Cottage Style By Design
STORY LAURA HAY
PHOTOGRAPHY JILLIAN JACKSON
A cottage isn’t just a property style. For many, it’s a lifestyle and a frame of mind. Think about how one feels in a traditional cottage setting: relaxed, rested and at peace in the surroundings. It’s not surprising that many people strive to achieve this feeling within their everyday home.
Whether your retreat is an urban dwelling or in a lakeside setting, you can echo the cottage style by design. Here are some tips for decorating enthusiasts and weekend warriors who want to live the laid-back lifestyle, every day.
If you’re building new or renovating a space, here’s your opportunity to incorporate timeless, cabin-inspired elements into the very bones of the home. Materials are an effective way to convey this distinctive style and the reason why people are drawn to this look. The goal is to achieve a connection to nature. The vehicle? Nature itself.
When designing cottages, use a nature-inspired colour palette with organic and natural textiles such as linen, cotton and wool. Use a mixture of wood finishes that celebrate everything nature has to offer.
Floors in cottage-style homes are often informal and even imperfect. Consider oiled hardwood floors over urethane finishes when buying new or use reclaimed hardwood for heavier distressing and character. If renovating consider painting an existing hardwood floor. As always, hardwood floors look best with area rugs to define spaces. For a relaxed aesthetic, a vintage second-life, fun braided style or flat-weave rug work best. However, even very traditional rugs repurposed in casual settings look new and on trend again.
Painted beadboard or shiplap wood panelling are a common cottage look for walls and ceilings. Whitewashed wood can also be incorporated to create a cosy, cabin-inspired look and feel.
Focus on natural materials like hardwood and stone and architectural features such as exposed wood beams, fireplaces and expansive windows for natural views and light.
If you’re styling your space to achieve a cottage aesthetic, many of the same principles apply in terms of nature-inspired colour palettes and materials, just on a different scale. A coat of paint can go a long way to creating this ambience.
Whites, off-whites and soft creams are typical of the beloved cottage colour palette. The move towards green tones is exciting. One of the hottest hues for 2022 is a fresh, misty green perfect for creating a space that connects you to nature and achieves a relaxed vibe. Soften this colour palette with natural wood furniture and accessories evocative of the earth (think terracotta).
Of course, wood furniture is a must. As with the floors, dents and dings are not just accepted but welcomed, contributing to a more casual, welcoming, relaxed aesthetic that invites you to kick your feet up and breathe deeply.
In the kitchen, open shelving is a favourite addition. Modern cottage style is humble and relaxed, an aesthetic that is well-complemented by open shelving with a few thoughtfully chosen items on display, such as handmade pottery and live plants.
To offset these organic influences, incorporate some fun, light-hearted elements into the space. Unique details, such as a pair of antique skis or a vintage oil painting mounted above the fireplace provide a great touch – and even more so when they’re authentic artefacts. These amusements can also come in the form of a vibrant throw blanket, classic old baskets or an unusual found object. Use these to highlight the focal point of the space, such as a great view, the fireplace or entertaining area.
Whether you’re decorating, renovating or building your home from the ground up, a cottage-chic style can be achieved. Engage a designer to help navigate and select the key elements to help you bring this look home. You can enjoy life by the lake, regardless of your physical geography.