Renovating a Vintage Beach Cottage

Color Scheme

• Use a muted color scheme to set the stage for your vintage beach cottage. Subdued colors that evoke images of the beach are ideal choices for this renovation. Hues to consider include very pale blue, celadon green and cream and white. Incorporate these colors throughout the different features of the home; the tiles, wall colors, furniture and linens, for example. These colors are often seen at the beach, but the pale shades suggest an aged, vintage look that is well-suited for this design.

Architectural Details

• Include architectural details in your renovation that help to transform your home into a vintage beach cottage. White-washed woods give a laid-back feeling that is appropriate for this style; feature this type of wood on the floors and on wainscoting on the walls. Tile countertops, back splashes and shower surrounds with muted blue and green glass mosaics or white porcelain subway tiles to add to the vintage beach cottage charm.

Lighting

• A vintage beach cottage home should be bright and filled with a lot of light. If your home doesn't feature a lot of natural light, add it, if possible. Install large picture windows, sliding glass doors and sky lights to bring in as much natural light as possible. If you aren't able to make such additions to your home, fake it. Install recessed lighting in the ceilings, hand decorative light fixtures on the walls and ceilings and set out decorative floor and table lamps. Use bulbs that cast a warm glow in light fixtures to create the natural look of sunlight in the space.

Furnishings

• The furnishings will also help to transform your home into a vintage beach cottage. Use pieces that have a time-worn look; aged, white-washed tables, worn-in wicker chairs and couches upholstered with white canvas or brushed cotton and vintage brass headboards, for example. Use a hutch or a sideboard table with an aged paint technique for storage in a living room, dining room or even a bedroom. For a coffee table, use an aged trunk or a large wicker basket.