Cabin-style décor can have many variations depending on personal taste, but one thing is for sure: comfort, ease of living and a cozy feeling take precedence. The style lends itself well to small spaces, whether you live in a house, condo, or apartment. My husband and I have decorated our 11 homes during our 25 years of marriage in various variations of cottage style and have found it to be a flexible and affordable way to create a comforting and welcoming home.
That his Favorite cabin style?
Romantic: Think lots of colorful flowers on everything from upholstery to plaid to dishes to bedding. Colors are usually soft pastels of pink, peach, green, and pink, but can be more vibrant shades of gold, burgundy, and deep green. Antique wooden furniture with smooth curves is often mixed with curvy wrought iron doors and beds. Furniture finishes can be original dark wood, or painted white or a favorite color.
Eclectic: Think of the owners’ cleverly arranged collections, both in furniture and accessories. Treasured items purchased during the holidays or at flea markets and art fairs are proudly displayed. The owner’s favorite colors are also used. Upon entering this home, one has a sense of “personal style”.
Beach: Very easy! This could include a lot of white and blue, and perhaps a touch of yellow or red. Furniture lines are often simple and a bit rustic in keeping with the casual beach lifestyle. Think white slipcovered sofas, blue striped cushions, painted hardwood floors with sisal rugs, Adirondack chairs, and of course, shells displayed in interesting bins.
Garden: Cabins are often combined on both the inside and outside for a comfortable “garden” look. Just do inside what your garden is doing outside! Think cabbage rose prints on sheets, vines and leaves patterned on a wall, birdhouses and trellis. Textures found in nature include wicker, rattan, or branch furniture.
English: This style of cottage is aristocratic, the result of downsizing by the landed gentry after changing economic circumstances, a mixture of the grand with the cosy. Think grand armoires, floral camel-back sofas with rolled arms, leather-bound books, and generational family photos. A faded look of age including oriental rugs and upholstered stools and chair seats is typical.
pitiful chic: This style was started by Rachel Ashwell. Typically includes lots of white walls with pale pink, green and robin’s egg blue linens and accessories, whimsical antique chandeliers with crystals, white baggy slipcovers, distressed painted furniture, with a touch of Old World French flair added for the charm. .
Modern: Forget cozy clutter. This one has furniture with clean modern lines but perhaps accentuated with a touch of softness and favorite colors in the cushions or textured throws on the sofa. Some carefully chosen and favorite accessories and art are present, but not overwhelming.
Cabin/Camp: If a cozy retreat in the woods is your passion, this is the cabin style for you. Knotty pine walls and bookshelves, berry red and forest green plaid blankets, twig furniture, and Native American artifacts like arrowheads are the hallmarks of the camp cabin look.
Ancient: Generational black and white family photos, lace drapes and tablecloths, vintage furniture heirloomed from the family, and distressed floral drapes used for upholstery fabric make this Cottage look. Collections may include antique figurines, ceramics, scarves, and jewelry.
English: This style combines tradition with a twist. The graceful curves of some furniture combine with other durable farmhouse furniture for a refined yet rustic look. Colors often include mustard and royal blue. Canvas prints on fabrics and wallpaper are popular.
No matter which Cottage Style variation is your favoriteArtfully arranging your personal things, you’ll be on your way to your own cozy and comfortable cabin-style home.
c2005 Kathryn Bechen. All rights reserved throughout the world.
