For this week’s Get the Look Decor post, we’ve partnered with Fresh Home, the DIY home decorator’s best friend. They’ve provided some simple decorating tips that’ll show you how a few small changes in patterns and textures can make a big statement.
It wasn’t what they had in mind, but when Marnie and Howard Owens stumbled upon a funky little cottage, they knew they’d found the right place. The problem? It needed a facelift. Outside, they took a magical lavender-and-rose-filled cottage garden and made it a space where friends and family could hang out. Inside, they gave the formerly stuffy space more personality — and made it a place a young family could appreciate and live in — by going to town, splashing color, pattern and texture wherever they could. From the Moroccan graphic on the formerly beige sofa to the mash-up of blues and reds in the guest room, strong colors and textures inject a sense of fun, and lively patterns camouflage the kids’ chocolate milk stains.
Live In All Your Space
Maximize your living space by giving every room — even the kitchen — a place where the family can hang out. In this kitchen, the homeowner chose a simple white finish to offset darker hardwood floors and keep the room bright and airy. They also built an extra-wide center island to accommodate activities that ranged from food prep and cooking to homework and lounging, including a spot for the TV. Now the kitchen is the true hub of the home.
[Left to right, top and bottom: 4 Clear Glass Containters with Wooden Lids by Pickins; Acorn Shaped Globe Pendant Light by BlueMoonLights; Dried Yellow Yarrow Bunch by repurposedstyle; Vintage Farm Stool by cottagefarm; Lemon Meringue Caramel Sauce by milkbutter; Wood Cutting Board – Serving Tray by DolceHome]
Define Your Area
Brown dining room furniture, walls and floors are sophisticated and modern. Carve out smaller rooms within a larger one by defining spaces with carpet, lights or drapery. This dining area — a section of a large, open living room — didn’t feel like a well-defined space at first. The homeowner added paisley print curtains, which complement the $900 flea market rug and Herman Miller chairs, and suddenly the space had its own identity.
[Left to right, top and bottom: Custom Curtains 50×84 Rod Pocket Panels by thefarley4; Antique Persian Area Rug by oldnewhouse; Teak & Leather Dining Chairs by rustygold73; Knoll credenza in walnut by brooklynvintageco; Pair of Ceramic Table Lamps by linneamarie; Tree Art – Welcome Change by papermoth]
Mix a Lot
Opting for brown living room furniture, floors and walls can make your space warm and cozy or fresh and modern. Instead of choosing matchy-matchy pieces, mingle different furniture styles — new with old, modern with traditional, flea market with high-end — to add texture and interest. This living room pairs a club chair with modern seating and vintage Bertoia children’s chairs from eBay.
[Left to right, top, middle and bottom rows: Fern Tufted Club Chair by ReclaimTheThrone; Pooies – Original Oil Painting by DallasModern; Glass Cloche Bell Jar by klinker; Onyx Vase by corporanglass; Soft Butter Yellow Lamp by PlaceMichel; The Laurel Bookcase by matthewholdren; Brown Pillow Cover Pair by pworiginals; Floral Arrangement of Yellow & Orange Peonies by rosi2011; Vintage Portrait Painting by vintagewarehouse]
Stay Symmetrical
Use your bedroom shelves to display photos and memorabilia or store clothing and accessories. In this kid-friendly room, a neat and tidy freestanding bookshelf sits between two antique Jenny Lind-style beds.
[Left to right top and bottom row: Set of Two Pillow Covers by ModernMarvelousHome; Twin Spindle Headboard by PaintedPatina; Pink Torn Dream -Twined Rug by jcarlos; Danish Modern Inspired Credenza by mamnyc; Pair of Gold and Pink Art Deco Lamps by shopstylevintage; Wooden giraffe bookends by MyraMelinda]
Bring the Indoors Out
To make the most of this home’s secret garden, the homeowners wanted a space where friends and family could hang out. They transformed a previously wasted backyard patch into an intimate al fresco retreat with pea gravel, a built-in brick bench and a cool outdoor fireplace.
