Cottage chic isn’t about matching, clutter and frills. Cottage chic is a look that has evolved over the last decade from flea market and slipcovered “shabby chic” to a blend of casual and elegant, fresh and traditional, simple and ornate, plain and patterned, rumpled and tidy. Casual cottage can range from classical Swedish Country Cottage to clean lined Beach Cottage to chintz-layered and overstuffed Victorian Cottage. It is a style that easily blends a variety of objects into one balanced look through the liberal use of white and pastels. If you love to collect mismatched teacups, vintage lacy linens, soft floral fabrics, old and repurposed painted wood furniture, vintage crystal chandeliers, then cottage chic may be the style for your home decor. Stay with a palette of pale green, pale pink, pale blue, cream and ivories. Cottage chic floors are usually kept bare except for a few occasional throw rugs.
Cottage chic rooms are generally accessorized with select antiques but never go overboard and look cluttered. The furnishings are comfortable and unpretentious. The sofa has a relaxed attitude with an overstuffed style and fabric that incorporates the cottage style. A floral, a ticking stripe, or nubby cotton works well (especially as a slipcover). The cottage chic sofa has big rolled arms and a cushioned back; wicker porch-style settees and day beds that are full of mismatched pillows are classic cottage chic. Easy or side chairs should follow the look but not match. The coffee table should be large enough to accommodate a small stack of old leather-bound French books and a few scattered vintage accessories.
Drapes can be pastel floral or plain linen or sheet lace. Chandeliers should be abundant and used even in a kitchen or bathroom. Kitchen cupboards can be white-washed; use open shelving with no doors, or stand-alone cupboards created from an old hutch or vintage pie-safe. Create a kitchen island from an old farm table. Remember, chairs don’t need to match!
Add a touch of soft color in any room with your accessories ~ pillows, china, throw rugs, framed pictures and fresh flowers. Cottage chic ~ an effortlessly casual and elegant style that can be used to decorate any home interior without spending a lot of money!
Article published in the September issue of TodaysVintage magazine.
