The romantic cottage design, also known as the shabby chic style, has become popular in home decorating publications everywhere. This is true particularly among female decorators. Perhaps this is because it resembles the perfect storybook home. It is essentially feminine, yet would make an equally dreamlike haven for the entire family.
Here are some tips to incorporate the romantic cottage style into your own home.
1. If you have an old chandelier at home, this can set a romantic atmosphere. It need not be an antique one, in fact, there are many antique-looking new ones at light shops that provide ample illumination. You can even place crystal hand-pulls on a ceiling fan, and choose some romantic-looking wind chimes.
2. Taking a hint from Gothic novels, use wrought iron pieces. Although those painted black can seem quite austere, if you paint them white and select those with intricate curliques or flowers, they will complement the romantic style perfectly. They can be applied to a headboard, fencing, or gates. For outdoor pieces, weaving flower garlands through them soften it further.
3. Fabric is another feminine touch that gives a feel of romanticism. You can take boxes and cover them with fabric, to create accents that not only adorn the home, but are functional as well. Add trimmings of all sorts- lace, pearly beads, or ribbons. Those with pink or white accents are ideal. You can also incorporate floral fabric to your beddings and pillows, tablecloths, quilts, throw pillows, curtains, placemats, and towels. Use fabric tapestries of floral gardens for wall hangings. Decoupage lamps, furniture, and vases with floral patterns too. Among floral designs, pink roses is usually the most romantic-looking.
4. Paint your furniture white and then coat with a crack finish to “age” it. Adorn your furniture pieces with a lot of cushions and throw pillows in soft shades. Use furniture originally meant for the patio or porch inside. Those made of wicker are ideal. These can even be used in bedrooms or parlors, or even the bathroom.
5. If there is enough space, create a romantic sitting room within the bathroom. Using a wicker ottoman inside can enhance the lounging effect. Use candles as décor, throw in some flowers to float inside a crystal bowl, and quaint little soaps in delicate colors on a vintage-looking saucer. You can even use paper soap that resembles little petals in pastel colors. If you can find a mirror with an intricate-looking frame, that will be a great addition. Select towels appliquéd with floral designs or trimmed with lace.
6. Create some mosaics. Apart from being apt for a romantic cottage, it can also be an enjoyable project for the family or a group of friends. You can then frame these and use as wall décor, or prop them up on coffee or side tables around the house. If you are not feeling too creative, you can purchase old ones at craft shops or at secondhand stores.
7. Paint shadow boxes white and fill them with authentic little old treasures. Real ones owned previously by grandparents will work fabulously. You can also collect some lovely little items from the flea market or garage sales.
8. Porcelain is another good idea for the décor. Fill the sitting room with some porcelain pieces, or even painted ceramic pieces. You can put together a display cabinet of such figurines, along with glassware and candles.
Using these cottage decorating ideas in your home can give it the romantic cottage design that you covet.