*****************************************************************

The secret of shabby chic décor is that it isn’t really a style at all. It basically consists of recycling old furniture, fabrics, and rugs that are worn, and even faded…but not frayed or torn. If you have been hit by this nasty economy, and are living with hand-me-down furniture and linens, you’ve got it made!  And if you haven’t been quite that lucky, never fear.  Garage sales, thrift shops, and flea markets will have everything you need, at a price you can afford!

******************************************************************

One of the nicest things about country cottage décor is the use of slipcovers. You don’t have to refinish, reupholster, or replace that sofa, easy chair, or ottoman.  You simply buy or make slipcovers…using a sturdy, washable fabric. Recover a few of your decorative throw pillows, and the whole room looks brand new.

You don’t have to buy new material, either.  Remnants, age-worn drapery fabrics, tablecloths, and even bed linens can be used to make your slipcovers. A piece from an old lace tablecloth or curtains can go right over your old pillows to give them a vintage look.

******************************************************************

Just about everyone, in all walks of life is having to contend with the weak economy, cost of living, and fear of job loss.  The way to survive this kind of uncertainty is simple. Keep living, but do it in an economical, money saving, and environment saving way. You will learn that you can still spruce up your home and not break the bank.  Over the next few weeks I will show you several design schemes on a budget.

Rustic décor is the topic for today.  If you live in a suburb, in the country, or in a rural community, rustic décor would be perfect for you. It is casual and comfortable, while still being chic and trendy. Best of all, it is quite affordable!

If you have invested in a summer home, there are several different cottage styles you might choose to decorate with. If you are on a body of water, Beach Cottage style would be appropriate. If the house is located in the country, you might try Country Cottage, Rustic Cottage, English Cottage, Garden Cottage, or French Country. If it is in a mountain setting, or a colder climate, Swedish Cottage would be perfect.

Perhaps you are going to live in your cottage all year round. You can still use any of the above themes, though you would probably spend a bit more and pay better attention to the fine details if this is going to be your permanent home. So now let’s consider the differences between these styles.

Beach cottage décor can mean different things, depending on which coast you live on. On the Atlantic side, you will find a more traditional look, with more rustic looking wood furniture. The wood can be left natural, or painted in the natural beach colors of blue, green, and sand. Wicker and bamboo, with highly colored and comfortable cushions would be appropriate. Nautical themes would include, navy, white, and seascape accessories.

On the Pacific side, you will find a much more casual and outdoors look. Dark wood and glass top tables, nothing formal, and chairs and sofas will be overstuffed and comfy in pale pastels or white. Modern accessories, outdoor dining, large patios, and huge windows are what you’ll need.

Country cottage begs for worn, recycled, and overstuffed furnishings. Colors can be anything you’d find in nature, with the addition of those soft, dusty blues. Fabrics are casual…plaids, stripes and checks. Vintage area rugs on hardwood floors, window shades and lacey curtains for the windows, and lots of snuggly throws will work here. Complete this homey picture with whimsical and sentimental memorabilia, dried flower arrangements and family photos.

Rustic cottage floors will be of stone or wood and covered with handcrafted rugs for color. Your color scheme should reflect the natural greens, browns and grays of the forest, with accents of gold, orange, and autumn reds. Concentrate those accents on fabrics and accessories. Pine furniture with rough finishes and cushions covered with country scenery will be comfortable and simple. A kitchen table with bench seating, rockers, and ladderback chairs are appropriate. Accessorize with pine cones, acorns, and dried flowers in big baskets. Don’t forget some needlework and a hurricane lamp or two.

The English country cottage look will stick with a fall color scheme. Greens, browns, rusts, yellows and oranges, a large fireplace, and a few antiques will add that cozy old-fashioned look. You want lots of baskets, dried flowers, wall shelves covered with knick knacks, and short café curtains on your windows.

French country cottage uses red, blue, green and yellow, with black accents. The walls should be finished in a rough stucco. Furniture can be natural dark wood or painted in a light color, often with hand painted details. Fabrics can be of chintz, toile, or a nice calico, with overall patterns. Mix them with some stripes or checks. Roosters are a popular accessory, as well as formal flower arrangements.

Swedish Cottage is wonderful for that cabin in a cold climate. Think light and airy in all you do here. The idea is to brighten up those dark, long, Scandinavian winters, so your colors will be whites and pale blues, with pastel accents in greens, yellows, and lavenders. Fabrics will be tiny prints on natural fabrics with white backgrounds. Floors can be whitewashed, pickled or stenciled, and adorned with loosely woven floral or striped throw rugs. Furniture is painted white or off white and made from white pine, birch or alder. This will be the least cluttered of the cottage looks.

Hopefully, this will help you decide which cottage look is best suited to your home, your needs and your tastes. Happy decorating!