It is the way cottage's

endearing characteristics tap our most basic concept of shelter that leads

so many of us to strive to recreate its feeling in our homes. But with

its myriad forms of expression, cottage is more a state of mind than a

geographic location or architectural style. How we express it becomes

our own personal vision of comforting shelter.

"Unlike some styles that

come and go, cottage endures, though each generation endows it with its

own expressions and icons," says Karen Sexton, creative director

for furniture manufacturer, Lexington Home Brands. "Shutters, gingham

fabrics, and farm animals still have their devotees," she says, "but

new twists on cottage can lend the style a cleaner, even urban, sophisticated

feel - a sense of calm, of less is more, a reminder that nurturing

the relationships within its walls is what cottage style is really all

about."

The clean, cottage canvas

Few styles are truly so versatile.

With its simple lines and subtle contours, cottage style is an easy canvas

upon which to draw. And its adaptability allows it to change as our lives

and tastes evolve. Adding to its appeal, today's savvy furniture

designers update cottage designs with features that fit the needs of contemporary

life - such as a granite-topped sideboard and a wine storage cabinet

- as well as offer a rainbow of finishes to mix and match for a personalized

look.

Waverly, the nation's

best-known decorating resource and lifestyle authority, illustrates the

fashionable style directions cottage can take by blending its newest home

furnishings line, Breeze, from Lexington Home Brands, with an eye-catching

mix of comfortable Waverly woven and print fabrics. Here are some ideas

for giving your cottage retreat a modern day flavor:

- Urban Warmth. For a

fresh, urban approach to a traditional look, show off oyster white painted

furnishings paired with Waverly's "La Belle Campagne" cranberry

and white toile against warm yet dramatic red walls. Balance the strength

of red with an ebony accent, perhaps Breeze's rattan bed or a livingroom

cocktail table. Tie in rattan with tropical wall décor and plants,

but, for this look, keep accessories minimal. Red walls and traditional

prints are warm and inviting, while the black lends an updated punch.

Contemporary, uncluttered, striking.

- Jet-Set Chic. For a

more daring, urban look, let ebony furnishings dominate, using a white

piece as an accent. Sophisticated, inviting, dramatic.

- Tropical Retreat. Transport

your cottage to an upscale tropical locale. Keeping walls and floors neutral

(think khaki, sisal, or subtle cabana stripes), dress a white-painted

bed in soft yellow and green leaf print fabric, such as Waverly's

"Wailea Coast." Keep accessories airy, natural, and tropical.

A handpainted trunk in soft yellow can add a subtle accent as well as

a place to store extra bedding to ward off real or imagined ocean breezes.

Clean, calm, casual.

- Home Sweet Home. For

a tranquil cottage look, pair white-painted furnishings with softly colored

walls; or add zip with crisp red striped and sweet floral print fabrics

set off against contemporary khaki walls. Simple, charming, easy to live

with.

- Eclectic Accent. For

a more eclectic look, break up the "suite" feel of furnishings

substitute a piece in a different finish or accent color, then anchor

the accent tone by repeating it in fabrics and accessories.

However you interpret it, the

simple, clean lines of cottage style work on many levels. It's an

excellent beginning palette for those seeking to test their home decorating

talents (and a look that will adapt as your life and locations change).

Cottage also mixes easily with accumulated furnishings to update an existing

room, and it can provide a fresh way to express yourself in a downsized

environment.

To view innovative Waverly

Breeze interpretations of this versatile style and for further details

on finishes, paints, and fabrics, visit www.lexington.com.

Back

to Home & Garden Home Page