A cozy comfortable casual feel good lived in atmosphere is what Cottage Style is all about. That’s a big part of the reason Cottage Style is so popular right now. Cottage style makes us feel at home and relaxed, a place where we can put our feet up and be ourselves.

So how do you create a cottage style feel in your home? Begin with an item you love such as a piece of artwork, a beautiful fabric or a favorite color scheme that makes you feel good.

Mix fabrics and textures starting with the item you selected to create a comfortable living space. Then buy or use furniture that is comfortable to sit in with plump pillows, and possibly a slip cover to protect it from food spills. If a piece of furniture is imperfect or worn, that’s even better because the furniture will add character to your space.

Pick flooring that is simple and low maintenance such as a wood floor with a sisal rug or a simple tiled floor. For your windows, use simple window treatments such as straight panels and bring the outdoors in with elements like wrought iron, wicker or actual items from nature.

Pick some accessories that aren’t just pretty, also serve a purpose in your home and hide your electronic items in an armoire or cupboard. Bring out your favorite collections and display them around your room and layer items to create a cozy feeling.

For your walls, you can create a cozy atmosphere by adding depth to the walls with glazing, bead board or other paneling. For example, in a beach house, you might want bead board to create a nautical feel.

Ever have trouble deciding on which cottage style to use? If you love the beach, try a beach style by using natural materials, stripes, pastel colors and beach related accessories with white painted furniture.

If the French countryside is what you like, go with rough simple furniture, warm vibrant colors and bold bright accessories such as roosters.

For English country, consider fabrics and wallpaper with a floral pattern. Use big upholstered furniture and mix styles to create a collected look.

With Americana, think fabrics and accessories with stars and stripes and bold hues of red and blue mixed with white. Painted furniture and quilts are a perfect addition to this style.

If a farmhouse is the look you’re going for think about using repurposed wood on your floors and possibly walls, plus rustic simple furniture. Bring in simple accessories like an old watering can or weathervane and use bold primary colors.
Some other great possibilities for cottage style could include a hunting lodge theme, Victorian look or Southwestern style.

Designer’s Eye column was written by Karen Mills of Interiors by Design, Inc. and host, Living Large.