We’ve all dreamed of having a peaceful little cottage, tucked into the countryside, far far away from the grimy reality of city life.  Throw in a crackling fire and a charming little rosebush or two, and you’ve got yourself a beautiful fairy tale escape.  Since a countryside cottage really is just a fairy tale for most of us, I say spring for the next best thing.  Move the countryside into your home and create the fanciful feeling of a cottage with a few simple tweaks to your decor.

All you need to create a cottage aesthetic is a good imagination and a bit of planning.  One fast strategy for setting the tone of an entire room is to add wallpaper.  Pastel colours and light prints work best for achieving an airy cottage look, and you can choose a linen paper to add texture.  Try something whimsical like butterfly wallpaper to give your room a dreamy feeling.  The butterfly pattern is perfect because it alludes to your natural countryside inspiration, and with such a fun pattern you don’t need to worry about hanging pictures or wall decorations.

Another important cue for the tone of a room is your lighting.  A cottage aesthetic cries out for something cosy and cheerful, something that draws you in and makes you comfortable.  Glass pendant lighting creates a warm glow, so it’s a perfect complement to the dreamy look of your wallpaper.  At the same time, it’s still functional and provides great visibility.  Try a small chandelier piece, or a romantic bell pendant formation.  Antique lighting is another option to give your room a vintage vibe, or you can try flameless candles for a relaxing ambience.

Once you’ve set the basic tone of the room, move on to the details.  No room for rosebushes on your balcony?  Put a bouquet or two around the living room to add a touch of the pastoral to the atmosphere.  Use a mix of vintage vases or recycle some old glass bottles as holders.  Think of interesting touches that reflect your personality.  If you knit, put a large wooden bowl of different coloured yarns on the coffee table.  If you’re a traveller, you can stack antique suitcases up together to create a unique end table (as well as valuable storage space).  Have fun with it, and please share what ideas work best in your home!

Did you know?

Cottages were named after the “cotters,” or peasant serfs, that first lived in the small dwellings.

-Audrey

Tweet