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Get The Look! Cottage Style Family or Living Room

June 03, 2016

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Get that cottage style look in your family or living room

Embrace pattern. Mix and match texture.

Add color and a country floral sofa to achieve the room of your design dreams.

Get The Look Cottage Style Decor Text over cottage style family room

I'm a cottage style girl.

There's just something about that particular decor that makes my house feel like a home.

And since I live in an actual cottage, built in the 1920's, it definitely fits.

My family room is one of my favorite spaces, full of charm. It's tiny, but it lives large with a window seat nook, sliding pocket doors, tons of color and a giant floral couch.

Yup. Flowers.

On my couch.

I know, I know, white couches are all the rage ~ and I do own one ~ but frankly, it doesn't have the personality that my floral one possesses.

It's probably deemed dated in many circles, but there's something about colorful, patterned fabric that makes me swoon.

That busy sofa is the centerpiece of my Cottage Style Family Room and after almost fifteen years, it still makes me smile when I catch a glimpse of it.

Tips To Achieving a Cottage Style Look


Of course, decorating around a large, heavily patterned piece can be a challenge, but the essence of cottage style is mixing not matching.

Layering contrasting textiles on top of one another is key. The more collected and eclectic the pieces, the better.

My couch came with eight pillows. Super generous and lucky for me since pillows are another hallmark of cottage style!

I was able to pick the fabric and trim and I stuck to the basics. Even in a cottage room a few neutral pieces are a must.

They provide a base on which to layer.

I figured if I got tired of them, I could always recover them or add accents to them in the future, but so far (at least a decade later) basic still works.

I have added a few cozy throws and a bolster pillow, which will be changed out shortly, due to my husband's sharp elbows, thank you very much.

However, overall, I am pleased with the room and haven't had any desire to alter it.

Torn Bolster Pillow
 
Except.

Well, for the past several years, the room has been dressed with red gingham curtains.

They were simple valances I picked up years ago at a local discount curtain shop. They have served me well, but this year when I replaced my kitchen curtains, I suddenly had a desire to lighten up the family room as well.

Especially since the rooms open up into each other.

The fabric is plain, but textured for interest. It was also dirt cheap.

Now, I am not an enthusiastic seamstress, but cheap is a great motivator. Plus rod pocket panels are ridiculously easy to make...sew or no sew.

Rod Pocket Linen Valance Curtain On a window

I didn't line the curtains.

They are airy and let in a ton of sunshine.

They also have a more rustic look this way. Now the whole family room has a different feel.

Even with the wolves, decoys and fishing prints on the wall, that one swap took the room from "lodge cottage" to "garden cottage" in no time flat.

Cottage Style family room with large floral couch

I was so excited with my new look, I wanted to take it a bit further.

I swapped out the lamp shade with one from another room, added a mirror where some pictures used to hang and grabbed a pillow from the living room and popped it on the window seat.

A total transformation for less than ten bucks...and that includes the apples!

They add a little life to the room and I don't have to worry about watering them.

That poor little rose bush is already on borrowed time. Just kidding. I've actually learned how to keep those grocery store mini roses alive and blooming.

Apples in a bowl on a small coffee table

The new curtains update the space perfectly, look great against the window frames that still need to be painted years after their installation (real life here people) and accent my pretty posy covered couch so it really stands out!

No hiding those flowers now, huh?

Pssst- This room got a total garden makeover recently with floral wallpaper and a new patterned sofa

Cottage Decor Family Room with large floral sofa

And seriously.

I wouldn't want to.

Cottage Style Den with floral couch and small coffee table

Do you have cottage style?

If you're into cottage style, here's some more eye candy for you!


Beach cottage dining room table and chairs


Shabby white table and chairs


Wicker chairs with red cushions and pillows under a red umbrella


Happy Decorating, Friends!
Kim Signature


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  1. I love a floral couch too and yours is lovely. I like cottage style and I think that you have done a great job with your house. I think that the new valances are perfect. The little dose of real life is refreshing.

