How to Bring Cottage Living to Any Space

We may not all have a cottage to escape to when we need a break from reality, but we’ll show you how cottage living can be created in any space.

Achieving “cottage living” in your own home can as simple as pouring a glass of cold lemonade, but we’d like to recommend a few more essentials that are sure to whisk you away to a relaxing, and comforting oasis, both indoor and out.

1) Create an organic vibe

We’ve heard it all before…bring the outdoors in! On days where the weather is not up to par we find ourselves wanting to maintain the feeling of summer, which is where natural materials come in. There are many ways that you can incorporate nature into your home without literally dragging a tree into the middle of your living room. Reclaimed wood often finds itself rejuvenated in pieces of unique furniture, like a coffee table. If rustic style is not your thing then light and airy materials like cotton can also act as a canvas for a rich, luxurious feel of a vacation escape.

2) Mix and match your accessories

This is your opportunity to experiment! Adding your own style (or perhaps mixing two partners styles – check out our Couples Guide!), can be tricky because some things might not go together as well as you think. The key is to find a common denominator – a common colour, common material, or common theme will allow you to create a base for the rest of your design to follow. The important thing is to find pieces that speak to you, items that you can connect with or tell a story about.

3) Keep your light warm

When creating your cottage oasis, one element that is often overlooked is lighting. Playing around with different levels of lighting allows you to create a new atmosphere by directing light to certain areas. Light can create a warm, cozy glow in the corner of a room and add a sense of subtlety to the wholeness of a space. Table lamps, like the one featured, are a great accessory that allows you to change up the theme by lifting the shade and trying out a new one, not to mention the flexibility of being able to pick up the lamp and move it with just two hands. You may not always have beautiful daylight that penetrates your space, so creating a false sun with a warm, yellow incandescent bulb adds to the coziness and warmth of a space (and they do come Energy Star rated as a nice bonus!).

4) Create a hammock heaven

After a long day at work or just running around, nothing feels better than laying down and taking a nap. A hammock is a perfect way to enjoy nature, while experiencing the usual comforts of home. They are simple to install and can be located anywhere with a sturdy support system and some room to sway. Variation in patterns, sizes, and materials allow you to pick your desired style, and adding accessories such as pillows and blankets brings the whole thing to life. A hammock is an ultimate escape for relaxing in the warm summer breeze, enjoying a cold drink and perhaps curling up with a good book.

5) Unwind with a Muskoka Chair

Originally created in 1903, this iconic chair was created by Thomas Lee who was looking to add a better form of seating for his own cottage in the Adirondack Mountains near Westport, New York. The classic style provides direct seating with comfortable results and comes in a variety of colours and materials. Little to no maintenance is the key to this summer selection and allows you to enjoy your time off, rather than spending time up-keeping your precious furniture pieces.

6) Cool off with a Wine Barrel Cooler

Hosting can be a great way to enjoy the weather, enjoy great company and to show off your new “cottage living” space, but cleaning up and running back and forth can be a hassle. A wine barrel cooler is a great way to have access to refreshments without the need to burn yourself out! You can relax outside and not have to worry about taking care of everyone. The open top allows simple selection of drinks, while the insulated center barrel and exterior drainer does all the work for you!

Living in Canada, we take advantage of nature that surrounds us, not to mention the opportunity when beautiful weather arrives to enjoy it! No matter where your summer escape may be, these quick and simple “cottage living” tips will ensure an effortless place for you to escape to.

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