[Left to right in top, middle and bottom rows: Vintage pair Salterini side chairs by plainandelegant; Vintage Wrought Iron and Copper Planter by TheShabbyHome; Custom Metal Frame Planter by CustomByRushton; Set of two accent pillows by anitascasa; Salterini Rocking Chair Set of 2 by thevintagesupplyco; Mid Century Cone Shaped Fireplace by RedEyeVintage; ReBirds – Plant Stands by Pollygots; Mesquite and Iron Patio Table by MesquiteForge; Mid Century Round Plant Stand by JunkyardGenes]
Fresh Home is a website, blog and newsstand publication featuring easy ideas for hands-on people. We get excited about teaching folks how to rehab a dresser, make-over their kitchen, paint a room big, bold colors, rearrange furniture and throw fantastic parties. We’re not shy when it comes to having fun in and decorating our homes. Check out our site, which is stocked with hundreds of DIY projects, inspiring room galleries, party menus and a constantly updated blog.
Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There’s No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.
151 comments
TwinkleStarCrafts said 7 years ago
Wonderful tips! Thank you very much for the article.
zoezloft said 7 years ago
Great ideas. I just love cottage style.
gabrielefelt said 7 years ago
I love the idea of bringing the indoors out! Especially in the warm summer nights.
VintageEyeFashion said 7 years ago
I...um...oh, excuse me...*wipes mouth* I am salivating over that living room! Fab post!
MadeMerriShop said 7 years ago
your home is absolutely beautiful...and that gigantic kitchen island is to die for!
percivalroad said 7 years ago
love this!!!
MegansMenagerie said 7 years ago
So beautiful!!!
QueenBeeVintiques said 7 years ago
Great ideas...a small cottage home living large...love it!
sakao said 7 years ago
great post, beautiful home!
thedancingwren said 7 years ago
fabulous! i always look forward to this post. :D
EmeliaJane said 7 years ago
I adore your kitchen!!! Lovely! ♥
tannerglass said 7 years ago
I look forward to these posts every Sunday, and as always, this one didn't disappoint. Love the living room!
birdie1 said 7 years ago
Cottage-comfy! Wonderful post.
MagicMarkingsArt said 7 years ago
what a wonderful, light infused home - and the kitchen is spectacular.
TheLetteredHome said 7 years ago
Really enjoyed this post. Great infor and pictures.
BingoBox said 7 years ago
Lovely & comfortable - cheers.
littleshopofphotos said 7 years ago
Wow! Such a beautiful home! Just my style! It is so bright and cozy! I absolutely LOVE it!!
opendoorstudio said 7 years ago
love the suggestions! thanks for sharing! nicely done!
VogueVixens said 7 years ago
The backyard retreat looks like a comfy oasis, perfect for entertaining or an afternoon read. I love the little girls room, it's simple and feminine without being too frilly.
mydollsvintagecloset said 7 years ago
I love both the inside and outside decor, it is very whimscal and romantic.
asundrynotion said 7 years ago
A home with good bones, fantastic high ceilings and windows above doors. Just about any decor would look great in this space. Your choices are so well done! Thanks for the peek.
librarygirl999 said 7 years ago
Love, love, love this house! Wow! And the etsy finds to "get the look"---amazing!
ohbabydotcom said 7 years ago
Wow! Stunning. When I can move in? Great ideas. Beautiful cottage.
blessedvintage said 7 years ago
good work! blessings
ClothandPatina said 7 years ago
What a beautiful and charming space. Thank you so much for sharing your home and decorating tips.
BlueMoonLights said 7 years ago
Great tips! Love this post! Thank you for featuring my pendant light :)
bhangtiez said 7 years ago
Such a beautiful home. Thanks for sharing your homey story & beautiful photos!
papermoth said 7 years ago
Wow, "dream home" for sure! Awesome decorating ideas. Thanks so much to the person who included my Tree artwork in the article!
ShoponSherman said 7 years ago
Nice post! Love that kitchen!
