Better Homes & Gardens

Cottage style decorating is one of the most popular decorating styles today.  If you do not have the time or money to go on a relaxing holiday you can at least incorporate these elements that bring relaxation into your home.  Cottage style adds an easy breezy feeling to a room.  Pastels, neutrals, vintage whites, monochromatic colour schemes are key in cottage style decorating.  These colours give a room the illusion of brightness, softness and space.   To bring cottage style into your space some key ingredients are natural fibers, baskets, wood tones and painted antique furniture. Florals, slipcovers, shutters, moulding, and wainscoating are all elements of cottage style.

You can also bring the outdoors inside by injecting potted plants and flowers into your room. Use open shelving to display your favourite set of white pottery jugs or yellow bowls. These items become inexpensive accessories which brighten your home.

Better Homes & Gardens Beadboard

Beadboard can be used as an inexpensive backsplash.  If you grow tired of the colour you can just paint it.  Alot easier then changing ceramic tile.