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    1. Thanks Lorri!! I am glad you like my real life! I have been bugging my husband to paint those window frames forever and whenever he tells me he's ready, I say NO!! We are having company or I can't deal with that mess today. So really it's all my fault, but it's easier to blame him! Shhh! ;)

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  2. I love your floral couch - very cottagy???? The light valances made it so light and airy,

    Good job,

    Judy

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    1. Thank you Judy! I love that word...cottagy!! That's me!! :)

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  3. Hi Kim, love the cottage look. Used to have it all over, flowers and all, but have tried to update and sometimes I wonder if I've gone off the deep end too far. Something is missing when there isn't that warm coziness and I am trying to put some back without going off the deep end in another way..Have a wonderful weekend..Judy

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    1. Hi Judy! Well, there's wonder all over the place, because I am always wondering if I should be updating. Should I lose the cottage decor and change over to the industrial farmhouse look that's all the rage? Then I come to my senses and fall into my comfy, cozy (if sligthly out of style) couch and say no way!! ;)

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  4. Cottage style is my FAVORITE!! I just feel it's so cozy and warm...love your floral sofa and the new curtains!

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    1. Thanks so much!! Cottage style is warm and cozy…it’s what I crave! :)

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  5. It is simply lovely. I think cottage style is comforting and definitely says home sweet home.i enjoy your blog.

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    1. Home sweet floral home, that's for sure, Sherry...and thank you for your sweet comment. I am so happy you enjoy your visits! :)

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  6. How nice it is to see true cottage style in all it's mix and matchiness. Great room!

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    1. Thank you, Patty! You just made my day! :)

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  7. Your room looks very homey, comfortable and welcoming. I had a floral sofa at one point but it just wasn't me. I love florals but the busyness of the print gets to me after a while. My husband couldn't believe we'd paid good money for a sofa and within a couple of months his crazy wife was covering it up with a king sized quilt, lol! So a plain sofa for me with patterned pillows. Pillows are much easier to slipcover than sofas are!

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    1. I agree, Kim! Couches are way too hard to slipcover and florals are definitely not for everyone. Glad you found your happy medium! :)

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  8. I happen to love that floral couch. My grandmother had a beautiful floral love seat and a wing backed chair with claw feet in a similar print and to this day when I see furniture like yours it takes me back :)

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    1. Thanks Deb...and I'm glad that it brought back some sweet memories! :)

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  9. I love your floral sofa. If I ever come across a floral slipcover, at the right price, right colors I would be happy to recover my little loveseat sofa. Your post has inspired me to do some redecorating. :-) I think your room is lovely.

    Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thanks Lorraine! I think a floral slipcover sounds fabulous!! Too bad I'm not that talented a seamstress or I would whip one up. I certainly have enough fabric! ;)

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  10. Cottage style all the way for me, Kim. Your family room looks so cozy and inviting. I actually really love small spaces and I can really see myself hanging out there!

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    1. You are welcome to visit and hang out in there anytime, JoAnne! :)

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  11. A cottage home deserves a cottage style look.
    That sofa fits perfectly and looks comfy too.
    I could curl up with a good book any time . . .
    And a nap to go with it!

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    1. I completely agree, Lynne and I have napped in there often! That window seat is narcotic! :)

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  12. I like cottage style too! It suits me! I try to balance out the florals in my cottge, for my husbands sake, but I love your floral couch!


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    1. I do that too, Deanna...lots of decoys and fishing fly prints in that room to balance it all out. Although as long as he has his giant tv, he's good!! :)

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  13. Since our recent remodel I guess my kitchen at least is more farmhouse style but I have so many different styles mixed together.

    I noticed your trim right away but thought it was on purpose! When we remodeled, I had all new trim installed, stained it a gorgeous light honey color then sealed it. I absolutely love it!
    I did get rid of my floral sofa. I'd had it for years & was tired of trying to keep it clean. Now I have a dark gray leather sofa that looks great with my decor.....not very cottage style but perfect for us.

    I love your decor! It looks so welcoming & comfortable as well as pretty & pleasing to look at. I love how our homes reflect what we each love.

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    1. That's so funny, Jenny...when this sofa goes, it's already been decided that the next one will be leather. Well, that's where we're (he's!) leaning anyway! However, I'm pretty sure that floral couch still has a few good years left in it! ;)

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  14. I love your floral couch....I have one too! It is the centerpiece of my room and what the room was decorated around. After 18 years I have no plans on changing it. I guess that room is my cottage style with a mishmash of other styles everywhere else!

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    1. Let's hear it for those floral sofas, AnnMarie!!

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  15. I really love how different curtains can really change the look of a room. I love your pretty floral coach and the color scheme.
    I would say my LR is a traditional style. I have my same couch after 20 years and I have changed my curtains too!

