| Country Cottage decor offers a fresh approach to the | | | | the harmony rule of decorating if using these patterns |
| pink-mauve-blue Country decorating that ran its course | | | | together; one pattern should dominate, while the others |
| years ago. The secret to the new version of this | | | | are used as accents. |
| decor lies in combining new and vintage elements in | | | | Country Cottage Floors typically feature tile or natural |
| unusual ways. | | | | wood flooring, topped with a wide variety of shapes, |
| This style starts with color, namely the classic primary | | | | sizes and colors of area rugs. Think in terms of floral |
| colors of red, blue and yellow, plus a hefty helping of | | | | rugs in living rooms and bedrooms, while braided area |
| green. Add whites and creams as accents, and there | | | | rugs or red rugs with an apple motif are perfect for |
| are nearly infinite combinations for a Country Cottage | | | | the kitchen. |
| home. That's a far cry from the restricted pastel | | | | Keep in mind that the flooring itself can be painted with |
| palette of previous Country schemes. | | | | a pattern of stencils for greater appeal. If you choose |
| Walls in this decor style can be painted in any | | | | to decorate a floor with painted stencils, then select |
| combination of these basic colors. The style also | | | | solid color rugs so as not to clash with your beautiful |
| welcomes wallpaper in charming country patterns and | | | | floor. Don't forget to put a good coat of varnish on top |
| motifs. If an entire wall of wallpaper seems too | | | | of your floor decorations. Also don't be afraid to let the |
| daunting, wallpaper borders are an inexpensive and | | | | floor develop a distressed appearance. That timeworn |
| fairly easy way to incorporate some Country Cottage | | | | look only adds to the country appeal. |
| appeal into a room. | | | | Country Cottage Furniture tends to be simple and less |
| One of the most popular wall treatments in this style is | | | | ornate than other styles. It's often made of natural |
| an ample use of bead board. This type of wood can | | | | woods such as pine and oak. There are also lots of |
| be found in natural shades, or already primed for paint. | | | | painted furniture pieces. Antique pieces or antique |
| It's available at any hardware or home improvement | | | | reproductions provide ideal accents to finish out this |
| store that carries wall paneling. One of the common | | | | theme. Old pie safes, jelly cupboards, and other pieces |
| ways to use bead board in Country Cottage style is to | | | | make great additions to your country kitchen. |
| attach it to a wall up to the height of a chair rail, and | | | | One of the advantages of the Cottage style is the |
| top with molding. Bead board also is used to create | | | | freedom to mix up the furniture, as if it's been handed |
| shelves, headboards and cabinets as well. | | | | down through generations. Thus you can easily add |
| When it comes to choose fabrics for this decorating | | | | some painted pieces in with the natural wood finishes, |
| style, think in terms of florals, checks and stripes, mixed | | | | along with some weathered metal and other rustic |
| together in complement colors. Checks, as in checked | | | | touches. Simply think in terms of what will give your |
| tablecloths and curtains, have long been a part of | | | | rooms the most welcoming, homey feel, and you'll be |
| Country decor, but here they get a contemporary | | | | right in the Country Cottage style. |
| update partnered with florals and stripes. Keep in mind | | | | |