Cottage decorating style is defined by an intimate, cozy and comfortable aesthetic. Cottage style is rooted in a combination of classic and timeless elements, but also includes a range of more eclectic and contemporary touches.
Often, cottage decorating style can be recognized through a combination of pastels, floral motifs, fabrics, and collected trinkets. Natural materials and light colors are used to great effect in cottage style, and often rustic woods, shiplap and other textures are used to bring a cozy, approachable and inviting charm to any space.
Furniture in cottage decorating style often has curving lines and are upholstered in fabrics with simple, comfortable and classic silhouettes, which blend seamlessly with the traditional charm of the design style.
Accents, such as colorful or patterned throw pillows, curtains, flowers and baskets add a sense of delightful living and playfulness to the cottage design. Popular cottage design trends include exposure of cottage flooring, such as white-washed hardwood, and painted furniture in natural colors.
Cottage style features various design elements that emphasize an inviting, calming and organic feel.
What are cottage style colors?
Cottage style colors typically feature soft and muted tones that evoke a feeling of comfort and relaxation, such as relaxing blues, creamy whites, pale greens and dusty yellows. Often times, wallpaper in bold and busy prints can be found in cottage home décor, to contrast against the soft colors of the walls and furniture.
Other colors commonly featured in cottage style décor include coral, lavender, and even black in more modern cottage interiors. Choosing the right shade of each color is key to pulling off a successful cottage look.
Lighter shades will make an already-quiet space feel brighter and airier, whereas deeper hues can create a more subtle and cozy atmosphere.
What is a cottage theme?
A cottage theme is a style of interior design that usually incorporates a rustic, cozy, and comfortable feel. It is often inspired by nature and the country and typically contains a mix of old and new.
A cottage theme usually requires light and airy colors on the walls and other surfaces such as blue, green, white, and yellow. There might be floral patterns, wooden furniture, and vintage items used for decor.
Cottage style often includes lots of texture as well. Natural materials like wood, chunky throws, and felt or jute floor mats help create a cozy atmosphere.
Furniture pieces are often chosen for comfort, such as overstuffed chairs, outdoor benches, and rocking chairs. Other cottage elements such as wicker baskets and basket-weave woven carpets, window shutters and curtains, quilts and throws, weathered pieces, and distressed wood can often be found as well.
Overall, a cottage theme typically relies on a rustic, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere that brings a relaxed feeling. It is an inviting, timeless style of interior design that cannot be neglected.
What is the difference between cottage and farmhouse decor?
The difference between cottage and farmhouse decor lies primarily in the theme and colors used. Cottage decor includes softer colors and prints, and is often more whimsical, with vintage accessories.
The overall look is more soothing and comfortable, a “cozy” feel, while still being stylish. Farmhouse decor, however, tends to have a heavily rustic theme, with stark, rich colors and weathered wood pieces.
It creates a warm, inviting, and comfortable atmosphere, but it can also appear quite modern and stylish. Accessories are usually handmade and natural, with plenty of wood and plenty of character, giving a distinct feeling of nostalgia.
Ultimately, the choice between cottage and farmhouse decor boils down to what kind of aesthetic and atmosphere you are looking for.
What is farmhouse chic?
Farmhouse chic is an interior design style that fuses country, vintage, rustic, and modern elements together to create spaces with a warm and cozy ambiance. It is often characterized by natural materials and earthy colors, with an emphasis on texture and comfort.
Common features of a farmhouse chic space include exposed wooden beams, white walls, weathered furniture, natural woods, and plush upholstery. Worn wooden furniture, vintage pieces, and salvaged antiques are also often used to bring a sense of history and character to a space, while fabrics like linen, burlap, and cotton add layers of texture to the look.
This style is also about bringing the outdoors in—dried and fresh flowers, greenery, and plants are often used as decor throughout. All these elements come together to create a bright, airy atmosphere with a hint of countryside charm.
How can I decorate my house like an English cottage?
The typical English cottage is a cozy and inviting space, often with a rustic feel. To recreate the look in your own home, start by choosing a traditional color palette of whites, creams, blues, and greens and incorporate these throughout the home.
Wooden furniture and plenty of pillows and throws will help you achieve the cozy atmosphere of a cottage. Think of things like a white-washed farmhouse kitchen table, painted wooden arm chairs, patchwork quilts, repurposed furniture, and vintage accessories.
In terms of wall decor, floral prints and landscapes will help the cottage feeling come alive! Above door frames and windows can be filled with locally-sourced paintings, or you can opt for stencils and wallpapers.
An over-sized mirror with a distressed painted frame can also be a great addition to the home.