Iammie said 7 years ago
Beautiful!
BizzieLane said 7 years ago
This article takes me back to the 1960's. Thank you! Love it!
HibouCards said 7 years ago
Nice home interior shots. It always makes me want to go to a Flea market and vintage shop when I see that :)
happybdaytome said 7 years ago
Beautiful I just love it ! :)
blueskyclouds said 7 years ago
I love that pinkish childrens room.
breadandroses2 said 7 years ago
Inspiring!
felicitycrew said 7 years ago
Great outdoor living room!
AliKan said 7 years ago
Nice !
SimpleJoysPaperie said 7 years ago
I enjoyed this article. Eclectic cottage probably describes my home the best. I love so many things it's hard to stick with one style or color!
nomadcraftsetc said 7 years ago
These are great! I am loving the dining room and all of the patterns in it. I also love the island in the kitchen-what a pretty space! Beautiful home!
WhisperingOak said 7 years ago
Great pictures
needlenerd said 7 years ago
gorgeous!
easasa said 7 years ago
Wow,clean and bright kitchen!
StylesbyHolly said 7 years ago
Beautiful home!
MaryFosterCreative said 7 years ago
Love the look.
JillianReneDecor said 7 years ago
Wonderful inspiration! Thanks so much for sharing!
AvianInspirations said 7 years ago
Great tips! Love the outdoor space!
CelibelleQc said 7 years ago
Such a warm and cozy space! I love the style!
CelibelleQc said 7 years ago
I really love the spaces. So warm and cozy!
BeatificBijoux said 7 years ago
LOVE the dining side chairs!
pworiginals said 7 years ago
Great demonstration on how cottage style can also be sophisticated!
thelittlemarket said 7 years ago
ah!!! gorgeous!!! congratulations on a beautiful home!!!
ImSoVintage said 7 years ago
love white Jenny Lind beds.
riricreations said 7 years ago
LOVE this style, bringing the indoors out too!
PetiteLemon said 7 years ago
Gorgeous home. I absolutely love everything about the kitchen. Beautiful!
windsweptlady said 7 years ago
I LOVE how these pics capture the idea of extending your living space to the outdoors! Magical, sunny areas like those are the reason that I spent so much time outside growing up, looking for treasures in the woods and hiding out in the tree house. Thanks for reminding me!!
ArgentTonic said 7 years ago
I love the touch of yellow in the kitchen and in the living room! Beautiful! Great work!
Parachute425 said 7 years ago
I need that kitchen
memeandsaysay said 7 years ago
In love with this house! Beautiful.
weatheredsilo said 7 years ago
Lovely spaces! Ordinarily I'm not a fan of symmetrical, but there's something nostalgic about that bedroom.
knitknacknstuff said 7 years ago
Inspiring. Thank You.
chiquiita said 7 years ago
Mixing different styles, that is what makes this home unique. Love it! Thanks for sharing.
JodysVintage said 7 years ago
Groovy! Love this!
OurLadyoftheBirds said 7 years ago
Lovelove the outdoor area! Beautiful.
MarieVaughnDesign said 7 years ago
Such bright colors compliment the warm wooden tones of the flooring! I really like your approach to this style! It is very clean and cozy, the latter being an extremely important attribute of any home1 love it!
FauxFurPetBakery said 7 years ago
Beautiful designs and amazing ideas. Thank you for the inspiration.
salvageshop said 7 years ago
gorgeous home!
corazondulce said 7 years ago
GREAT TIPS!!!
ACupOfSparkle said 7 years ago
Such a lovely house!
accentonvintage said 7 years ago
Love all the rooms! Wonderful article!
everythingok said 7 years ago
Love LOVE this. Wonderful style!
