Vacation Home Style

Cottage style interiors are lovely because they remind you of long days spent at the beach, sailing under blue skies, and the warmth of the summer sun. This décor is not only beautiful, but it is very comfortable and familiar which makes it all the more appealing. It’s the ideal style for a beachside vacation home. Influence for this décor can come from the crisp nautical style to eclectic beach style. There are so many different nuances to choose from, that you can be sure you’ll find one to suit your home and personality. While each home is different, there are elements of this style that unify it and set this charming décor apart from others.

Color
The color palette in a cottage style interior often reflects the beauty of the natural surroundings. Beachy neutrals and aquatic colors set the tone for the whole room. A neutral palette allows the outdoor landscape to really shine. Crisp white reflects starchy canvas sails, while nudes and tans mirror the warm sand on the beach. You can even introduce a toned down shade of green reminiscent of mossy stones. To highlight a neutrals like these, blue is a tried and true solution. A variety of shades work in this decorating scheme. Try a pure cobalt blue to echo the clear skies or a stunning turquoise to mimic the sea. If you want a warmer color, a pink-orange reminiscent of underwater coral will make a bold statement against a neutral backdrop. You could also use a true red or sunny yellow.

Texture
If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood floors or even exposed rafters that bring that earthy, organic feeling into your home, you’ll find that cottage style will fit well. If not, don’t worry! To bring a more natural feeling to your home bring in natural fabrics and textiles like crisp linen and soft cotton. These fabrics are homey and familiar but are still lightweight and perfect for summers by the seaside. Throw a slipcover over the sofa for a relaxed look. Rattan or wicker furniture is also very common in cottages both inside and out. If you like the look of rattan but don’t want to commit to an entire set of furniture, try using a few rattan baskets for storage or decoration.

Seaside Flair
Of course the easiest way to deck your home in cottage style is to bring in some seaside flair. Decorating with natural elements from and inspired by the sea will bring the beauty of the outdoors in. Fill glass apothecary jars with the seashells you and your family collect on the beach and set them up on the mantle or coffee table. Driftwood can be picked up and used in a variety of ways in your home. Bundle small pieces together around a votive and secure with twine to add a little costal feeling to your candles. It can also be arranged into a wreath you can hang on your front door as a welcome to friends and family. Other seaside touches like sand, beach glass, wooden oars, or anchor décor would add cottage style to your rental.

Lighting
Lighting is important in any home, but especially at the beach! Cottage style is light and airy. Light window treatments, like sheers, will help let in the most amount of light possible while still giving you privacy. Heavy fabrics will block the sun and surroundings and shouldn’t be used in this kind of home. When the sun fades and the stars start to shine, shed some soft light inside your home. Using a few smaller lamps instead of a bright overhead light gives your home a cozy cottage feeling.

This article was written by Erie Construction. Follow Erie Construction on Twitter for daily updates on home remodeling, home improvement, and more.