10 easy ways to get classic cottage style

Here's to barefoot days and long, easy evenings - carefree summer style at its best! From pastel-painted furniture to delicately stitched bed linens, here are our favourite ways to inject classiccottage style.

10 easy ways to get classic cottage style

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10 easy ways to get classic cottage style

Reinvent furniture

Transform time-worn furnishings with a few coats of pastel-hued paint. To add a well-used cottageypatina after painting, lightly rub the edges with a piece of fine-grit sandpaper.

Layer in some loveliness

Customize an inexpensive mirror by spraying on a lacy pattern. Now, it's a romantic addition to acottage-style bedroom or bathroom.

Find the DIY here.

Decorate the beds

Make beds look inviting by layering linens that have detailed stitching and embroidered edges.

Contain your collectibles

Store seashells and other treasures in vintage glasspreserving jars. They're right at home on a counter or shelfand even make delightful doorstops.

Stick with pale paints

Use soft colours - such as seafoam green and cotton candy - to make rooms look and feel soothing.

Make an artistic statement & add some sparkle

Choose flea market paintings with weathered frames to provide contrast in a traditional room. Asimple floral still life looks like a million bucks over a formal fireplace mantel.

Create a sense of occasion with the addition of a stunning chandelier and crystal candle holders. In agrand dining room, there's no such things as too much glitter.

Put personal items on display

Hang jewellery and scarves from furniture pulls on doorknobs - classic cottage style celebrateseasygoing creativity.

Embrace flower power

Forget crystal vases and perfectly composed arrangements. Fresh-cut flowers are charminglyinformal when placed in a ceramic jug and set atop a stack of books.

Clean up your laundry

Craft a cute laundry-sorting system with a store-bought drapery panel and just a few stitches.

Read more in Decorating & Design and Styling Secrets

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