Cottage style homes are known for their simplicity, comfort, and charming cottage decorating elements. They’re filled with vintage and new accessories and furniture to create a uniquely cottage ambiance. Cottage homes also boast wonderful and unusual architectural details that aren’t typically seen in modern homes today.
How can you use architectural details and cottage elements to transform your ho-hum décor into charming cottage style? It’s not difficult if you know what you’re looking for and you’re somewhat handy with basic tools. In other words, these ideas for adding details into the architecture of your home are relatively simple do-it-yourself projects.
Architectural Details That Make a House a Cottage Home
•Crown molding – along the line of the ceiling or installed at chair rail height
•Bead board – perfect for every room of the house, painted in color or simple white
•Corbels – decorative support for fireplace mantels, kitchen counters, bookshelves
•Ceiling medallions – decorative backdrop for a chandelier or as wall art
•Wood rosettes – doorway accents, mirror corners, furniture accents
•Exposed beams – a historical charming cottage element
•Old windows and doors – create new pieces of furniture or interesting wall decor
•Open shelving and bookcases – perfect for collection displays
•Painted wood plank floors – a hallmark of cottage living
•Cornices – provide visual interest in any room
•Lattice – unique wall décor with limitless options
Inspiration and ideas for historical cottage elements and architectural accents can be found by looking at photographs of authentic cottage homes. Check out some books at your local library or check out cottages online to see how older cottages are decorated and made to appear inviting and cozy. You’re bound to get a few ideas of your own!
(last photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens)
See you tomorrow for Day #9 of the Cottage Style Guide!
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