How To Create a Comfortable Cottage Full of Personal Style

From his tiny beach cottage to his clients’ expansive ocean-side estates, designer Randy Boyd knows how to build a comfortable home full of personal style. Follow his tips to get his signature look:

Pick what pleases your eye
Regardless of the trends or expectations, only things that appeal to your aesthetic will help you create the perfect home.

Always be aware of scale
Don’t force a purchase if it’s not the right size and scale. Even if you love a piece in the store, if it’s not the right fit, chances are you won’t love it at home.

Invest in antiques when you can
Buy antique items when you can and when it’s practical for you. Not only will they last longer than most new furniture, but they will add an unmatched element of warmth and style.

If you can splurge on something, splurge on upholstery
Cutting corners on fabric often leads to having to redo the project sooner. Buy the best upholstery you can afford because it will save you money in the end.

Don’t rely on matching
For fabrics and accessories, blending is much more interesting than matching. Consider a palette to stick with, but don’t get too hung up on matching colors and patterns precisely, which can be boring and predictable.

By Jickie Torres
Photography by Mark Tanner
Styled by Jacqueline deMontravel

Source: Cottages and Bungalows

Get the Look: Shabby-Chic & Vintage

Antiques dealer, Clara DiGiuseppe, shares the rules to follow to get her look.

• Don’t buy anything new. Shop flea markets and antique shops, and always opt for vintage versions of anything you want.
• If it’s painted, it’s better.
• Practicality should be your guiding principle. Make sure you only buy what you can use and have room for.
• Keep everything light. From furniture to textiles to the paint on the wall, keep your color palette light and fresh.
• Always keep comfort in mind to create a truly relaxing and stress-free home. I like comfy furniture that is already beat up so you don’t have to worry about it no matter what happens or what your children do.
• Stick to your budget. I really don’t have anything expensive in my house. If it’s too pricey, I refuse to buy it. Moreover, if you pay a lot, then in many ways you are stuck with it; you don’t feel like you can be creative and alter it or change it out if you are ready for something new.

By Jickie Torres
Photography by Mark Tanner
Styled by Jacqueline deMontravel