How to Decorate Shore Cottage Style

The shore cottage style of interior decor takes its cues, not only from the sights and sounds of the sea, but also from the colors found along its edges. From the vast array of shoreland motifs that includes lighthouses, seagulls, and seaglass to the restful colors of the sand, the waves and the wood that drifts up from their depths, decorating a room in shore cottage style using nautically-inspired materials and accent pieces brings the sea home in a colorful and restful way, just like a walk on the beach. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Display a favorite seascape painting as the focal point and the source of inspiration for the paint colors you will use to offset your predominant background shade. Paint walls in restful ocean colors such as pale blue, green, or gray.

2

Paint the ceiling and any trim and windowsills in a bright white, or take a complementary color from the seascape to use on the trim and windowsills. Hang curtains or draperies that are light and airy and allow lots of light into the room, or buy wooden blinds painted white to create the illusion of brightness.

3

Furnish room with white wicker or rattan furniture pieces, including chairs, divans, and tables. Use slipcovers on heavier upholstered furniture that incorporates a color from your focal piece or from your trim paint color. Cover seat cushions on wicker furniture in material to match the slipcovers. Incorporate simple furniture that has a lived-in look in keeping with the getting-away-from-it-all seashore philosophy.

4

Add wicker or rattan baskets as magazine holders or to hold seaside collectibles. Lay a few small rugs on the floor in open doorways or under small tables in colors that complement your wall background color.

5

Place accent pieces on tables, shelves and windowsills that continue the shore motif, such as clear glass vases filled with sea glass or shells and interesting pieces of driftwood. Group nautical items, such as a miniature lighthouse collection, on an accent table, or place ocean-scented votive candles in a group of individual seashells.