As women get older, they fall in love with the comfort of a cottage style décor. With cottage decor there is always a promise of warmth and coziness. Unfortunately, with the cottage style décor there are furnishing choices that can unintentionally create a less polished look to the inviting atmosphere. The decorating mistakes women over sixty make are the most common and the most noticeable.
1. Choosing Impractical Furniture Over Comfort
One mistake is putting too much emphasis on how things look instead of how they feel. While antique furniture may look nice, how much support are they really offering when people visit? A hard backed settee may look caring, but most people will just take a quick look, not sit down and have a chat. A charming low armchair will make it hard for guests to sit or stand and may even make the seated guests feel like they can't get up and will remember the armchair for all the wrong reasons. True comfort is the foundation of hospitality; it helps people feel at home.
Another common mistake is scale when it comes to furniture. A small tea table looks dwarfed in a large living room while a large armoire can swallow up a small cottage bedroom. Finding that perfect balance between aesthetics and comfortable scale allows for each piece to be functional and not make the room feel awkward or uninviting. It truly is an art to find the sweet spot where form and function come together, something I strive for in all my decorating endeavours.
Choosing the right furniture is very important. When people don't take ergonomic design into consideration, it isn't as welcoming. Sofas can be too deep or too shallow. Chairs can lack back support. Dining tables can limit leg room and create discomfort. With considerate selection of furniture, every customer can be made to feel comfortable during their stay.
Although the visual appeal of an item is important, it is equally important to consider how the item will be used. For example, a well-made armchair with proper lumbar support will most likely provide superior comfort to the user than an antique piece of furniture. Additionally, a well-made armchair will be just as aesthetically pleasing as an antique chair in a pretty ticking stripe fabric. Visitors like areas where they can really unwind and get comfortable.
2. Overdoing the Shabby Chic Distressed Look
Not all of the shabby chic style's aesthetics age well, shabby chic can exude a soft, warm, and welcoming ambiance. In contrast, a style done in an overly distressed manner can go from intentional vintage to, regrettably, just plain dirty. Instead of appreciating the conscious effort taken in designing the space, visitors may conclude the home is just old and rundown and not take careful consideration to update the home.
Balanced interior design may mean using a few distressed pieces along with loved and well maintained items. A sideboard that is well painted and has a slight chip is fine, but when paired with a peeling coffee table, a faded armchair, and purposefully worn picture frames it could get a bit much. The eye appreciates smooth, clean surfaces to help break up and provide contrast to the overall look.
Take you time in evaluating the materials used in the construction of the distressed item. Real vintage items will have different types of wear and tear than a fake distressed item. Rather, focus on creating a suggestion of lived history. A space made to look beat up is not attractive. One good vintage piece will look great in a room and will not make the entire room look worn down and neglected.
To make this style work to its full potential, moderation is crucial. Choose one or two focal points that show genuine patina or a modestly aged finish. Surrounding them with elements that are cleaner and more refined will enable their character to shine through and create an inviting atmosphere that is cozy and chic without feeling shabby.
3. Mismatched or Outdated Lighting Fixtures
In a cottage style home, lighting serves as one of the key design elements needed to create the desired atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. One of the most common mistakes made is to combine different lighting fixtures that are out of place with each other, or simply too old and dusty to be effective. Additionally, overly bright overhead lighting or too many small, uninspired desk lamps can completely undermine the intended atmosphere. Guests will always notice how a room really feels, whether it is too dark, or too bright and harshly lit.
Outdated fixtures can make a space look cluttered. Plastic shades that have yellowed, brass finishing that have lost their charm and appeal, and fixtures that look like antiques but really aren't are a clear sign of a neglected home. Vintage pieces can be great, but they should be selected carefully. Vintage pieces should not be too distracting from the rest of the cottage aesthetic.
The lighting in your home should be both functional and visually appealing. Each reading nook should include a task lamp with an adequate amount of light. The overall lighting in the room should feel warm and inviting, rather than cold and shadowy. Use different types of lighting, including ambient, accent, and task lighting to add depth to the room, and adjust the lighting to fit the desired mood. Look for sconces and lamps with fabric shades to create soft, diffused lighting.
