| Do your interior decorating dreams include informal, | | | | Both country and cottage style decorating make use |
| relaxed spaces with comfortable furnishings, | | | | of natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and simple, |
| accessories that represent days gone by, and the feel | | | | homespun fabrics. For cottage style rooms, integrate |
| of nature? Then without a doubt you love the allure of | | | | floral chintzes, embroidered linens, and crisp stripes and |
| country and cottage decorating. You will learn more | | | | plaids for slip covers, cushion covers, window |
| about the basic characteristics that are common to | | | | treatments, and pillows. Casual trimmings, such as |
| these two decorating styles in the interior decorating | | | | buttons, fringe, piping and soft pleats add to the |
| tips to follow. | | | | comfortable feel without being overdone. |
| Furnishings for both country and cottage rooms are | | | | Red, white, and blue as well as sunny yellows and |
| made from what we might call relaxed woods. These | | | | spring greens are characteristic of country decorating. |
| woods include wicker, rustic oak, and pine that have | | | | Cottage-style decorating makes generous use of |
| often been distressed or painted. Furnishings also | | | | pastel colors which may include pinks, soft reds, lilac, |
| include comfortable, upholstered pieces that typically | | | | soft blue and mellow yellows and greens. |
| have plain, clean lines. Floral prints are used quite often | | | | Hardwood floors in natural or painted wood are |
| for upholstery in the cottage decorating style. | | | | perfect companions for both cottage and |
| Accessories include antiques, birdhouses or other | | | | country-style rooms. Woven rugs or area rugs add |
| outdoor accessories as well as baskets and fresh or | | | | color, pattern and warmth. |
| silk flowers. Vintage quilts make interesting and | | | | Country decorating has been all about comfort and |
| attractive wall hangings. | | | | creating a setting that is a retreat from the stress and |
| Graniteware, stoneware, and pottery represent | | | | fast pace of our daily lives. Cottage is a very popular |
| country style; depression glassware, mismatched | | | | decorating style today that is closely related to and an |
| pottery and china symbolize cottage style. | | | | expression of the country style. |