Shabby Chic & English Country: Charming Cottage Style Living Rooms

“Cottage style” can go in many different directions and evoke many different themes and looks. What makes a room “cottage” is a casual decorating approach suggestive of nostalgic vacation cottages, with simple endearing interiors and a welcoming ambiance created with a mix of hand-me-downs and repurposed furnishings. Your ideal cottage may be one by the sea or a rustic cottage in the woods. Two of the most popular cottage styles are Shabby Chic and English or Garden cottage and here are some ideas on capturing these styles in your living room.

Exploring Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic cottage decors focus on a bright and airy simple elegance with a touch of romance. Furnishings are well-loved and well-worn, so this can be a very economical way to decorate. Painted, recycled furnishings in white or pale pastels are hallmarks of the style and it’s very easy to create this look with hand-me-down furniture that has been distressed and painted. Popular wall colors include the palest shades of yellow, rose and caneware green which provide a nice contrast to white painted furniture. Overstuffed comfortable furniture in checks, stripes or faded floral prints fits the bill, but you can use existing furniture by covering it in off-white linen slipcovers; add shabby chic color and pattern with throw pillows and an upholstered ottoman that can double as a coffee table. Garage sale side tables painted white make a great spot to cluster a vase of fresh flowers, a charming lamp with vintage shade, and a stack of romance novels. Overhead, go for a vintage crystal or white iron chandelier and bring in accents with nostalgic appeal, such as framed black and white photographs, an antique framed wall mirror, whitewashed scroll wall art, and a tier of open wall shelves to display antique knickknacks.

 All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Shabby Chic Furniture" courtesy of AndyRob.

English or Garden Cottage

English or Garden Cottage style is very similar to shabby chic and has a heavier reliance on floral themes and signature English accents like chintz and tea services. Colors in English and garden cottage are often deeper than shabby chic and are reflective of nature: Floral hues like pink, yellow, blue and green abound. This style is built on overstuffed pieces of furniture, with no emphasis on having anything match, and layer upon layer of pattern and color. For example, florals are freely mixed with stripes, plaids and checks, lacy doilies may cover arms or backs of the sofa, and painted woods mix freely with any mix of natural woods. Wicker and rattan chairs and sofas are also popular furniture choices for this style.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Eclectic Great Room with Antiques" courtesy of Posh Living, LLC.

Accenting Either Style

Vintage and antique accents will work with either shabby chic, English or garden cottage style. Framed antique prints may take pride of place over a fireplace mantle or arranged casually above a couch. Lamps, side tables, ash cans and fireplace accessories, candlesticks, fringed pillows, vases, candy dishes, decorative metal wall art and bric-a-brac from vintage and antique shops will bring an authentic touch to your cottage living room. Frame an outdoor garden view with simple curtain panels in a floral pattern or airy lace panels that fall below the window. Bring in a vase of fresh flowers from the garden, pour yourself a cup of herbal tea and enjoy your cottage getaway.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Designer Shabby" courtesy of AndyRob.