There's nothing more charming than a quaint cottage. The traditional design and cozy feel is something that many homeowners strive to capture in their property. You don't need to have own a cottage to create a warm atmosphere, with the right furniture and finishings you'll have your dream living room.
For what most cottages lack in size and space they make up for in charm. For cottage interiors think soft colours, built-in furniture and wood floors. The concept is usually to maximize the space with clever furniture solutions and add little details to make your house feel like a home.
Pastel colours and muted tones really emulate the cottage style. Soft pinks, peaches and mints will add a delicate touch to your living room. Keep the walls a muted colour such as cream so that the attention is focussed on the furnishings and details. Below are some more colour schemes.
It's easy to forget about decorating your windows since they're not as instantly noticeable as other parts of the room. It's not an excuse to forget though! Window curtains and wood curtain rods trump blinds when trying to achieve the cottage look. For curtains pick something that resembles cotton or linen in a colour that matches the rest of the room. As for the curtain rods, an easy and effective way to add a little bit of warmth to your windows is to add wood curtain rods. It will help you to uplift the look of your living room and give you that cozy and charming cottage style.
Select your furniture wisely to ensure you give your living room that cottage feeling. Forget leather couches instead opt for a fabric set. Synthetic upholstery is most likely to be durable; it can also imitate other fabrics such as cotton or linen. These materials will add that cozy aspect to the room.
Nothing says cottage like classic wood flooring. If you want to add some colour, then paint your floor white or get creative with a checkboard pattern. Add a fluffy rug or one that matches your colour scheme.
There's nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect furniture then realizing it doesn't fit in your living room. Built-in furniture is a great way to solve your furniture problems since it's made to measure and it allows you to get as creative as you want. Built your own bookshelf so it actually fits in all your books. If you can't find seating solutions that work for your room than design your own. Ottoman seats definitely encompass the cottage element more than beanbags, since they add a layer of sophistication. Pick the material and create ottoman seats that coordinate with your colour theme in the ideal size so they don't take up too much space.
No cottage living room is complete without a fireplace as the centrepiece. Invest in a custom design if you can, if not then select a style that is interesting but not too flashy. A brick design will add a warm feel to the room if you prefer something more modern than a built fireplace will do the trick.
The only way to complete a room is by adding the final details. Start with your cushions, pick a variety of textures and colour tones to add a point of interest. Choose one of your accent colours such as mint, pink or yellow to add some colour to the room. Mix it up with different patterns and fabrics. If you can't find the ideal cushions in- store than head to a haberdashery and pick out your favourite materials so you can make your own custom cushions.
Add mirrors for the illusion of more space, mirrors with a wood edge will compliment your wood flooring. If you prefer metallic then an antique rustic gold-framed mirror will be a focal point. Adding some quirky lamps is one of the easiest ways to give your living room a cottage feel. Pick lampshades that are in line with your theme, it's also a great way to add some pattern if it's lacking in the room. The cottage feel is all about making a house feel homelier, so add your favourite photos in some charming frames and dot them around the room.
Creating a cottage style living room isn't hard to achieve no matter your budget or time frame. Your living room is probably one of the most used rooms in your home, so give it some attention and create the ultimate cottage feel.
This article is courtesy of:
Zana Dodig from Prestige Decor
Zana is a window treatments consultant with over 20 years of experience.