How to Create a Cottage Chic Look With Decorating

"Cottage chic" is a warm, comfortable, welcoming and relaxed style of decor which has a very natural look to it. The use of soft, garden-inspired colors, floral fabrics, natural textures and wicker furniture creates a light, open space. "Cottage chic" is an inexpensive style that is easy to create and makes an ideal choice when working on a budget. The mix of old and new creates an eclectic decor that you can design to suit both your personality and your home, whether it is a country cottage or a city apartment.

Instructions

- 1
  
  The color palette is inspired by a country cottage garden.
  
  Include white and shades of cream in your palette of country garden-inspired colors. Take a look at pictures of country gardens; this will give you a great starting point. Soft, pastel colors such as dusty pink, apricot, light blue and green can be teamed with splashes of brighter colors such as fuchsia, red and sunflower yellow. Neutral walls prevent a cluttered, busy look, and deciding on one main color will tie in all the other splashes of color to create a cohesive effect.
- 2
  Mix wicker and wood furniture with touches of iron. This is an opportunity to save money by searching flea markets and secondhand shops for older furniture, which can be painted white to give it a fresh look. Woods should be light and are often painted white or cream, and if your budget does not stretch to new furniture, throws and covers can be used to create the desired effect. Modern pieces can be teamed with older, antique pieces; the overall effect should be one of comfort and relaxation.
- 3
  
  Floral patterns can be bold, delicate, traditional or contemporary.
  
  Combine floral fabrics with checks, stripes, polka dots and solids. Look for organic fabrics with trim and fringes to create visual interest. Stick to soft, pastel colors for the main part, but add in some brighter colors, in the form of plenty of cushions, to prevent a washed-out appearance. Don't be afraid to mix old, traditional patterns with more modern, contemporary designs.
- 4
  Complete your "cottage chic" interior with the addition of accessories. This style is slightly more understated than many of the other causal styles, so don't clutter the room with knick-knacks. Different finishes work well with this style of decor, such as glazed pottery and an old tin planter. Floral displays continue the garden theme, and artwork can further enhance the cottage look. A vintage tea set on an antique table creates an interesting focal point, especially alongside very different textures such as a terracotta plant pot. An antique mirror adds extra light to the room, keeping the overall feeling light and breezy.

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