The ideal of the cottage is just that, an ideal. Yet, if you love the decor, and the feeling it conveys, why not try capturing the sense in a cottage style decorating theme. If you wisely choose colors, furniture, and all the right accessories, no matter what style home you have, you can create a cottage within it.
The warmth conveyed by the ideal of the cottage is easily conveyed through your choice of color. What should you paint the walls to evoke that homey-feeling? Cottages are warm and inviting. They beckon you to come in and shed all your worries.
In color, this can be conveyed in selecting warm colors such as soft oranges or yellows, as well as earthy tones but floral prints are also very effective. They call to mind gardens and growth. Check out wallpaper that conforms to this theme – floral is readily available, and examine the colors of paint you might wish to use. You can always combine the two of them in a paint and border combination. Or you can paint the walls and reflect the floral designs in the upholstery and coverings you use.
The coverings and upholstery, for your cushions, chairs, couches, bedspreads and rugs can carry on the cottage theme. If your walls are painted, the floral theme can be reflected in this part of the overall scheme. You do not want, however, to have the walls, the coverings and upholstery all done in a floral pattern. This would not be comforting, or warm but overpowering.
In all things, keep it simple. It does not, however, have to be antique. This is a theme you are trying to capture don't let it engulf you.
Cover the floors with handmade rugs. They should be bright, colourful and possibly match in some fashion the color scheme or theme of the upholstery.
If you are completely into recreating the theme, the floors will not be made of vinyl but of wood. Hardwood floors, though, are quite expensive. They may be beyond a pocket-book or be considered carrying a theme that could change in a year, a bit too far. Instead of a wood floor you could consider the laminates or other paneled floors or other pseudo-wood products.
Wood, in fact is a feature of the cottage theme of decorating. Wood and its relative wicker are considered necessary design elements in recreating this theme. Both work, naturally, to provide a rustic appearance. Keep the designs simple and charming.
These two words also describe the character of the embellishments or accessories or finishing touches you can add. Paintings, photos, and other materials should be simple. Still-lifes of fruit, vegetables and flowers best reflect the theme. Photos of family members, past and present in the appropriate simple frames, can hang on the wall or be propped on tables.
There you have it - the basics of the cottage decorating theme. It is now up to you to put it into practice. Do not be afraid to experiment. Read further on the subject and then render your version or vision of the theme.
Decorating With A Theme
To give your traditional decorating theme a well developed room design, you would be smart to add certain decorative accessories. This interior decorating theme works good with stuffy pieces which help enhance the simple look of simplicity. Choose matching accessories like wall art, knick-knacks, and pillows that add interest to your traditional decor to pull the look together.
Paintings and prints add drama to any room, but you have to learn how to hang it appropriately for best impact. When decorating with art, think like a gallery and keep the middle of the piece at eye level. If you are setting up a grouping of photos, prints or paintings, then come up with the design by laying them on the floor first to decide how they look most pleasing. Arranging prints or paintings as a single focal point will work to add zip to the Traditional decorating theme.
Another thing you can think about to add charm to your interior design is decorative pillows. You can realize a use for pillows in any room including the bathroom and kitchen. Pillows can be displayed in the bath or kitchen, envision placing them in chairs, on the hamper or on shelves. If you don't want to buy new furniture for your family room or living room, decorative pillows can help give the traditional decor look to your old pieces. Using decorative pillows arranged at the headboard of your bed can serve to provide a wonderful professional appeal. Pillows which have traditional styling will help finialize your design theme.
When shopping for knick knacks for your interior design be sure to choose ones that balance your interior design and also reflect your individuality. To benefit your traditional decor, think of using accessories with a simple charm. Arranging fancy china displayed in a curio cabinet or making use of simple double photo frames on end and side tables. Using accessories that reflect your personality will inject a bit of your own unique style to the room. If you have limited funds, think about shopping at garage sales and flea markets for fantastic unique decorative items.
Envision adding potted plants, crystal vases, or heirloom china for more of a feeling of simplicity. When obtaining your decorative items, though, you ought to make sure they keep with the interior decorating theme plus have some sort of coordinating qualities with each other. Steer away from being too unique or the appearance you are going for might become diluted.
Accenting your Traditional decorating theme with upholstered furniture and plain accessories can help pull your room together. It's imperative, however, that you have a vision of the styles of pieces you want so you can stick to shopping for only those that suit. Also, have in mind the sizes you must have that will help compliment the room. Being congnizant of proportions insures that you will have an interesting look in any design you choose!
Both Hunter Pyle & Lee Dobbins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Hunter Pyle has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Home Management and Home Improvement How to. Hunter Pyle wrote this article to talk about another theme: the country cottage theme. Check out or. Hunter Pyle's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Lee Dobbins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Diamonds and Install Flooring. Lee Dobbins writes for where you can learn more about different decorating styles and get more information on. Lee Dobbins's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
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