Decorating an all-season cottage is different than styling your summer cottage. You have to balance those colder months by the fire with those summer months when you want it light and bright. You don’t have to give up style when looking for durability and functionality however.
Consider seating. The cottage has to be welcoming, whether you are entertaining friends or just cuddling up with the family on the sofa. I turned to Mirens (www.mirens.com), an online furniture store, to find just the right pieces. I selected two, three-seater sofas because you can seat more people and they are the perfect length for an afternoon nap. For the cottage you want durable, easy-to-clean fabrics. I decided on a weaved fabric in an oatmeal colour. The fabric adds texture, hides the sand and is warm in colder months. The light colour keeps the cottage looking light and breezy. I chose a stylish and comfy reading chair for added seating. Patterned blue pillows tie it all together for a perfect all-season cottage look.
To create a modern and bright cottage, we kept the wall colour light and painted out the brick fireplace with Para’s JoJo whitewash. This look is perfect for any season.
I added a shelf unit behind the sofa from Mirens as well. It offers easy-access storage, perfect for cottage living, and can double as extra counter space when entertaining.
I got creative with cottage accessories. White stick floor lamps from Mirens are a great example of how you can incorporate modern, nature-like pieces in your space. Just because you are in a cottage doesn’t mean it has to be rustic.
Bringing the outdoors in is not a new concept, but adding tree branches from the property is a budget-friendly way to add a whimsical spin on accent decor. In the fall months, coloured leaf branches will transform and add warmth to your space without having to change anything else in the room.
To make the cottage easy to clean, in the summer months remove the rug and in the colder months, add in a rug, to keep the cottage cozy and warm. Don’t be afraid to use an outdoor rug in the cottage, you can find some really fun ones and when it gets dirty, simply take it outside to shake it off or hose it down! All of the pillows have removable covers, making them easy to remove and throw in the washer at home. The lacquer finish on the coffee table and shelving unit and the glass top on the side tables keep messes manageable with a quick wipe-down. The reading chair is a vinyl fabric, making it family (and pet) friendly.
The point of an all-season cottage is to escape and enjoy peaceful surrounding year-round. Make sure you love your space and feel good in it. A stylish design can also be functional!