OnlyOriginalsByAJ said 7 years ago
LOVE the style! Its so clean - and my husband and I are big fans of symmetrical designs. Thanks for sharing!
oddmod said 7 years ago
Great tips! Love how you can find just about anything to remodel your home right here on Etsy! ♥
linneamarie said 7 years ago
I love the great ideas here and Fresh Home. I feel very lucky to have been included in this. thank you. What a wonderful surprise this morning when I was reading this :)
IcingOnTheCupcake said 7 years ago
Jealous of that kitchen... love it! Although I would definitely forget which drawers I put things in!
redhardwick said 7 years ago
Very nice! :)
StudioBotanica said 7 years ago
love this cottage!!!
HealthyReflections said 7 years ago
Such beautiful spaces. Thank you for the article.
NostalgicNuance said 7 years ago
Beautiful!!
Mclovebuddy said 7 years ago
this is awesome. love how the how-to article is structured and love the idea picks that would bring them to life.
gilstrapdesigns said 7 years ago
How pretty and so inviting. I just love the look and I really love their outdoor space.
MootiDesigns said 7 years ago
Great tips. I have the same hardwood floors in my kitchen too. I prefer it over tile. Love it!
HOomen said 7 years ago
I love the 'Mix a Lot' style. Such a beautiful home.
needleyou said 7 years ago
I'd like to live there. Are you guys auctioning it off? Or, maybe hold an HGTV Dream Home contest. ; )
baconsquarefarm said 7 years ago
LIke the kitchen and living room ~ I'm ready for a redo of this old farmhouse~ enjoy the Sunday blogs " Get the Look " series....enjoyed the eye candy and peruse down the page. Thanks
BanglewoodSupplies said 7 years ago
I loved each space.
artworksbycarol said 7 years ago
Love affordable and creative decorating ideas!
ADoseOfAlchemy said 7 years ago
How fresh and fun! Great article... darling redo!
annejabby said 7 years ago
Wow, this is all so exciting, I am not quite sure how to use this site yet and I need work done..YEA..great ideas.
girliepains said 7 years ago
Gorgeous!
jcarlos said 7 years ago
I sure like that bedroom ! Great ideas !
solocosmo said 7 years ago
I really love this!
TresChicNmodern said 7 years ago
I LOVEEEEEEE THE COTTAGE LOOK!!! VERY ARTISTIC LOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AntoinettesWhims said 7 years ago
Beautiful!! My favorite is that outdoor living room.
thebeadgirl said 7 years ago
what a great space. i'm so jealous :) congrats on the feature!
CassiasGarden said 7 years ago
That country kitchen the great room and garden area are really pretty!
bluebirdheaven said 7 years ago
Such a lovely cottage look!
sprinkledot said 7 years ago
Now that's what my house needs. :)
TopazTurtle said 7 years ago
Love this home. It's colourful and cozy. The perfect feel for a family home
lauraslastditch said 7 years ago
Personally, I think it's an abomination to have a TV in the kitchen like that. What ever happened to conversation, or peace and quiet?
storeythreads said 7 years ago
wow, its so nice to see a unique home!
mountainvintage said 7 years ago
What a beautiful marriage of old and new. I love all of the choices!
BrittneyWest said 7 years ago
Such a comfy and beautiful space! Thanks for sharing this! "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do."--Rumi
TwoFishLips said 7 years ago
I want my kitchen, living room, and yard to look that beautiful!
PereditaRose said 7 years ago
Everything looks lovely.
GracefullyGirly said 7 years ago
Love that happy-looking kitchen!
MayThailand said 7 years ago
Really nice topic, thank you for sharing.
SISTERBATIK said 7 years ago
Stunning ideas!
cadreams said 7 years ago
Love this!
SantaSaraRanchStore said 7 years ago
Love cottage style! So comfortable and homey....and best of all affordable.
jewelboxballerina said 7 years ago
Thank you for the great tips!
HarvestHands said 7 years ago
Love these ideas! Cottage style is so casual & comfortable.
cottonbirddesigns said 7 years ago
Great article beautiful home!
kathyjohnson3 said 7 years ago
Beautiful home, love the decorating ideas! Thanks for sharing!
ShoeClipsOnly said 7 years ago
Very lovely home, looks sooo comfortable!
