Cottage decor is generally referred to as a “rustic” decor style and can be created whether you live in a cabin-style home, a mountain retirement home, or a modern city apartment. Your house is your castle and you can create the look and feel of country houses no matter where you live.
Cottage style homes are often made of stone or logs and offer a comfortable “homey” feel and are often simple, charming, and understated in their decorating style. You will want to incorporate the use of stone and natural woods, such as pine, which may be unfinished, aged, weathered, and hand-painted with designs such as birds, animals, country landscapes, flowers, or leaves.
Rustic country decor is all about handmade objects and furniture that connect with nature. Rustic country décor can start in the kitchen with a large distressed and weathered rectangular pine table, paired with ladder-backed chairs. Antique wrought iron or metal chandeliers on the table are appropriate for rustic decor lighting, as well as hurricane and oil or kerosene lamps.
Vintage wrought iron or metal hardware is a great idea for decorating a farmhouse and is available in many different styles and finishes. Use hutches and cabinets with open shelves and dish racks to display colorful plates and collections of earth tones, off-white or blue and green, glazed earthenware and glass jugs.
Add a rustic island of butcher blocks and copper or cast iron pots and pans and simple lines. Another popular farmhouse idea is the stencil of decorating themes like roosters, chickens, apples, or cows on aged wooden shelves, the border on the wall, or a rocking chair in the corner of the room. Use lots of baskets to store fire logs, pinecones, and embroidery.
Country-style living rooms start with bare or waxed wood floors or stone materials combined with floor coverings such as oriental wool rugs for warmth and texture. Add a warm comforter or “throw” on the couch, stenciling on the walls and embellishments with flowers and crowns.
Gingham plaid patterns create a farmhouse feel and can be used for window treatments, dining chairs, upholstery, and wallpaper. Wreaths make a nice rustic decoration for a wall or door and can be found in many colors and materials such as pine or branches. You can make your own by shopping at craft supply stores and choosing from many different color schemes.
Add rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, trunks, chests, and antique or reproductions furniture. You can find cheap and inexpensive antique furniture at yard and yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and consignment stores.
The country-style bathroom will have a claw-foot tub and pedestal sink with antique brass faucets and old-fashioned rustic cabinets and hardware. Use lots of baskets to store your towels, loofas, and shampoos. Your country-style bathroom should create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Don’t forget the candles for a soothing and relaxing bath after a long day.
Rustic farmhouse or country home décor includes items that are simpler, more personal, comfortable, warm and inviting and can be created to express your personality no matter where your home is located.
