White Done Right: Country Cottage Style

Decorating in white country cottage means including items like quilts, antique furniture or reproductions, flea market finds, trunks and copper or iron accents. These give cottage style decor the rustic country feel that’s simple, personal, warm and inviting. The success to white country cottage is contrast. "Unless it’s a really modern space or you’re going for a Swedish look, having all-out white doesn’t really work when you’re trying to do cottage," says Lori Dennis, a California designer. "Plus, it’s extremely hard to keep clean."

Dennis is a fan of using contrasting color whether it’s a maple wood floor, sunny yellow throw pillows or celadon artwork. Bring in a few strategically placed colors like a forest green plant, or a chocolate silk throw to make a room pop. Layering white also creates visual interest. All shades of white should be slightly different. An ivory rug under a cream chair with a beige sofa and tan pillows layer the look for more depth. "I think if the walls are white, the ceiling should be cream. If the ceiling is white, the walls should be cream," says Dennis. Contrast adds dimension to a white room.