PotteryKreations said 7 years ago
We have a 100 yr old new england farmhouse, and are always looking for inspiration. I just love the kitchen you featured, very bright and family friendly!
Curlygirliedesigns said 7 years ago
What a beautiful home!! This is very much my style and you did a great job!! LOVE it!!!
osloantiques said 7 years ago
Beautiful home ! I love the outdoor living space !
GUOCRAFTS said 7 years ago
good work! Beautiful home !
WhatADream said 7 years ago
It would be sooo fun to be an interior designer with no financial boundaries... so many ideas!
satorydesigns said 7 years ago
What a beautiful, cozy home!
beachyrustica said 7 years ago
Fun ideas!
heatherpmc said 7 years ago
Thank you so much for the above indoors out photograph. I have been trying to convey to our builders for sometime what we are hoping to accomplish with a necessary retaining wall. Where we live they are used purely for purpose and when I started trying to convey my dream of using it to create an outdoor space for my family with a fireplace, they all looked at me like I was crazy. That pic will help as we move forward with a project we have been sitting on for over 6 years.
LittleWrenPottery said 7 years ago
Great picks, I love how the little details can lend so much to having a beautiful home : )
ShabbyNChic said 7 years ago
A great mix of modern cottage, vintage and just a warm home that looks very comfortable to live in. Great tips!
FranceGallery said 7 years ago
Warm and welcoming colors and decor!
HomeRestyle said 7 years ago
Love this! :) Beautiful pics and great ideas!!
mslizz said 7 years ago
Beautiful Pic.
ModernMarvelousHome said 7 years ago
Everything has such a welcoming look~ defitely scenes to support a rich family life.
OrdinaryMommy said 7 years ago
What a dreamy home you've created! Thanks for sharing!
TheScarfTree said 7 years ago
Loved the pictures and this home! So beautifully decorated - but still so warm and functional! Amazing job! Thank you for sharing!
heidigirlbowtique said 7 years ago
Fab article! Love the yellow and cream color palette
PattiTrostle said 7 years ago
Beautiful!
TerraCasa said 7 years ago
The pink room is so cute! It makes me want to start redecorating.
fiffles said 7 years ago
That is my dream kitchen up there! thanks for sharing these wonderful spaces :)
RossLab said 7 years ago
How cozy is that? I'd love to stumble upon a funky little cottage like this!!!
NadinArtGlass said 7 years ago
love this!!!
apieceofparadise said 7 years ago
What a fun house! I love it!
lagunalst said 7 years ago
Love those birds legs planters! And that walkway is just what we are planning for our redo home we bought except we will have hand rails to make it up in the snow and ice!
BojanaN said 7 years ago
This looks amazing! Thank you for sharing...
FiorellaJewelry said 7 years ago
wow, I am so envious of that beautiful kitchen and backyard! Great job.
minibytes said 7 years ago
Everything just looks so darn cozy! LOVE this style.
catiques said 7 years ago
Very nice,clean, Great colors welcome feel. I really enjoyed.
EverydayCookies said 7 years ago
Love the cottage look. We've been here in our home for over 20 years and we continue to work on it!
ToosDetectiveAgency said 7 years ago
I loved this article in the Fresh Home mag - so bummed it will only be available online from now on :-( These tips are great for making the best of the home you have, rather than focusing on moving into something bigger.
Fashionitsa said 7 years ago
Amazing! Now, all I have to do is buy a cottage and renovate it :)
chiquiita said 7 years ago
I absolutely love the mix of different styles and how every just flows...love the colors, the details in the decor. Very unique. Thanks for sharing.
mattanandrakwang said 7 years ago
My kind of kitchen!
ENAfinedesigns said 7 years ago
Mid century Danish modern furniture is still hot. Timeless design.
MonaTunas said 7 years ago
Beautiful!!
SunsetPrintAndDye said 7 years ago
Love Love what you've done! I'm so inspired. I have a small city row house and love it's cozy feel. I see how cottage style can work in the city too! Beautiful garden.
vintagedchic said 7 years ago
fantastic ideas-thanks!