Favorites
My Account
My Account
High Contrast
IdeasStyle Trial: Coastal and Cottage
Whether you’re inland or oceanside, you might love the décor elements associated with coastal and cottage styles. Eclectic materials, soft pastel colors and natural woods — what’s not to love about these casual, comfortable looks?
Our merchant Lindsay just posted about creating a seaside escape, and in this edition of the Style Trial series, I’m helping you embrace the similarities and decipher differences between coastal and cottage. Feel free to merge these overlapping styles in any way that’s uniquely you. Or, better yet, toss in some of these elements with modern and contemporary or traditional and transitional styles!
What is “coastal”?
You can almost hear the waves crashing against the beach when you style a room with maritime-inspired accents, driftwood and other local objects, such as seashells or Mason jars filled with sand or sea glass. Weathered and watered-down colors and finishes on the décor also elevate the coastal feel. Graphic touches such as chevron or Moroccan patterns on pillows and fabrics add boldness to this otherwise relaxing style. If you think boardwalks, sandy beaches and sunsets, you’re picturing coastal.
What is “cottage”?
This homey and comforting style encapsulates a variety of looks. This style is never the same for everyone because it often hinges on curated personal or found objects and family heirlooms. Floral and casual patterns on fabrics and accent pieces give a cozy, cottage feel. Painted or colorful furniture is characteristic of cottage style. Natural and distressed woods also are common, as are items that have been passed down through the generations, like a vintage wicker rocking chair.
To clarify this style even further, I should mention that it’s actually a subset of “country.”
Wait, wait. So what’s “country”?
Country is an overarching style that encompasses vintage, cottage and green looks. It’s very popular because of its accessibility and comfort. Think repurposed and reused elements, natural woods with varied grain strengths and a mix of textures. Sounds like coastal and cottage, right?
How do I tell the difference?
Ask yourself the following questions, and you’ll have a good idea where your style stands.
One of the greatest things about designing a space is taking elements from different styles that speak to you or your family’s personality. It doesn’t matter how you blend the style as long as it makes you feel at home. Even though I live in the country, I bring a bit of coastal style into my home with a large handmade bowl filled with sea glass from Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Find your own coastal and cottage inspiration on our Seaside Nest and Cozy Cottage Pinterest boards.
Not sure if these are your styles? Take our interior design style quiz to learn more about other styles, or check out the other Style Trial posts to find the best fit.
Ready for more? We’ll investigate our last style pairing, rustic and industrial, next week.
Top images from Honey I’m Home and Mom 4 Real.
Our merchant Lindsay just posted about creating a seaside escape, and in this edition of the Style Trial series, I’m helping you embrace the similarities and decipher differences between coastal and cottage. Feel free to merge these overlapping styles in any way that’s uniquely you. Or, better yet, toss in some of these elements with modern and contemporary or traditional and transitional styles!
You can almost hear the waves crashing against the beach when you style a room with maritime-inspired accents, driftwood and other local objects, such as seashells or Mason jars filled with sand or sea glass. Weathered and watered-down colors and finishes on the décor also elevate the coastal feel. Graphic touches such as chevron or Moroccan patterns on pillows and fabrics add boldness to this otherwise relaxing style. If you think boardwalks, sandy beaches and sunsets, you’re picturing coastal.
What is “cottage”?
This homey and comforting style encapsulates a variety of looks. This style is never the same for everyone because it often hinges on curated personal or found objects and family heirlooms. Floral and casual patterns on fabrics and accent pieces give a cozy, cottage feel. Painted or colorful furniture is characteristic of cottage style. Natural and distressed woods also are common, as are items that have been passed down through the generations, like a vintage wicker rocking chair.
To clarify this style even further, I should mention that it’s actually a subset of “country.”
Wait, wait. So what’s “country”?
Country is an overarching style that encompasses vintage, cottage and green looks. It’s very popular because of its accessibility and comfort. Think repurposed and reused elements, natural woods with varied grain strengths and a mix of textures. Sounds like coastal and cottage, right?
How do I tell the difference?
Ask yourself the following questions, and you’ll have a good idea where your style stands.
| Coastal | Cottage | |
| How do I describe it? | Tranquil, maritime, weather-worn, casual | Casual-comfort, eclectic, homey |
| What colors are prominent? | Clean, crisp whites; soft yellows; and vibrant water tones | Complementary colors range from pastel to bright |
| What materials will I frequently see? | Lightweight linens and aged woods, weathered and watered-down color and finishes on upholstery and furniture | Painted or colorful finishes and woods that are worn or feature a natural, distressed finish |
| What statement piece best describes this style? | A buoy glass table lamp for a great mix of nautical color and texture | Repurposed, vintage apothecary jars |
| I can pick one pattern to exemplify this style. What is it? | An aqua-hued Moroccan pattern | A cheery, bold coral-toned floral pattern |
One of the greatest things about designing a space is taking elements from different styles that speak to you or your family’s personality. It doesn’t matter how you blend the style as long as it makes you feel at home. Even though I live in the country, I bring a bit of coastal style into my home with a large handmade bowl filled with sea glass from Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Find your own coastal and cottage inspiration on our Seaside Nest and Cozy Cottage Pinterest boards.
Not sure if these are your styles? Take our interior design style quiz to learn more about other styles, or check out the other Style Trial posts to find the best fit.
Ready for more? We’ll investigate our last style pairing, rustic and industrial, next week.
Top images from Honey I’m Home and Mom 4 Real.
Get Social
Favorites
