style. |
| rustic in keeping with the casual lifestyle at the | | | | Collections might include old figurines, pottery, |
| beach. Think white slipcovered sofas, blue striped | | | | handkerchiefs, and jewelry. |
| pillows, painted wood floors with sisal rugs, | | | | French: This style blends tradition with a twist. |
| Adirondack chairs, and of course, shells displayed | | | | Graceful curves on some furniture combines with |
| in interesting containers. | | | | other durable farmhouse furniture for a refined |
| Garden: Cottages often blend both indoors and | | | | yet rustic look. Colors often include mustard and |
| outdoors for a comfortable "garden-y" look. Just | | | | royal blue. Toile prints on fabrics and wallpaper are |
| do inside what your garden's doing outside! Think | | | | popular. |
| cabbage rose prints on linens, vines and leaves | | | | No matter which variation of Cottage Style is |
| stenciled on a wall, birdhouses and trellis. Textures | | | | your favorite, by artfully arranging your personal |
| found in nature include furnishings in wicker, rattan, | | | | things, you'll be on your way to your very own |
| or twigs. | | | | cozy, comfy Cottage Style home.c2005 Kathryn |
| English: This cottage style is aristocratic--the result | | | | Bechen. All rights reserved worldwide. |