Lakeside cottage style is always appealing, but never more so than during a hot Minnesota summer. Sultry summer days brimming with brilliant sunshine and crystal blue skies find us craving fresh and calming indoor spaces – a cool counterpoint to the heat and humidity outdoors.
Fresh, relaxed, and uncomplicated, lakeside cottage style can be the answer. It’s easy to live with and simple to create.
Here are some ideas:
Start with painted finishes.
Painted finishes are almost a must for this look, and the Brookhaven bedroom collection is a perfect example.
The painted finish on this beautiful queen bed provides vintage appeal and patina, while the linen-look fabric on the head and foot board adds the perfect dose of texture. It’s charming style and finish creates an inviting farmhouse feel that works perfectly with lakeside cottage style.
Feel free to mix.
Painted furniture is perfect for mixing with a variety of other finishes. Washed or distressed woods in driftwood and sand, or more refined stained pieces would all work well.
And for fun, add personality with a small refurbished piece painted in your favorite color.
White is definitely right.
Soothing white walls feel calm and refreshing, and create the perfect backdrop for this style.
Design details like shiplap (which was everywhere on my recent Artisan Home Tour) will add to the cottage feel, and applying it in unique ways will make even more of a design statement. Case in point: the horizontal and vertical shiplap application on the walls of this Brookhaven dining room.
And mix again.
Matching finishes too closely in a room can make it fall flat, so mix tints, shades, and warm and cool whites for a more interesting space.
Shades of blue.
Coastal and lakeside cottage style decorating are closely tied to the water, so blue is an obvious color choice that quickly sets the tone. Add blues from light to dark, repeating the color in various places and heights throughout the space for a cohesive feel.
And more neutrals.
For even more depth, layer your white with more neutrals that evoke the vibe of sandy beaches – hues like sand and driftwood – for warmth and texture.
Accessorize.
Finish the space with a variety of accents and accessories that compliment the space and style. Stripes, baskets, driftwood, aged metals, and accessories with a subtle nod to nautical can be good choices.
LAKESIDE COTTAGE STYLE – SHOP THIS ROOM
Are you enjoying summer so far? What’s your favorite part of lakeside cottage style?
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