Your cottage will feel refreshed with updated lighting. Light fixtures made of painted metal, wood, or ceramic are simple, classic, and charming. Don't forget about the light bulbs. Choose warmer color temperatures for a cozy atmosphere. Good lighting will make a room feel warm and welcoming, and everyone who enters will appreciate it.
4. Cluttering Every Surface with Small Knick-Knacks
Cottage style offers great potential for displaying collections and favorite things, but a common mistake is overfilling space with little things that create a sense of clutter. Guests often feel discomfort in a room that lacks visual resting places; they perceive a space as disorganized and not as a personal expression. Cleaning/ dusting a room that is filled with decor creates work that may lessen the enjoyment of decorating.
It can be difficult to appreciate individual items when there are too many small things on display. What the homeowner may consider a treasured collection can to an onlooker be dismissed as a collection of odds and ends. An overabundance of items on display diminishes the size and serenity of a room and works against the open, airy feeling typical of cottage homes. When every part of a room is filled with objects, it becomes impossible to create an atmosphere of calm.
Create story telling arrangements without overwhelming the spectator. Create groupings. Organize smaller collections by using trays or shallow baskets to make the collections intentional. The empty areas around objects are called negative space and are just as important as the objects. It allows viewers to appreciate individual pieces and let them breathe.
Change and edit your displays regularly. Put some items in storage and change them out seasonally. This practice keeps your decor fresh and avoids visual fatigue for both you and your guests. A single, well-placed and thoughtful object can say more than a dozen generic trinkets, especially when it comes to making your home feel personal and inviting.
5. Using a Bland, Uninspired Color Palette
Most people assume that cottage style homes use soft colors because all of the colors are muted, and all of the styles have muted tones. There is a mistake made in choosing a color palette to such a degree that it is so bland it lacks personality. If used exclusively, soft beiges, muted greys, and pale creams will result in a home that feels sterile, or simply unfinished. When people visit, they may sense the absence of warmth or creativity because they lack the vibrancy that even slight changes in color can bring to a room. An inviting home is one that will always have a heartbeat of color.
While real cottage interiors are typically painted in gentle colors, they can also incorporate accents of bright colors from nature such as sky blue, soft sage green, or sun-bleached rose. Natural bright color accents prevent the interior from feeling flat and add depth and interest. Neutrals without any complements or contrast can make a room feel surprisingly unwelcoming, even when the intention was for softness.
For your main wall colors, try to keep it light and airy. You can use color in a more defined way through textiles, decoration, and a small color pop with some artwork. Soft floral throw pillows, a subtly patterned rug, and light pastel ceramics can all add character without overwhelming a space. Such purposeful elements can create focuses, inviting a gaze towards them, while also adding warmth and comfort.
Consider the various shades within your selected color palette. For example, an accent wall painted a neutral darker hue may do the trick. Or varying textures in congruous shades can provide dimension without being too daring. The objective is to promote a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels custom and individual, as opposed to simply washed out, and forgettable.
6. Neglecting Window Treatments or Choosing Heavy, Dark Ones
"Windows are the eyes of a cottage home" as the saying goes. Windows invite natural light in and visually connect the inside of a home to the outdoors. One common mistake, is totally neglecting window treatments, resulting in bare, unfinished windows. Other people go to the opposite extreme and choose dark, heavy drapes that block light. Guests do notice if a space feels dark or lacks privacy. The wrong window coverings can really ruin the intended feel of a space.
Rich and heavy textiles and dark tones can feel uncomfortable in light and airy cottage environments. They can create a more smaller, formal, and unwelcoming ambience in rooms which is the opposite of what cottage materials should feel like. Heavy, lined drapes might be practical in larger homes but in cottages they be practical but also create a more cloistered feel and less open and airy. A soft touch is often best.
Cottage style loves natural light and make the most of the views of your garden. Look for treatments that filter light beautifully without obscure them completely. Linen sheers, light cotton curtain panels, simple Roman blinds or even lace are all good options. They let sunlight stream in while also providing some privacy. They enhance the airy feel and the overall charm of the room.
For flexibility, consider using lighter options in layers. During the day, a sheer panel can serve to keep things private, and for added coziness in the evening, a curtain that is light-colored but a little heavier can create a warm and stylish space. The ideal situation would soften the room, make it more inviting and add to the details, while also giving a frame to the view, softening harsh light, and just enough diffusion.
