
Your as relaxed as if youd just spent a weekend at the beach. Your home is as comfortable as a feather bed. With warm wood finishes and paints, and even some whimsical hand-painted scenes, your Cottage Casual furniture will bring a sense of delight into your home. Meanwhile, light and cheerful upholstery adds a softness to your home that invites long visits over minted iced tea.
Design Elements:
Light, airy, sunlight-filled rooms
Whitewashed surfaces on walls, furniture, or cabinetry
Tongue-and-groove wood paneling, rough plaster, exposed beams and hardwood floors
An eclectic mix of woods; pine, oak, maple, and wicker
Overstuffed and comfortable upholstery with a "slip covered" casual look
Use vibrant colors ocean or sky blues, garden greens, berry colors, sunny yellows or romantic pastels
Mix and match patterns; florals, stripes, plaids, and solids
Softly curved shapes blended with rough planks or hand-forged wrought iron
How to get "the look"
1. Begin with the color white and lots of it!
A refined cottage casual look requires the painted surfaces not be transparent, but opaque. The more rustic motif is defined by the texture of the surface showing through a white washed or transparent coating of paint. Matte, low luster, or painted finishes are preferred on any exposed wood.
2. Decide on the "feel" you want for your room.
To create a light and airy look, accent with pastels. Use lighter weight fabrics like cotton or linen on your upholstered pieces and sheer or simple coverings for your windows. A bolder, fun approach can be defined by using vibrant, clear accent colors. Warm and cozy environments are created with heavier textured fabrics, usually accented with deeper hues.
3. Select a theme
Whether its a mountain retreat, Cape Cod bungalow, or cabin on the lake; a theme will clarify the elements of your personal style.
4. Wood pieces and upholstery should be relaxed and casual
Flea market finds in combination with new pieces create the look that is distinctively "cottage". Upholstery should be comfortable and enveloping. Comfort wrinkles are desirable. Mix and match your patterns and textures.
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Auberge: French country styling designed for active, informal lifestyles |
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Bridgehampton: Like a summer in the Hampton's, Bridgehampton represents a relaxed way of life that sings, "Welcome." |
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Color Caf: A colorful approach to casual dining in five styles: Country, French, Transitional, Casual Contemporary and Shaker
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Summer Cottage: Cherished antiques and attic treasures that balance beauty and informality
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