A collection of antiques, flea market finds, and castoffs complete the cottage look. Discarded closet doors appear as wall art and white glassware brings a smooth texture to the weathered wear on the furniture. A white slipcover on the sofa imbues casual cottage style in the room. Painting an old brown coffee table with cerulean aqua paint brought a splash of bold color to an otherwise mellow living room. Editor’s tip: When shopping for secondhand furniture, look at the silhouette and style. Then, determine if it’s sturdy, if all the components (drawers, leaves, etc.) are working correctly, or if they can be easily fixed. Almost any surface can be changed with paint or stain, but the shape and structure of the furniture are less easily altered. Editor’s Tip: A foundation of basic white linens is a smart investment for easy-to-change decor. With a white bedspread and shams, throw pillows and bed skirts can come and go without the investment of replacing an entire bed set.