7. Having Too Many Floral Patterns Everywhere
Floral designs and prints are a staple of the cottage style. They bring to mind gardens and elegance. However, one of the biggest mistakes people can make is putting florals on every surface. If the walls, sofa, curtains, and cushions are floral prints, it can be dizzying. There is no place for the eye to rest and it can be overwhelming to guests. The room can feel busy and dated instead of charming. A more balanced approach is more attractive.
Using several floral designs with the same scale and color intensity can lead to these patterns competing instead of complementing each other. This can lead to a chaotic and cluttered look that goes against what cottage living tries to achieve. There is a lack of calm and comfort. It may feel like an uncurated, wild indoor garden.
To use florals successfully, think about mixing different sizes and styles of patterns. A large-scale floral could work on a statement piece like an armchair, while smaller, daintier patterns might be better on throw pillows or accessories. Add some solids, stripes, or gentle textures as an interruption of the busy patterns so the eye can have a little rest. This layering creates depth without adding disarray.
Consider where the florals will be the most impactful. A stunning floral wallpaper as an accent wall or a slipcover on a sofa in a delightful rose pattern may be decisive. Let these main pieces shine, framed by more neutral elements. Careful application of florals increases appreciation of their beauty and creates a home that is pretty and peaceful.
8. Overlooking Practical Storage Solutions
When you live in a cottage home, you probably have some dated items that may be valuable to you. That being said, storage and organization is key, especially when it comes to your guests and how they perceive the clutter in your space. If you leave piles of magazines, opened mail, or loose items out in the open, it can make an otherwise charming space feel cluttered and messy. Your home should feel inviting instead of messy.
Creative solutions are essential in maintaining a cozy and organized space in older homes, especially cottages. Homes of this nature tend to lack built-in storage. While shelves are a start, having them become overloaded is not ideal. The goal should be to give as many items as possible a designated place. This minimizes clutter and creates a more peaceful environment.
When looking for multi-functional furniture consider those that incorporate storage. An ottoman with a lift up top, a coffee table that has drawers, or a bench with a built-in compartment can all keep blankets, books, or games hidden and out of sight. Keep smaller items on shelves or tables organized by using decorative containers, like pretty baskets or decorative boxes, while also adding to the decor.
When it comes to those unique little corners or alcoves found in cottages, built-in cabinetry or custom shelving is a great investment. They create lots of storage and are designed to fit with the rest of the home’s architecture. Storage solutions like these increase the overall character of the home. A tidy home is inviting and creates a more calming atmosphere for those who spend time there.
9. Choosing Synthetic Fabrics Over Natural Ones
Cottage style embraces natural materials and textures that age beautifully. One of the biggest faux pas is choosing too many synthetic materials, especially for upholstery, curtains, or bedding. These materials do not provide the warmth, breathability, and real texture that are the hallmarks of a true cottage look, and guests may subconsciously notice a lack of comfort and quality.
Inevitably, some synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic do have a certain sheen or stiffness that contrasts with the soft, cozy feel of cottage decor, and can also attract static. Unlike natural fibers, they don't tend to hang as well or have the same luxurious feel. Even if the design is nice, the overall effect can feel un-real and cheap.
Select natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, and jute. These materials provide more tactile richness, softness, and timelessness than synthetic fabrics can achieve. A linen slipcover on a sofa, cotton percale sheets, or wool throws will enhance comfort and elegance to a room. These options feel good, look good, and improve the health of our homes.
If your budget is limited, purposeful selections can still have an impact. A sofa in the budget-friendly durable cotton blend, can be accented with throw pillows in sumptuous linen and a soft wool throw. Softer natural materials in the more immediately tactile elements— like seating, bedding, and curtains— will make a really wonderful difference to the comfort and natural feel of your cottage home.
10. Forgetting the Importance of Fresh Flowers or Greenery
One of the best parts of a cottage is the fresh flowers and plants. Adding natural greenery is an easy way to break the sterility of a space and bring life to the cottage. People staying in the cottage will appreciate the addition of living things and flowers can really brighten everything up.
Artificial flowers and plants can provide convenience, but they do not replicate the beauty and liveliness of the real thing. When these decorations get dusty or obviously look plastic, they can detract from the warmth of a room instead of adding to it. An authentic cottage feel is much closer to the garden even if it is just a few simple cuttings on the windowsill.
