Cottage Design Ideas

I found the following article that got submitted to the DIY Article Directory to be a very enjoyable read. And while it geared more towards interior design, it does have some good tips that might help you in designing a cottage garden. I believe you'll find it very enjoyable as well.

Cottage Style Home Decorating: A-Z "QuikTips" for Instant Cottage Style

By: Kathryn Bechen

Arrange your living room furniture in a “U” shape for great conversations.

Birdhouses painted to match your home are wonderful.

Cats in a windowsill are “very cottage.”

Dogs curled up in front of the fireplace say “cottage cozy.”

Entertain your friends around a round table with good food and wine.

French touches in furniture say “sophisticated cottage.”

Gates with clever signs hung on them say “instant cottage.”

Hatboxes covered with vintage wallpaper are great for storage.

Ingenious cottage touches are a claw-foot bathtub and thick fluffy towels.

Junk from flea markets can be repurposed into creative plant containers.

Knickknacks from family or collected from your travels add personality.

Lattice lining patio walls creates charm.

Mementos framed in shadow boxes add personality to your cottage.

Nurture yourself with a four poster bed and sumptuous linens.

Ottomans can be used in place of a coffee table or at the end of a bed.

Pictures of florals, botanicals, or your travels say “instant cottage.”

Quilts on the end of a bed or draped over a chair are pure cottage style.

Rugs in sisal, jute, or colorful cotton add a cottage touch.

Sink-down-in-and-rest-awhile white slipcovered sofas are very cottage.

Texture in rugs, fabrics, and pillows creates interesting dimension.

Upholster your furniture in coordinated florals, plaids, and stripes.

Vintage trunks make great coffee tables and linens storage.

Welcome signs are charming near your front door.

Xtraordinary touches include floral painted mailboxes and fountains.

Yellow in a bright canary shade is a great color for a cottage front door.

Zest for living always accompanies the cottage style spirit!

c2006 Kathryn Bechen and Kathryn Bechen Designs.

All rights reserved.

Visit Kathryn Bechen Designs for more free ideas and tips for decorating your cottage style home on a dollarwise budget, to view Kathryn's blog, and to sign up for Kathryn's free e-newsletter of decorating tips and resources. Kathryn is an interior decorating consultant and author who specializes in Cottage Style, Non-Toxic, and Dollarwise decorating.