Interior Style Ideas... Country Cottage Top Tips
1. Florals
Everyone knows that floral patterns are the mainstay of country cottage style, but there are different ways of approaching florals. No—one wants their home to look twee, so choose your floral pattern carefully, and use it wisely. You might try keeping your walls self-coloured - even neutral - and letting your fabrics and furniture do the floral work. Simple florals, especially those with just two colours - and even more so if one of those colours is white - are easiest to use. Using a floral motif throughout the house will unify your décor scheme, but don’t go overboard. One idea to try is creating artwork out of your florals: you can frame a section of wallpaper and hang it on a white wall for effect.
2. Patterns
Patterns are big news this year - and we don’t just mean in terms of being fashionable. Yes, the big, bold pattern is making a real statement right now, so be as brave as you can. Surprisingly, large or graphic patterns (including florals, of course) can even work in smaller rooms, because used in the right way, they can actually make the room seem bigger. Conversely, smaller patterns create a more intimate interior. Patterned wallpaper is also great for hiding for bumpy or uneven walls.
3. Neutrals
You don’t want to overdo the floral or patterned look, however, so balance your décor with calming creams, gentle greys and pretty pale brown shades to create a tranquil home. White or cream painted floorboards look brilliant too, as do soft carpets and rugs in gentle tones. Be wary of overdoing neutrals in any room without much natural light, though, as they can look rather drab.
4. Scented candles
Make these your staple accessory – try some unusual fragrances such as lime and ginger or honeysuckle to add a sweetness or zest to your home. One of the best-kept secrets in creating an amazing home involves scented candles, but we’re not revealing it until tip number five...
5. A real fire in a gorgeous fireplace
As far as we’re concerned, a cosy real fire with a beautiful fireplace might be the most important detail in a stylish country cottage. It provides a focal point for the room and the home, and of course it will keep you toasty in winter after long country walks. With your versatile décor, you can choose from almost any fireplace, as modern or period styles will suit. The type of fire (solid fuel, gas or electric) that you choose depends on many factors. If you choose a log fire, it will provide another home for your scented candles in summer - and in fact all year round. Yes, here is the secret we mentioned i n tip four: placing a scented candle in your open fire will make it burn with whichever gorgeous fragrance is in the candle. Be careful not to use too much though, as the scent will be really strong.
6. Sofas and cushions
We recommend that whatever you decide for your walls, do the opposite for your sofas, but the same for your cushions. In other words, floral walls (with neutral curtains, we hope) look great with neutral sofas and a scattering of pretty floral cushions. Or vice versa. Of course, you can do everything floral if you like, but you’re going to need a lot of headache tablets, and so are your guests.
7. Art
The rule of thumb here is simply: don’t overdo it. With all the florals and the candles and the sofas, you need to be careful not to clutter up your walls as this makes the room seem smaller and gives your home a "busy" feel – the very antithesis of the pretty, relaxing interior you seek. You might also do well to avoid any particularly demanding pieces of artwork, and anything with a harsh or violent theme, as it just won’t look right among all your gorgeous flowers.
8. Plants and flowers
Speaking of which, let’s get some pretty plants and flowers round the cottage, shall we? You won’t want to go buying exotic fresh flowers too often, as it’s not only expensive but bad for the environment too (all those air miles, you know). Instead, try to pick flowers from the garden, or in fact from nature anywhere. If you’re in the middle of a city, your country cottage look will be trickier.
9. Books
An absolute essential for any self-respecting country cottage interior stylist. You’re going to need a little library in the manner of Wordsworth, Coleridge, and all the other great writers who were inspired by nature. Just remember that books are for reading as well as admiring.
10. Romantic lighting
To maximize the romance of your country cottage home, you’ll need to be sure that your lighting is complementary – and complimentary, too! Harsh overhead electric lights won’t do you or your interior any favours. Keep things soft and flattering with pastel light bulbs and subtle lampshades.