• Cottage design is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere.patchwork quilt and pillows image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  The cottage style of home decorating is all about bringing nature and the countryside indoors and creating a room design that looks like it's been around for years. Mismatched, battered-looking furniture is combined with natural materials and fabrics in cottage-style decorating. The theme can be achieved with designer items or thrift-store finds.
  Cottage and shabby chic design schemes are similar. However, shabby chic focuses on French styling and formerly grand items that have fallen into slight disrepair. A country cottage style focuses on creating changes to turn a room into a cozy haven.
  
  

Chintz Fabric

• Mix and match contrasting fabrics.bolts of fabric image by Scott Williams from Fotolia.com
  
  Chintz fabric, which is printed, glazed cotton or calico cloth, is the key to creating a cottage-style design theme. It can be used on sofas, quilts, curtains, tablecloths, cushions and throws. Try to stick to the same color palette, but go wild with the combination of fabrics. Chintz-type fabrics often feature patterns of florals and plaids. Mix and match contrasting patterns to create the traditional cottage feel. Try varying the size of fabric patterns, too. If your sofa's upholstery has a pattern of small flowers, pair it with cushions featuring larger flowers.
  
  

Open Displays

• Pot racks are useful and versatile.italian kitchen image by araraadt from Fotolia.com
  
  Open displays play a big part in any cottage-themed room. In the kitchen, opt for open dressers, wall-hung plate racks and hanging pot racks. In the bathroom, use open linen storage shelves and wicker baskets for cosmetics. Using bookcases or display cabinets in living spaces provides storage and a way to show off your prized possessions.
  
  

Mismatched Furniture

• Natural materials link the cottage theme to nature.furniture image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com
  
  Cottage style emphasizes mismatched furniture over a coordinating set. Each piece of furniture is meant to stand alone; therefore, many different styles of furnishings are appropriate. Use natural materials such as wood, wrought iron and wicker. If an item is shabby or slightly weathered, it will fit in perfectly with the overall design.
  
  

Light-Colored Walls

• Muted wall colors offer a blank backdrop for cottage style.Perfumery on a night little table in a bedroom image by terex from Fotolia.com
  
  Light shades of paint or patterns of wallpaper complement a cottage design scheme instead of competing with it. Any paint or wallpaper likely will be set against brightly colored furniture and heavily patterned fabrics. Having walls in warm, light shades also will make the space more welcoming.