New Cottage Style: Decorating Ideas for Casual, Comfortable Living

by Better Homes and Gardens (Editor)

Decorating ideas to achieve a cottage look that’s clean, simple, and light.
New and remodeled homes that incorporate cottage style via architectural features and easy decorating choices.
Secrets to creating harmony and simplicity with paint, furniture, fabrics, and accessories.
Examples of projects in the country, the woods, suburbia, and oceanfront locations.
Practical ideas and decorating techniques to create a comfortable getaway look.
Effective color schemes that achieve a serene palette.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Interior Design, Design, Adult

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2005

About the author

Better Homes and Gardens is the fourth best selling magazine in the United States. Better Homes and Gardens focuses on interests regarding homes, cooking, gardening, crafts, healthy living, decorating, and entertaining. The magazine is published 12 times per year by the Meredith Corporation. It was founded in 1922 by Edwin Meredith, who had previously been the United States Secretary of Agriculture under Woodrow Wilson.

Better Homes and Gardens is one of the "Seven Sisters", a group of women's service magazines.

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book full of decorating inspiration!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many lovely photographs and good suggestions. I liked that the book has ideas for American, French, and English cottage style. There are also good ideas for flea market finds and for repurposing or sprucing up what one already has. They suggest that collectors use what they collect, rather than just displaying the items. I've been doing that a lot more lately and think it's a great idea. Rather than storing our grandmothers' 1930-40s tablecloths in a closet, I'm using them now on our covered patio. They lend a very cottage look and remind us of our dear grandmothers every time we sit down to eat outside. In previous years, I would have been aghast at the thought of painting antique furniture, but their Eastlake bed painted black is absolutely stunning.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Good renditions of cottage style. Published in 2012, so some of it feels a little dated but the basic principles of this style are timeless and were represented well here. I love to see the classic pieces being used in new ways that help keep things fresh. Good book overall.

[Deb (Bee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great ideas. Wonderful designs that are easy to incorporate. Thanks.....

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice, large, color photos. Some lovely ideas too.

[Robin Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great pictures. Each chapter is a different house. Really enjoyed the book, but it didnt provide much help to decorate my home in cottage style.

[Audrey Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK! THIS HAS SO VERY MUCH INFORMATION THAT I HAVE TRIED TO COMPILE OVER THE YEARS! I LOVE THIS STYLE OF DECORATING AND THIS LOOK IN MY HOME. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CONFUSED ON HOW TO COMBINE THE LOOKS SINCE I LIKE A COMBINATION OF THE DIFFERENT ONES. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THAT WAS NORMAL AND YOU COULD MIX THEM IN A WAY THAT MAKES THEM YOUR OWN AND YET STILL "COTTAGE"! I AM THRILLED!! I LOVE THIS BOOK AND AM SO THANKFUL I FOUND IT AND BOUGHT IT!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good ideas and pretty pictures.

[Jenny xoxo]

I like this decor book - lots of good beachy ideas

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Has lots of great ideas.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lots of interesting decorating schemes and ideas that seem affordable for most people, or at least will inspire you with what to do with what you already have.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good advice. Practical bits!

[Cherop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely photos but I would have appreciated more information on kitchen and bathroom ideas.

[Keishua · Rating 2 out of 5]

le sigh. still fussy homes

[Keira Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buying this!

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Overly designed homes, usually accompanied by excessively bright colors. Not inspiring.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly my style! Great photography, simple tips that are actually sensible and attainable.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

love cottage!