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    1. It's amazing how one small element can really make a difference, isn't it? I am always awed by that kind of change!! :)

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  16. Kim,
    I do love cottage style and your floral sofa!
    You have such a natural of decorating, writing and being a fantastic blog friend. I would love to visit you and enjoy your warm, welcoming and airy style:)
    Seems as though I am a mix of many styles and right now I am looking around and thinking to myself am I Farmhouse, French country or what!
    Have a fabulous weekend!
    xo
    Jemma

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    1. Jemma, thank you for those sweet words, you have just made me smile from ear to ear!! I adore your style, your kitchen is absolutely spectacular. I think your style, label or not, is just perfect!! :)

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  17. In my opinion, you shouldn't ever feel compelled to cover anything with flowers...
    Brenda

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  18. Kim, nope don't hide that floral! I still have a floral love seat in my living room and I have not grown tired of it either. Cottage style is so warm and cozy! I have touches of it here and there throughout my home, but I would say that only my living room and one guest bedroom are truly cottage style.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. I know that it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I am drawn to that cottage style and all it's touches! It is warm and cozy and I bet your love seat is fabulous!

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  19. Hi Kim! Yep, I'm in the pattern lovers club. Neutral is lovely as well, and I even had neutral living room furniture for awhile. I really felt my room lacked personality when I had it. But one day I walked past a plaid sofa and floral love seat and back to pattern I went and never looked back! It's what makes me feel cozy in my home - so glad there is a style for everyone! Your room is gorgeous and so charming.

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    1. Jane, you are too kind! I admit I am smitten with pattern. The living room used to sport white and red plaid sofas and then I went neutral, too. I miss those plaid pieces sometimes, but time marches on and I have bright flowers to swoon over in the den. Maybe I just need more pillows in the living room! ;)

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  20. Hi Kim, I love your floral sofa and I sure love cottage style too mixed with French country. It's such a close style in charm and your home is such an inspiration. Your room looks beautiful, cozy and very inviting. This look is certainly the style I love too.
    Have a happy Sunday. xo

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    1. Thanks so much, Celestina! It's a fun look. I know that it's not everyone's cup of tea...but variety is the spice of life...or so they say! ;)
      Happy Sunday my friend!

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  21. I definitely like the cottage style and you've nailed it here! I like your floral sofa too. My mom had a similar one and I kind of wish I'd taken it off her hands when she got a new one. :) I agree that cottage style is all about mixing, not matching and I love that about it!

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    1. Thank you, Lisa!! I don’t think I have seen a floral piece in a furniture shop is years! It’s a novelty for sure, but I love it! :)

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  22. We live in a large Texas style house but in my heart of hearts it's pure cottage. ♥

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    1. Your home it is absolutely charming, Stacey!

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  23. I love cottage style. That is what our home is as well. We have the rustic cottage style look.
    I learn so much from you. I really love the curtains. It is time for me to change ours. I like your idea and have a feeling I will be a copy cat.

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    1. Well, of course you’re a cottage girl. Somehow, I just knew that. Maybe it’s gardening! ;) And thank you for your sweet words, they have just made my Monday…and copy away!!

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  24. I think your room looks English cottage. Florals and plaids... A good sofa lasts forever. The one on my porch is about 20 years old with down cushions, and the one in the living room is the same and it is thirteen. They were both from Ballards. This year, I bought my first new set of Ballard's "Vintage Vogue" slipcovers for the one on the porch. It will probably go another ten. xoxo Su

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    1. I love English cottages, Su. Beamed ceiling, fireplaces in every room, well worn, comfy, patterned furniture. That is just my style! I even have the ivy! ;)

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  25. Everything about the living room is so cozy, and it has character! Many of the styles nowadays are lacking character, and emotion. Your cottage style is wonderful, I love it, it radiates home and coziness! I do love your floral couch! :) My motto is - if I love something, it stays and I make it work somehow :) Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Thanks so much!! I agree with you...if you love it, then it's perfect! No matter the trend of style of the day. :)

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  26. I love your cottage living room! Florals are back big time so you are right on trend! They never go out to me. It's really silly if you think about it because we always have flowers outside in the summer. We don't say no, not planting any flowers this year, they say they are too busy. I am just going to enjoy looking at the dirt! LOL!!

