Which cottage are you?

Cottage style is great for relaxing and creating a homey, welcoming environment. It doesn't have to be cluttered, though you can include as many accessories as you like. Cottage style lends itself well to individual interpretations and still manages to maintain a consistent, cottage feel.

You'll find some or perhaps all of these features in any cottage style decor:

*Light colors, lots of whites and brighter neutral shades of paint and fabric

*Wicker furniture, natural or painted according to the cottage influence

*Lighter cushioned furniture rather than heavy upholstered pieces

*Slipcovers, in many fabrics that are suited to the type of cottage style

*Worn paint, chippy or distressed look on furniture and accessories

*Breezy window treatments, sheer and light and you may layer different types while still achieving the lighter feel

*Comfortable cushions and fabrics

*Vintage accessories and prints, items you may find in your basement or garage that could be repainted and re-purposed or upcycled

Each cottage style has a few basic components but several distinct types within the framework of design. 



English cottage elements lean towards the tudor style without the expanse, such as:

• Arrangements of tall, narrow multi-light windows in bands; often casements and occasionally leaded and/or diamond paned
• Over scaled chimneys with decorative brick or stone work and chimney pots. Clinker brick may be used
• Gabled, enclosed entry is common often with a catslide roof
• Doors may be half-round or arched with decorative hardware
• Siding commonly seen includes stucco, shingle, and lapped
• Decorative half-timbering is often seen
• Cozy, irregularly-shaped rooms

Country cottage puts the focus on country-style accessories and fabrics and rough-hewn furniture. 


Shabby cottage incorporates white, plush and cozy fabrics, and a lived-in and well-loved look. 


Vintage cottage makes a style out of using vintage items, accessories, fabrics and furniture from any area; it pulls the components together by maintaining a light and neutral background.

French cottage lends mostly colorful palates that mix and match patterns such as the french provincial and toile fabrics with striped and checkered fabrics inspire the more french country cottage results. Fabrics such as flour sack, burlap and other sturdy neutral colors layered over either dark or gray stained curvy furniture give a more relaxed and welcoming french cottage success.

Romantic cottage homes are filled with every shade of pink and white furniture, accessories, accents and fabrics.  A floral motif is often seen throughout in some form or fashion.  This is a very soft and feminine style of decorating with comfort and beauty in mind. Chandeliers and touches of crystal or porcelain are added to every available spot to give that glamour that is in every diva something to be proud of.

Camp cottage style pulls from the burnt orange of Yosemite's sunsets to the cobalt blues and foam greens of the Pacific, Camps and Cottages invites you to make a fresh, bold statement by combining the warmth and comfort of cottage living with a rustic blend of old and new. It is a combination of the rustic living style so prevalent prior to World War I emphasizing excitement, color, and  is cozy, colorful, and truly American.

Beach cottage is casual in style which is all about a clean, breezy look with easy-care fabrics. Remember to focus on a vacation or getaway feel and clutter free spaces that take cues from nature. Pull your elements from that of the sea with ocean treasures throughout so that you achieve a relaxed and serene feel to the room.

Garden cottage homes are more whimsical and layered with images of floral patterns spilling from every direction that your eye can see.  Picture you favorite garden and bring that to life with the greens, pinks, yellow, blues, purples and reds.  Everything goes and nothing is too much!  Bring the outside in and enjoy gates turned into tables, headboards and doors or shelves!  Let your imagination run wild.........

Swedish cottage homes with the refined elegance and casual aged appearance seems to have universal appeal since there's no question that Swedish style is a popular decorating style. Think anything pale, light and airy. Since pale walls, floors and furnishings reflect the natural light this style is accented with cheerful, calm and even warm tones for pops of color.  I have found that fluted, delicate design, curved borders and legs, mirrors and beaded edging are common throughout the furniture featured with this look.Most of the wooden furniture is painted in white, cream, soft gray and other soft and often delicate colors.  Stencils bring in the added color.

Prairie cottage is more like the farmhouse look decorated with graphic signs, warm wood, white beadboard, metal accessories and vintage dishes and fabrics. Bring in baskets, fruit and quilts to complete this look.  Surrounding yourself with this style makes you feel easy, comfortable and really alive.

and last to be featured here is the Sassy Chic Cottage style that is a combination of each of the styles listed above.  Every room is constantly fussed with and objects and even furniture are moved from room to room, porch or even from floor to wall depending on what my whim is at the time.  I find that it is not possible for me to saturate a room with shabby or romantic or even a garden cottage look because it just doesn't feel like me...rather a copy of a magazine or book that I have read which seemed like a great idea at the time, but in real life just didn't work for me.  I guess that is where the sass comes from....cottage yes, but not strictly one particular type for this city/country girl.

Thanks for stopping by and please leave me a note and let me know which style most closely represents YOU!!  Which do you like and why??? Which style do you feel that you are not a fan of these days??