Cottage Garden Design

The garden theme is well suited to people who love communing with nature, because it brings that airy atmosphere right into their own houses.

-Doors, Windows and Floors-If you have large windows in your house, and screen or sliding doors, you are off to a head start. Sheer window treatments are ideal, and install pull-up shades for privacy. Wooden floors or those with tiles can be complemented with a mat made of natural materials (woven, bamboo, etc) or of floral prints.

-Color-White reflects light and should be dominant in the décor. If there is not much white in the walls, ceilings or floors, choose furniture, accessories and fabrics in this color. As for the walls, they can best reflect the feeling of a garden if you paint them in earth colors. Green, brown, and gold shades can all work well.

-Prints- Even a garden theme can be one of two styles- summer or spring. If you have chosen your preference, allow the prints in the room to reflect that. You can have it predominantly floral, or go with leafy prints. Birds and butterflies are another option. Fill the rooms with framed pictures, yours or otherwise, of beautiful gardens.

-Furniture- Rattan, bamboo and wicker are all options for your chairs. Match up different pieces by using similar or complementing color schemes and prints. One idea is to use couches in a solid earth color and accent them with floral-print cushions. Wrought-iron and wood are both good materials for bedroom furniture. Coffee tables can be improvised from a tree stump or huge animal figurine, even from old pieces of patio furniture.

Beach Cottage Decorating Ideas


If your choice of outdoor relaxation spot is by the shore, perhaps bringing some of the beach into your home will do wonders.

-Atmosphere- Going to the beach is so liberating because you can get away from all the clutter in your home and workplace. Take your cue from this idea and relieve your house of clutter. Don’t hoard. Hold a garage sale for your unnecessary things.

-Color Palette- Soft sea-inspired colors should dominate. Light blue, coral and shell shades, and sandy hues all replicate the feeling of being at the seashore. If you are not into very light shades, try teal, spa blue, and brown.

-Walls, Windows and Floors- Use bead board paneling for walls, since this is a basic in cottage design. Windows can have roll-down reed shades, or wood blinds. Curtains and valances aren’t recommended because they contradict the airy feel, but if you insist on using them, keep them light and simple. Wood or natural floors work well with a throw rug in the right color, or have your floor tiled and balance it with a rug of contrasting texture.

-Furniture- Light wood furniture of painted wood, wicker or pine is best suited to the beach cottage design. Ottomans give a homey feeling and can be used for many purposes.

-Accents- Have a lot of “sea treasures” at every turn. Accent mirrors and frames with seashells, or gather them into a bowl and display them on an end table. Candles, reeds, and nautical items can be added to the décor. You can hit garage sales for old beach chairs or you can even recycle your own.

Whether you choose the garden or beach theme, make sure that the finished look is one that inspires relaxation. A well-put-together look will make coming home feel like going on a vacation.