You don’t need a big garden to appreciate an herb from your friends garden or a small bouquet from the grocery store. And you can even use an herb from the supermarket. These small additions will create a lovely color to your kitchen along with natural scents. They show that the home is lived in and gives off a nice welcoming vibe.
If maintaining house plants feels daunting, there are plenty of options that are low upkeep. For example, ferns, peace lilies, or succulents are great options that will look great in pots. Having plants in your house provides a liveliness that will enhance the comfort of your cottage home and create a space that everyone will enjoy.
11. Displaying Too Many Personal Photos or Faded Artwork
Artwork and personal photographs are a great way to personalize your space; however, many people make the mistake of placing too many personal photos in their home and do so with different styles of frames, or they leave dated and faded artwork on their walls. There is a good chance your guests will not appreciate your individual memories when they are presented with so many photos, or they may feel like the decor is not current enough. Your home should be personal to you, while at the same time ensuring it is visually cohesive.
Personal photos are a great way to capture and display memories, but if they are scattered across your home they can create a messy and cluttered look. They can even lose their sentimental value. While there is nothing wrong with snapshots displayed on all surfaces of a home, and there are plenty of people who will appreciate that, it can often look more stylish to have a gallery wall of images that have been purposely selected and framed in matching, or at least coordinating, frames. While every image may be sentimental, too many images can overwhelm the viewer and take away from the overall aesthetic of the space.
Maybe you have faded artwork, prints that have faded in your eyes, or just pieces that you don't currently appreciate and these things can lower a room's aesthetic value. Your beautiful cottage wall should always feel fresh and inviting instead of like an old storage room. Replacing these pieces with new cheap prints or even just simple mirrors can change your guests' perception of the space.
Take care in choosing your displays. Select some of your favorite photos to display prominently, maybe in some lovely silver or painted frames. Pick artwork that matches your cottage color scheme and style, whether that be a textured botanical print, a soft landscape, or a striking piece of pottery. A thoughtfully selected artwork tells a story and adds interest, making the space feel personal and polished.
12. Failing to Update Kitchen and Bathroom Basics
Old basics can detract from a cottage home's charm in the kitchen and bathrooms. Guests will notice worn out towels and neglected dunky shower curtains and fixtures. Outdated basics will detract from charm even though other rooms are decorated well. These rooms can be decotrated to look nice, even if they are more functional.
Consider the little, but important, things: fresh towels, new shower curtains, and even new cabinet knobs. Things like yellow stains on grout, peeling paint, or rusty fixtures can really date a space. Big renovations may not always be possible, but small focused updates can be impactful. Even just putting out fresh hand soap and keeping the counter clear can improve the experience.
In this area of the home, the step that makes the biggest impact is often the most inexpensive and simplest to do: put out a new dish towel, replace the coffee maker, put some new cutting boards out, and put out some new mugs. These things can make the space feel inviting. Remember, it's all about operational and cleanliness.
Charming isn't the first word you'd use to describe this kitchen, but you can easily change that. Simple updates like replacing faucets, adding in new light fixtures, and painting the cabinets white are all inexpensive and will give the kitchen a totally different feel! Making these small changes will show your guests that you've put effort into maintaining your cottage and will help them feel comfortable during your stay.
13. Ignoring the Entranceway’s First Impression
Your entranceway is the first space guests see in your home, setting the tone for the rest of the visit. Many people make the mistake of ignoring this important area and leaving it messy, poorly lit, or without inviting details. An entryway that is disorganized, with shoes, mail, and jackets everywhere, can make an otherwise lovely home feel chaotic and uninviting. Remember, first impressions matter.
While many cottage entryways are small, an inviting atmosphere is possible even within a compact area. In the absence of a designated place to hang a coat, set down keys, or sit to remove shoes, discontent will likely be felt by visiting guests. When practicality is absent, items are likely to be left everywhere, and a warm welcome is replaced by a sense of disorder. Even in a small space, functional design is essential.
You might also want to think about incorporating a slim console table of wall-mounted shelving where you can put your keys and mail and a couple of hooks for coats. A decorative basket for shoes keeps them out of the way and off the central path. A soft rug or mat also serves to define the area and can help keep dirt from being tracked further into the home. This will help protect your floors and make cleaning easier.
