Cottage Style Walls

Color

• White walls exemplify traditional cottage style to provide a clean airy feel. Apply a light, beach-inspired hue, such as sandy beige, misty gray or soft coral, to add a hint of fresh color to the interior walls of a cottage beside the sea. Sun-bleached blues or greens deliver a weathered look with an aged patina that's loaded with character. Use a faux painting technique to create an accent wall that resembles natural stone, old wood or Venetian plaster to add rustic, dimensional depth to a room. Classic blue walls with pristine white trim are an enduring cottage favorite.

Texture

• Cover your walls in white beadboard for irresistible cottage allure. Budget-friendly beadboard is classic, timeless and easy to affix to drywall when you use the proper adhesive and a few nails. If you prefer, cover only the lower half of your walls with beadboard, and apply a fresh coat of paint to the remaining upper wall. Affix a simple wood trim between the beadboard and drywall to create a smooth wall transition with a finished appearance. In lieu of beadboard, add reclaimed wood planks to the walls for a casual cottage appeal. Attach the boards horizontally to the walls to give the illusion of a wider room, or turn them vertically to make the walls look taller. You can even affix the planks to the ceiling for a snug homey feel.

Decor

• Enhance cottage-style walls with wall decor to complement the relaxed mood. Framed art prints featuring serene landscapes, seashore-inspired images or floral gardens suggest traditional cottage style. Add a modern twist to quaint cottage walls by hanging an arrangement of black-and-white photographs encased in simple black frames. Use sepia-toned photographs framed in reclaimed wood to present an antique look. Hang coastal or beach-related items on the wall, such as old rowing oars, vintage life preservers, framed seashells and maritime lanterns to intensify the beachy ambiance of a seaside cottage. Display antique collectibles on wooden wall shelves.

Windows

• Because windows are actually a part of cottage-style walls, don’t forget to dress them accordingly. Install white-painted wood shutters over bare windows for a functional and decorative window treatment that harmonizes perfectly with the simplicity of cottage decor. Shutters with a distressed finish suggest a well-worn look with an enchanting character. If you prefer curtains, select fabrics and patterns with a soft romantic appeal, such as vintage florals, translucent sheers, natural linen or decorative lace.