Cottage-Style Home Design

There's something about cottage homes that just appeals to everyone. It could be the warm, welcoming feel of an old-school cottage, or the simple, carefree attitude of a summer home. Whatever it is, designers are starting to recognize its potential and bringing it back into home décor. If you're tired of shifting from one décor trend to another and just want to go back to basics, a cottage-style home may be your best bet.

Simplicity is the main concept behind cottage design. This doesn't mean ditching the flat-screen TV or the new sound system; it just means keeping things as clean and open as possible. Instead of expensive floor moldings, get a cozy area rug where people can sit and talk. Or instead of buying leather recliners, have your old couch reupholstered with a soft, comfortable fabric. Little changes like these can make a big difference.

Warm colors are also a defining feature of cottage homes. While modern décor favors white and black with stark contrast, cottages lean more towards earth tones and nature-inspired colors. Brown, green, pink, mauve and coral are some of the best color choices. Pastels also work for small spaces. For added interest, throw in a darker color such as green or fuchsia-they work well as accents like window treatments and rug trimmings.

Kitchens are central to many cottage homes, so pay special attention to your kitchen design. Cottage kitchens make good use of natural materials like wood and stone, so avoid synthetics as much as possible. A wood or marble countertop makes a great focal point and can set the theme for the entire kitchen. One of the best additions is an apron-front sink, which lies at the edge of the counter so that the front panel is visible.

Finally, remember that cottage homes have a close affinity with the outdoors. Add some indoor plants to give your space a fresh, breezy look. Make the most of your windows by letting in natural light and using sheer curtains to diffuse it around the room. Or if you have a window with a good view, keep it bare and make it the room's focal point.