Little decorative details are also important. A small mirror can reflect light, creating the illusion that the space is bigger, and allow a guest to check their look before heading out. A small vase of fresh flowers or a cute little art piece can also help. A tidy and inviting entrance is welcoming to guests and sets a positive tone for their stay.
14. Using Too Many Mass-Produced Items, Lacking Character
Cottage style is all about having a unique, collected, and personal aesthetic, often with vintage and handmade pieces. Many people make the mistake of having mass-produced decor fill the home. While it may be more convenient, a lot of generic pieces can make a cottage feel sterile and show-roomy instead of warm and lived in. Guests often feel a home lacks authenticity and become uncomfortable.
If every item in a cottage looks like it came from a big-box retailer, it reduces the charm and unique character of the space. These things don't typically have the patina or story or the handmade quality that provides a home with its true beauty, and that's what we want to capture. The aim of the design is to create a space that feels like it was lovingly put together over time rather than being bought all at once.
Visit local antique stores, flea markets, or search through family heirlooms to find items with character. Things like stools with chipped paint, vintage landscape paintings, or handcrafted ceramic mugs can provide great interest and tell great stories. These unique pieces can become great talking points and can actually make your home feel personal and memorable. They signify ties to history.
When decorating an area, it's important to be balanced. Mixing modern, functional paired with older, more characterful pieces can work perfectly. The overall scheme should lean towards more of the unique and personal. A carefully selected combination of new and vintage items in a cottage home makes it feel warm, inviting, and genuinely individual.
15. Keeping Worn-Out, Stained Textiles Past Their Prime
Soft and warm accents like throw blankets, cushions, and slipcovers can make a cottage home even cozier. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of keeping textiles too long, and their worn, faded, and stained condition does not add to the 'lived-in' look. Textiles, especially fabrics, will be noticed by guests. Dingy and pilled textiles or cushions that don’t have their shape anymore can make a home feel neglected instead of rustic.
A light patina look on an older item can be nice, but too much wear can switch from vintage charm to real disrepair. When a fabric looks dirty, ripped, or faded, it makes the entire room look like it is lacking in cleanliness and comfort, making it less inviting and less hygienic. Everyone loves clean, soft fabrics.
Refreshing an entire room doesn't have to be expensive or difficult. One of the easiest ways to give a room an uplift is by updating textiles. New, vibrant throw pillows, a soft, clean cotton blanket, and slipcovers made of crisp linen can update the look of a room and help create a more inviting atmosphere. Small updates can also help create a space that feels more comfortable.
When it comes to everyday textiles, especially in areas with a lot of foot traffic, consider washable options. This will help them stay clean and looking new. Your cottage textiles should enhance the atmosphere and make every seating and sleeping space comfortable and inviting. To achieve this, invest in quality fabrics that are designed to handle frequent use and washings.
16. Poor Rug Choices Affecting Room Harmony
Rugs add definition, warmth, texture, and color to cottage interiors. A common misstep is choosing a rug that is too small for the room or the grouping of furniture, or selecting a style or pattern that clashes with the overall cottage aesthetic. A rug can accentuate the aesthetics of a room, and it can be confusing and disorienting if it makes furniture 'float' or creates an awkward visual without a balance. A well chosen rug can beautifully anchor a room.
A rug that is too small can make a room feel disconnected. A living room rug needs to be large enough for at least the front legs of all major seating pieces to rest on it. In a bedroom rug should extend far enough beyond the bed so you step onto the rug instead of onto the cold floor. Incorrect sizing can throw off the visual balance.
It is also important to consider patterns and materials. A distressed Persian rug may be charming, but a thick shaggy carpet or a bold modern geometric design will feel out of place in a light and airy cottage. Choose natural fibers such as wool, cotton, or jute in patterns that align with and enhance the soft and natural cottage style—florals, subtle geometrics, or simple textures.
The cleanliness of rugs is also important. Stained or worn rugs, even if they are the right style, can detract from a room. Regular cleaning and replacements will ensure your rugs add warmth and comfort to your cottage home and will make it feel complete and inviting.
