If you like the crisp and relaxing look of the cottage decorating style, then you're not alone. It has become very popular in recent years, and a lot of people are decorating their homes in this style even if they don't live in a cottage! Here are five cottage decorating ideas that will help you add unique appeal to your home, no matter what type of home it is.

1. Beach Theme

One popular cottage decorating style is to go with a beach theme. Here you want to use colors that are reminiscent of the beach. So you might use a pale yellow to reflect the sun; light blues are reminiscent of the sky; and tans make the viewer think of beach sand. Decorate your walls with prints or paintings of the ocean or beach scenes, and be sure to display seashells and lots of interesting containers and bowls around the room.

2. Garden Theme

Another cottage style that reflects a rural background is the garden theme. Here we recommend the dominant color be a pale green. Even so, pale yellow is always nice and can brighten up the home like a sunny garden. Be sure to have lots of framed prints of flowers and plants as well as real houseplants around your home. Use your imagination and decorate with items you might find in the garden such as benches, waterfalls, and watering cans.

3. Interesting Vases

One favorite cottage decorating idea that will go with any kind of theme is to use interesting items as vases for floral arrangements. This can be very cost-effective because you can get a lot of items that have minor damage but are still beautiful to display at yard sales and antique malls. Some great items to use include old chocolate pots that perhaps have a small chip or are missing the lid (you won't need the lid anyway because you'll be putting flowers in it), old silverplate teapots or any type of teapot and French watering cans. If you are going to use a dried floral arrangement or silk flowers, you can even use items that won't hold water such as old Victorian boots.

4. Slipcovers

Slipcovers are a great idea for any cottage decorating theme because they are easy to care for and, these days, come in many different patterns and styles. They can be purchased for the couch as well as chairs and Ottomans (Ottomen?) and the best part is, if you get more than one, you can change them out for different seasons or when you become bored with the decor.

5. Vintage Appeal

Look in any decorating magazine and you'll find that cottage decorating ideas are full of vintage accessories. You can use vintage linens to soften up the place and vintage architectural pieces to add drama. Typically, for a cottage look choose vintage items that are painted with a worn, chippy look. Some vintage wire, wicker or wrought iron chairs and tables may make great accents. When you're buying vintage pieces, make sure you inspect them for damage and to make sure that they are good sturdy pieces.