With the growing popularity of our Loose Fit - Country Style covers, I thought a little focus on the country cottage look was in order. Here are some handy tips on how you can add that sense of rustic chic to your home.
Nostalgia: This is a really potent element. Junk shops and antique markets are ideal for sourcing items. Look for things that remind you of your childhood or your grandparents' house; anything from old children's books to flower-print fabrics for cushions.
Paint: Turn a nondescript piece of furniture into a cottage key with a thin top coat of eggshell, without undercoat, for a simplified version of "distressing".
Flowers: Informal arrangements of fresh garden flowers or even wildflowers displayed in an array of jugs, mugs and bottles are an easy and inexpensive way to up your country cottage factor.
More flowers: For full-on cottage romance, layer floral fabrics with china, wallpaper and beautiful botanic paintings.
Mixing: Avoid matching sets. A mixture of vintage china or an assortment of chairs creates interest.
Display: Open shelving, especially in the kitchen will allow you to keep your prettiest pieces on display.
Vintage: introduce old fashioned charm without sacrificing on practicality by choosing vintage accessories like storage tins.
Windows: Curtains can look too lavish. For paired down style cream roller blinds work, as well as internal shutters. Otherwise, unlined curtains create an airy, uncomplicated feel, especially when hung from a simple wire and curtain clips.
Slipcover: A durable linen cover on your sofa or armchair transforms the entire feel of a room instantaneously. Add interest with colorful, patterned cushions.
Imperfection: Small chips or cracks make some pieces affordable without taking away from their charm.
Unexpected: Using a salvaged find out of context provides a point of interest; like a piece of ironwork over a door or as a bedhead or even over the mantle.
Floors: Natural works best. Wood, stone or brick will create a rustic feel. Add warmth with colorful rugs.
Focus: Use one outstanding piece that you feel really captures your personal taste as a focal point. It will set the style standard!
Baskets: Handsome and multifunctional, baskets are great for storing logs, toys, vegetables or laundry.
Cabinets: Build up a collection of traditional chests and cupboards rather than sleek, fitted designs. Salvage: Found and salvaged items immediately bring a sense of character. You can use things like wooden fruit boxes, old bricks, old sporting goods... Stripes and checks: On walls or furniture, stripes introduce an informal, breezy feel. Blue and white stripes feel unfailingly fresh and nautical whereas a more elegant relief from plain colors is a ticking stripe. Checks and stripes always work well together, particularly when linked by color. Treasure: Shells, pebbles or driftwood on windowsills or in bottles add charm and are wonderful mementos. Tongue-and-groove: The humblest form of interior paneling and spot-on for a country cottage look. It can be used to clad a whole wall or simply up to dado rail height. Informality: Mix junk-shop finds, children's art and homemade items with antiques for a truly casual and pleasing look.
By the way, we've just added the Bromma and Fotö footstools to the Loose Fit - Country Style slipcover collection. This style of slipcover, with its Rosendal Pure Washed fabrics in 100% linen, is available for the Ektorp, Nikkala and Tomelilla ranges at Bemz.
Credit: Country Living, November 2009; photos: Bemz.
Nice, I love country cottage designs! It makes me remember how I view things in their simplest ways, when I was a kid. It's amazing how many ideas a person can get just by reading this blog. I want to try and redesign my apartment to make it look like this; I'll try (force) my fiancé to help me do this at the end of the month. ;D
Posted by: Cindy Felts | April 20, 2011 at 06:31 AM
That's great Cindy. Let us know how you get on with it!
Posted by: Christie at Bemz | April 26, 2011 at 01:45 PM
Fantastic - I love the country cottage look. Well done and keep up the good work.
Posted by: roller blinds | April 28, 2011 at 12:00 PM