Lighting should also have a warm and inviting feel. Choose plenty of wall sconces and lamps as this will add atmosphere and cast a romantic glow on the home. Use of natural materials such as stone, copper, and earthy tones will help you achieve the rustic charm of an English cottage.
Be sure to incorporate plenty of greenery throughout the space for an even greater cottage feel. Plant-filled window boxes and majestic shrubs can create an elegant look, while hanging baskets and window boxes filled with herbs, vegetables, and flowers can lend an enchanting aroma to the home.
Finally, soft, scented candles can bring a sense of inviting warmth and comfort to the home.
Is modern farmhouse going out of style?
It’s difficult to say whether modern farmhouse style is going out of style or not, as it depends on who you ask and what they consider “modern” farmhouse to be. Generally speaking, elements of modern farmhouse style have been popular for several years now, and this style is still popping up in homes across the country.
However, there have been some slight changes in the modern farmhouse trend in recent history. In particular, there has been a greater emphasis on minimalism, simplicity, and more neutral color palettes.
The modern farmhouse look is more about embracing understated elegance and creating a cozy, homey atmosphere. Therefore, if modern farmhouse means a minimalist and neutral aesthetic for you, the trend is more likely to stay than go.
On the other hand, if you view modern farmhouse as a style that uses bold colors and patterns, then it could be more of a fleeting trend. Ultimately, it depends on what your personal definition of “modern farmhouse” is and whether you may want to try something different in the future.
What are the characteristics of shabby chic style?
Shabby chic is a unique style that blends antique elements with modern design. It is characterized by a soft, muted palette of colors, such as white, cream, and light pastels, that are often accented with bolder colors.
Faded floral prints and other vintage patterns are also popular, delivering a dreamy and romantic feel. Additionally, distressed and antique furniture pieces and decor items, such as aged mirrors and vintage side tables, give shabby chic homes an aged and beautiful patina.
Delicate details like beadboard, ruffles, and lace are also common in interior design. Finally, shabby chic lives up to the ‘shabby’ name with elements such as mismatched furniture and mismatched chairs, which create a charming ambience in the home.
What colors are considered shabby chic?
Shabby chic is a popular design style characterized by natural tones, distressed furniture, and vintage decor. Common shabby chic colors include white, cream, pastel pink, pale blue, pistachio green, light gray, and soft yellow.
Many neutrals, like pale tan and off-white, are also popular, as are muted jewel tones like coral, lavender, and mauve. These colors should be combined for a soft, inviting space that exudes vintage style and charm.
Why is it called shabby chic?
The term “shabby chic” was coined by Rachel Ashwell in the 1980s and used to describe a style of interior design. It features distressed and worn materials such as wood, fabrics, and metals, but in a stylish and artful way.
Shabby chic décor has a certain time-worn charm and appeal because of the worn or distressed look of the materials. It often includes the combination of older and newer elements, which creates a unique look that is cozy and homey.
It also often features vintage items and objects with patina such as trunks, books, and vintage furniture, as well as upcycled or refurbished items. The idea behind the shabby chic style is to bring vintage and antique elements together in a unique and tasteful way while making them look new and uncluttered.
Color schemes often include soft soothing white, shades of pastel, and pale earth tones, which contribute to the overall feel of cozy and rustic.
Is shabby chic still in style?
Yes, the shabby chic style is still in style. Characterized by salvaged furniture and airy color palettes, shabby chic décor has been popular for decades. In recent years, softer, muted tones have become a more prominent part of this aesthetic.
For instance, items such as vintage rugs and delicate, pastel-hued furniture all contribute to the style. Layering fabrics, from cotton to gauzy to velvet, is also a cornerstone of shabby chic design.
Natural materials, like rattan and linen, are desirable materials for items in this style. Shabby chic decor takes its inspiration from vintage, country, and coastal styles, combining them for an eclectic, romantic interior space.
With its cozy feel and timeless charm, shabby chic is still a beautiful way to decorate a home.
How can I make my house look shabby chic?
Shabby chic is a popular decorating style that combines modern elegance with vintage-inspired charm. To make your house look shabby chic, begin by creating a neutral color palette. Neutral colors such as white, gray, tan, cream, and beige create an inviting backdrop and allow other elements to stand out.
Choose furniture pieces with curved lines and distressed finishes to impart a timeless feel to your home. Incorporate vintage pieces like ornate mirrors, old-fashioned clocks, and furniture with rustic edges.
Layer different textures such as burlap, rugs, and rustic mason jars throughout the house to add depth and contrast. Wooden antiques and wicker baskets make great accent pieces. Try using mismatched tableware and teacups for that shabby chic look.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix patterns like plaid and floral for a fun, eclectic feel. Once you’ve added all of these elements, your house will look shabby chic yet elegant.