17. Inadequate or Unflattering Paint Choices
One of the most powerful, yet inexpensive ways to change the mood of a room is paint. A common error in cottage style is selecting paint colors that are too bold, too dark, or too poor in relation to the light. Guests will often remark when a room feels cold and unwelcoming or heavy” instead of light, airy, and inviting. The right shade can transform the feeling of an entire home.
Many women over 60 tend to stick with the colors they used years earlier, even if the shades may seem outdated or just don't fit the style of the home anymore. Bright white can feel too sterile without warmer things to balance it and heavy muddy tones can make rooms feel smaller and gloomier. Cottage style favors soft breathable hues that go with the natural materials and light.
Think about the undertones in the paints that you choose. A 'white' could have a blue undertone which feels icy, or it could have a warm yellow undertone that feels creamy. Before you commit, you should test the paint samples on your walls in various lighting. Swatches may look good but there can be a huge difference when paint is spread across a room, especially with different light throughout the day.
Choose soft colors like linen white, light green, light blue, and soft cream which will help the natural light bounce around the room. The colors will create a relaxing background for your furniture and decorations instead of fighting against it. Good paint choices will make sure the cottage feels clean, balanced, and welcoming to everyone who walks in.
18. Forgetting About Scent – A Stale or Artificial Fragrance
A home's scent can change the whole mood! Even the best looking homes can be ruined by stale, musty, or overly-artificial smells. Artificial home fragrances can make the home smell bad, and guests will instantly smell the bad odor, and ignore the stunning decor. An inviting home will smell good.
Most standard air fresheners and candles release cloying and synthetic scents that tend to bother people with sensitive noses and are still unpleasant. While people mean well and think that only sweet smells are inviting, too sweet or synthetic smells can be just as bad. They can be home to less inviting and genuine, and even induce headaches making it less comfortable for visitors.
The most important thing is natural freshness. Take time to air out your rooms regularly, clean surfaces, and eliminate sources of persistent odors (areas where pets stay or drains). A naturally clean home will give you the best foundation for pleasant aromas. It is easy for me to forget to open the windows, but I notice that a room will feel stuffy really quickly.
Choose natural fragrances for a more pleasant smell. Using fresh flowers, some potpourri made from dried flowers, an essential oil diffuser (maybe use lemon or lavender), or a good beeswax candle will add a soft, genuine scent to the cottage and improve its natural beauty without being overpowering and will make a great impression.
19. Not Layering Textures for Warmth and Depth
Cozy comfort is the goal of the cottage style. One of the best ways to achieve that feeling of comfort is layering numerous textures. When this technique is overlooked rooms can feel flat, one-dimensional, or even cold. Areas lacking varied tactile elements can feel cold and uninviting to guests. On the other hand, when a space has tactile elements abundant elements of texture can create a more inviting space.
A room loses its potential softness and depth when all surfaces are smooth, or all fabrics are of the same weight and finish. Picture a sofa covered in one plain fabric, with matching plain throw pillows. Neat this looks, it misses the chance to develop a fully enveloping and intriguing space. It simply lacks interest, both visually and tactically.
Consider incorporating textured materials into your furniture and decorative accents. For example, the coarse weave of a linen slipcover is complemented nicely by a soft velvet cushion, while the armchair is accented by a chunky knit throw blanket. A jute rug under a wooden coffee table also adds visual interest. Different textures offer an even broader range of looks and feels beyond furniture materials. The texture of painted walls provides a contrast to exposed brick or other wall paneling as textured accents voicing soft historical details.
Even the smallest details matter. A ceramic vase beside a woven basket, or smoothed wood alongside a fuzzy sheepskin rug, help achieve that layered look. These tactile contrasts add interest and help a space feel more intentional, more lived-in, and ultimately, more inviting and cozy for the people who live there and the guests they entertain.
20. Overlooking Outdoor Spaces as Part of Cottage Charm
Cottages are very charming. Sometimes there charm can extend even past the interior into the exterior and surrounding spaces. One mistake is not seeing a porch or garden or patio as something that can add to the inviting charm of the home. If the outdoor areas are overlooked, guests will notice, especially if they can see those areas from the inside or if they are used for gathering. The flow from indoor to outdoor should be seamless.
A patio filled with old furniture, a porch that's cluttered, or a garden full of weeds shows that home care ends at the front door. With no attention given to the exterior, it diminishes the welcoming vibes and discourages visitors from going outside, even when the weather is nice. Neglected outsides reduce the attractiveness of a cottage.