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    1. Jan, I am literally laughing out loud, hysterically in my chair, because you are so right!!! Oh my gosh, no flowers this year, they are too busy!! You are a funny girl! Made my day!! ☺️

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  27. I love your room and your posie/cozy couch!!! The curtains are light and soft looking...just perfect. It's funny, I put up ivory colored valances this summer too, but they look just fine with my flowerdy stuff :^) I also have some of the red stuff out...it looks good to me!! Much better than looking at dirt LOL!
    Blessings,
    J

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    1. Thank you so much, J! Haha. You make me laugh. I love to read your comments. I agree about the dirt. Wasn't that a funny comment. No one would ever complain about flowers in the garden, but they're dated decor in my house. Such silliness!! I bet your ivory valances look great! Great minds and all...

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  28. Your room is for sure saying "cottage". Love the couch too!! I don't really have style. I am thinking about farmhouse for my kitchen though. It is old and old goes well with farmhouse. We will see :)

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    1. I love farmhouse, Karen!! I always think that my kitchen is really a cottage/ farmhouse blend! Is that a thing? ;)

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  29. Kim, I am a cottage girl too and I love your sofa! My bedroom is and more than likely will always be English cottage or as near as I can make it. I clicked over to the post showing your red curtains and they look so cozy too, probably felt just right in the winter months. But I can see why you love the lighter ones that let in more light. What shade is your green paint on the walls? I love green paint and how it changes with the light throughout the day.

    Our rooms were definitely cottage/farmhouse in our TN house and my bedroom, as I said, still is here. It's hard to pull off a cottage look in this big house in FL we're renting now but when we move into a smaller one, we're hoping a bungalow type, I'm going to get that look back again. I've pulled out all my books and magazine pics I've saved and am dreaming cottage style again. And somehow my red leather sofa has got to fit in, even if I'm loving pinks and greens again. After all, red is just a darker shade of pink, isn't it?

    Dewena

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    1. Red, pink…it’s all good…especially in the spring and summertime!! You’re right, the darker red alway felt wintery to me and this summer I wanted to do something about it. Like my kitchen roosters, those checks have been cleaned and pressed and are ready for their cozy fall return! The green paint is Palladian Green. It’s a Ralph Lauren color and I just love it, even after all these years!

      And I love the sound of that red leather sofa!! :)

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  30. The change at the windows is perfect. I really like the light look for the room. I've always wanted a window seat.

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    1. I do love that window seat, Carol. It's a great place to nap! ;) Thank you for the visit and the sweet comment!

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  31. I do indeed like the cottage look! Who cares if white couches are all the rage - it's what you like and feel comfortable with, not what is "popular" in current design. I think your floral couch is just lovely. It's pretty, cottagey, and very comfortable looking. Great job on the new valances, too. I got you beat on the window frames - ours are the original frames of the house! Twenty-seven years old and that horrible, ugly, fake wood veneer. :-o

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    1. Thanks Melanie. I agree…go with what you like! Our unpainted window frame is going on five or six years now and there are no plans to paint in the near future!! I also have unpainted french doors and an unpainted front door. I don’t see those getting painted any time soon either!! Can you tell we’re not big painters over here? ;)

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  32. I have always loved your sofa. So pretty! Your living room looks beautiful with your new valances. Take care, Maria

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    1. Thank you, Maria Elena! I am certainly not the best seamstress, but I do really like my new valances. :)

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  33. I must have cottage style. A while back I had 3 sets of slipcovers made, a white set, a set from material from Ballard Designs and the 3rd set that if not the same material as yours then they are kissing cousins. So I love your couch and everything else in the room. It looks very comfortable, warm and welcoming.

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    1. Thanks so much, Debra! Here's to a little flower power! :)

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  34. Such simple changes but they look awesome in your beautiful room.

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  35. Thank you for joining us pretty lady at TOHOT!
    J.

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  36. I love cottage, too but have updated to a more current cottage look....your room looks very nice....hope you will come over to my place as I don't come back after leaving a comment.
    Thanks so much.

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    1. Thanks so much for the visit, BJ. Cottage style has so many variations and I think I have a lot of them mixed together in my own home. I bet yours looks lovely!! Just popped back from your blog. Pearls and pot pie…fabulous!! :)

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  37. Your couch is wonderful and it looks like the perfect place to stake a nap or do some reading.
    I love any style that creates that feeling :)
    You have done that!
    Happy TOHOT!

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    1. Thanks, Laura! I have napped there many times! ;)

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  38. I absolutely love this sofa..totally my style..wish I could come across things like that here but Toile is never going to be a thing you would see here in Portugal, the style of the furniture yes but they prefer to work with leather! sofa chesterfield

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    1. Leather is lovely, too. I have often considered it and may do so when this one wears out, but yes, I do love flowers. Toile would be great, too!

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