Can you mix shabby chic with farmhouse?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to mix shabby chic and farmhouse together to create a unique and charming home style. Both styles emphasize simplicity and comfort, and the colors typically used are similar: creamy whites, rustic browns, and soft grays.
To mix these two styles together, focus on creating a balance between shabby and farmhouse elements. For example, use a distressed dresser as the focal point, but keep the walls neutral with a warm cream color.
Add some farmhouse elements in other pieces around the room, like a wooden coffee table, white woven rugs, and galvanized metal accessories. To create a balanced and cohesive look, add shabby chic touches such as decorative wall clocks, an upholstered armchair, or a chippy painted shelf.
Overall, mixing and matching shabby chic and farmhouse styles can be a fun and creative way to give your home a unique and charming look.
How do I make shabby chic look?
Creating a “shabby chic” look can be a fun and creative way to decorate your home, but it does take some time to get the sections just right. To start, it is important to create balance between vintage and modern items, and have a mix of color and texture in the room.
For furniture, use pieces that have lots of texture, like a distressed-looking dining table or worn armchair with an antiqued finish. You can search second-hand stores or garage sales for furniture that has an aged or well-loved appearance.
When it comes to other decorations, you can hang vintage signs, use antique books, or add decorations with a rustic feel to them.
Paint can also be used to create a shabby chic look in your home. Choose white as the base color and layer with pastels in various shades and tints to create balance. If the furniture looks too plain, try adding some distressed texture with paint – too much texture can make the furniture look cluttered, so select small accents on chairs and tables to add more visual interest without overwhelming the room.
Finally, don’t forget to add some fresh flowers, plants, and greenery to the mix! Creating a shabby chic look is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and adding a few natural elements can help achieve a cozy and inviting space.
When did shabby chic start?
The shabby chic trend is believed to have first emerged in the late 1980s in the United Kingdom. Its popularity grew in the 1990s, with the style influencing interior design, fashion, home decor, and even weddings.
The term ‘shabby chic’ was first used to describe the combination of distressed, worn furniture, fabrics and decorative pieces with a romantic, vintage feel. The style is a mix of old and new, with an emphasis on traditional furniture and a natural, light appearance.
It also includes rustic and recycled home accessories, like lamps and mirrors, which have been given a second life after being found at flea markets, antique shops, or even on the street. The romantic, French-inspired look of shabby chic emphasizes comfort, character, and a lived-in, inviting atmosphere.
How do you paint a chest of drawers shabby chic?
Painting a chest of drawers in a shabby chic style requires a bit of patience and some creativity. To begin, make sure the chest of drawers is strong and sturdy. If you need to, repair minor scratches and dings.
Next, clean the chest with a damp cloth and allow it to dry. Make sure to fill in any nicks and scratches with wood filler—this will help the final product look smoother.
Once the chest of drawers has been repaired and cleaned, sand it down with a medium-grade sand paper to prep for painting. To paint it shabby chic style, use a light-colored oil-based paint or chalk paint.
Start with a generous base coat, then use a foam roller or stiff brush to apply a few layers. Make sure the paint is sufficiently dry in between coats.
When the chest is finished, distress it by randomly applying light sandpaper in sections to create a more worn look. If the chest is made of wood, use a wire brush to add a rustic, textured look.
After distressing, select and apply a light, clear wax to seal and protect the finish of your shabby chic chest of drawers. Allow the wax to dry and apply a second coat. When you’re finished, your finished chest of drawers should look as good as new but with a shabby chic twist.
What do you need for shabby chic furniture?
Creating shabby chic furniture requires a few specific supplies, depending on the type of furniture you plan to refinish. When starting out, you will need a few essential items such as paint, a sander, sandpaper of various grits, a dust mask, a drop cloth, and materials for any repairs or restorations the furniture might need.
Paint is the most obvious element in any shabby chic project. Choose oil-based paint for a glossy finish, chalk-based paint for a matte look, or latex paint if you want a paint color that is easy to work with.
For a shabby chic look, choose light colors such as pastels, and consider using a dry brush technique.
You’ll need a sander to prepare the surface of the furniture before you paint. Any type of sander will do, depending on the intensity of the project, but make sure it has a dust bag to keep the mess to a minimum.
Sandpaper of various grits is another essential, as you’ll need coarse-grit paper to remove old varnish and fine-grit sandpaper for more delicate parts of your project.
You should also have a dust mask and safety goggles to wear while you work, as well as a drop cloth to collect any flying dust or paint splatters. Be sure to also have materials on hand for any repairs or restorations the furniture might need.
This could include wood glue, nails, screws, a drill, and wood filler. With all the necessary supplies in tow, you’ll have everything you need to complete your shabby chic furniture project.