A new coat of paint, a comfy chair with a cushion, and a potted plant or two can make a small porch inviting. Existing flower beds can be tidied up and newly trimmed shrubs can enhance curb appeal. Neatly trimmed plants show pride in one’s home and attention to detail.
Think of ways to provide additional outdoor seating options that evoke relaxation. You could add a small bistro set for outdoor morning coffee, soft outdoor cushions, or string lights for some evening ambiance. Your goal is to carry the warmth and comfort of your cottage out to the rest of the property and make the charm extend to the entire property.
21. Displaying Collections That Feel Disorganized, Not Cohesive
Cottage homes can excellently showcase loved collections, antique teacups or botanical prints, or other found curiosities. A common error, however, is exhibiting these collections in a hodgepodge that makes them look like a jumble rather than a unified assemblage. In a disorganized display, visitors lose the opportunity to appreciate the value or narrative of individual pieces.
When collections have no obvious theme, no arrangement or color coordination, it can easily overwhelm a room. A lot of unrelated things, with no purpose, create visual clutter. Collections should add character and personality to a space, not create a feeling of jumbled excess or turn a home into a shop.
When arranging your items, think about their grouping and order. How about putting like items together — possibly on one shelf or in a cabinet with a glass front? If you use trays or risers to give different heights to small items, it can create some visual interest. For your prints, it may unify your collection to have the same frame for each one. More impact is often a result of having less.
Regularly updating your collection helps to keep things fresh. Consider rotating the items you have on display based on the current season. You might even be able to store away some items so they can be enjoyed later. Each individual piece can be appreciated more when in a thoughtfully planned display. Each collection tells a story, and adding a few layers will help to enhance the personality of your cottage.
22. Not Balancing Old and New Pieces Effectively
More than a few appreciate the cottage style charm as the perfect blend of old-world character and new world comfort. A mistake, particularly among women over 60, is going too far to one extreme. Relying heavily on strictly antique pieces, for example, can cause the home to feel dated. On the other hand, using only new items can make the space feel devoid of its historical charm. Guests commonly feel when a home is unbalanced, too stuffy or uncomfortably generic. An eclectic style mix is the solution.
When a cottage is filled with an excess of antique furniture, particularly pieces that are dark and heavy, it can create an effect that is more like a museum and less like an inviting place to be. Museum-quality pieces are, of course, full of history, but need to be paired with lighter and fresher pieces in order to avoid having an overly formal or gloomy look. You want to space to look lived in and comfortable, and not like a place that is untouchable.
On the other hand, furnishing a cottage with all new mass-produced interiors can wipe out its individuality and charm. A cottage's spirit is often found in its flaws and the history of its antique objects. The new sofa may be very matching, but the new and unexciting decor loses the cosiness.
For a pleasant blend, use a contemporary, comfortable sofa made of natural fabric paired with a chippy antique side table. Combine modern botanical art with vintage mirrors. This mixing of old and new adds layers of interest and evokes a sense of a home that has matured over time. It helps the cottage feel both updated for modern life and grounded in history.
23. Allowing Decor to Feel Static and Unchanged for Decades
A cottage home needs to feel timeless and not stuck in time. Some people make the mistake of having decor that remains static and unchanged for decades. A home can feel stuck in a previous era instead of a home that is gracefully aging. Guests notice if furnishings look untouched by time and seem to be frozen instead of preserved intentionally. A home needs to evolve to reflect current life inside it.
Family heirlooms and cherished possessions are important, but a home that keeps the same arrangements, colors, and accessories for twenty or thirty years can start to feel stagnant. Even with good intentions, fabrics can fade, styles date and the overall impression can be one of neglect. A little refresh can go a long way.
Even small changes can make a big impact. Changing throw pillows, swapping a lampshade, painting a piece of furniture, or moving some artwork can give a room a fresh look without doing any major renovations. These little updates show that a home is loved and cared for, modernizing the space while still honoring the homes history.
Think about seasonal changes of your decor, or every so often look at your space in a new way. What was once charming may be feeling a little tired. A little adjustment and refresh of your cottage decor will keep the space feeling bright and inviting, and a true reflection of the lovely life being lived in the cottage.
