Have you ever spent your vacation at a cottage by a lake? If so, you know the relaxing and comforting feeling of spending time in a beautiful setting. The following is a reflection of the fond memories I have of spending a couple of weeks each summer at a Minnesota lake cottage.
What did I like about that cottage? I liked the simple casual décor which was a mixture of hand-me-downs and antiques that had been in the cottage for years. I liked the rustic feel of the paneling in the living room which had outlived its popularity.
The living room was a mixture of furniture including an antiqued open-shelf cabinet, a small rocking chair, and a heavy steel-framed couch. There was also a small, round antique ice cream table with two chairs. Colorful pillows added a nice touch to the cottage style decorating.
The kitchen had been somewhat modernized but still required hand washing dishes and getting ice cubes out of a tray! Another family member had "antiqued" the kitchen table using red paint and had also added red and white checked curtains and tablecloth to match. The table was a sturdy, square wooden table that was very durable. The kitchen also had a white wooden open -shelved cabinet which displayed collectibles and drawers which stored linens.
The bedroom had an antique dresser and chest as well as two double bunk beds. An oval braided rug completed the cottage look of the bedroom.
The secret to cottage style decorating is keeping it casual and having a feeling of friendly comfort as the goal. This feeling of comfort and relaxation was certainly evident in the "cottage by the lake." There was no sentiment of pretense or make-believe as the cottage was "what you see is what you get." For that reason it was a peaceful refuge from the hectic routine of life; a place to unwind, slow down and regroup until the next summer vacation.
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