Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Types of Cottage Style Decorating

The charm of cottage collecting is that if you like variety this is a perfect way to keep you busy hunting. Trust me you will never get bored. You can collect miniature lighthouses for your “beachy” bathroom, scout about for a chippy frame to make into a mirror for your bedroom, or search for a colorful camp blanket for your rustic den. There is no limit to how much fun you can have accessorizing your home or building nifty cottage style collections.

What follows is a simple listing of the variety of Cottage Styles which are popular today with a brief summary of what collectibles are generally associated with each style. Throughout this book I will discuss in much more detail the elements and collectibles that characterize each distinctive style.

Beach Cottage: Plenty of pastels, whites and creams, nautical accessories, weathered flea market finds, shabby furniture, seascapes, tropical influences.

Rustic: Back to nature, dark stained furniture, re-claimed woods, cabin influences, wool textiles.

Country: Baskets, enamelware, open shelves and cupboards, quilts,
painted or pine furniture , floral arrangements, folk art, small print fabrics, ruffles, lots of exposed collections. Country can also be further narrowed to English, French, Southwest etc

Whimsical: One of a kind colorfully painted furniture, decorative kitsch, objet’s d art, funky collections, patterns, bright palettes. Mary Engelbreit touches.

Retro: Often found in beach cottages because the 1950’s were known for plastics and pastels. Mid-Century influences, collections of quirky ceramics, barkclkoth textiles, Paint by Number paintings, etc.

Shabby Chic: A mixture of floral fabrics, slip cover white or pink furnishings, pretty layered bedding, crystal chandeliers, chippy or rusted accessories, flea market finds. Think Rachel Ashwell here.

Victorian Country also known as Romantic Country: The feminine lighter side of Victorian mixed with classic country. Lots of florals, layered textiles, elegant touches, decorative plates, hand painted china, ornate, detailed accessories.

Visit:
http://cottageatleesburg.com/shop/
http://www.arosewithoutathorn.com/
http://www.vintagerosecollection.com/
http://www.pinkpigwestport.com/





Photo Courtesy of Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes

Read More

Be sure to read my book Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes for more ideas about Cottage Style Decorating.
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro cafĂ©.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

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