| There's hardly a woman alive who hasn't longed for a | | | | iron fence or a gate could be transformed into a |
| room decorated in soft, floral, pink and white | | | | headboard hung on the wall behind the bed. Silk |
| splendor. That's the very essence of Romantic | | | | flowers or ivy garlands wound through its curves |
| Cottage style. | | | | adds the perfect romantic touch, like a garden |
| Romantic Cottage is often confused with Shabby | | | | brought inside. |
| Chic style but the two have very distinct identities. | | | | Create decorative accents - as well as useful storage |
| One of the most distinct differences between the | | | | - by covering boxes of all shapes and sizes with floral |
| two is their color palettes. Romantic style is floridly | | | | fabric. Attach satin ribbons, lace trim or pearl beading |
| floral and almost exclusively pink and white, while | | | | in white and pink to the boxes for added visual |
| Shabby Chic embraces other colors as well. Romantic | | | | appeal. Vintage chandeliers make lovely light fixtures |
| Cottage decor, however, is a profusion of pink in | | | | to create Romantic Cottage decor. If they have |
| every shade imaginable, from palest shell pink to the | | | | dangling crystals, they'll cast rainbows all around the |
| deepest rose (but no hot pink - too modern!). | | | | room. |
| Comfort and beauty are the hallmarks of this style, | | | | The Romantic Cottage look especially relies on fabric |
| which tends to make it a type of decor that limits | | | | in floral patterns. Whether the fabric has large or |
| itself to one or two rooms rather than an entire | | | | small flowers, vines and leaves, gardens or greener, a |
| home. It might work well in a house that's otherwise | | | | dominant fabric should be used consistently in pillows, |
| done in Shabby Chic, with a bedroom or two | | | | table runners, tablecloths, bed covers, wall art, |
| devoted exclusively to romance. | | | | drapes, valances, and even table linens such as |
| As one might expect, this decor typically doesn't | | | | towels, placemats and napkins. Everything about this |
| appeal much to men, who often complain that the | | | | style of exaggerated, so don't be shy with the florals |
| bedroom is the one room in the home that's too | | | | but finish off the fabric with some solid color pink |
| feminine for them. Those who share their bedrooms | | | | rugs or solid color rugs in any pastel shades. |
| with a male partner may have to compromise and | | | | White-painted furniture often is "aged" with a crackle |
| create their Romantic Cottage getaway in another | | | | finish. There are also lots of comfy cushions and |
| room, as a guest room or a home office for milady. | | | | pillows to provide comfort. Wicker furniture also is |
| Here are some ideas for creating this decor. | | | | perfect for this style, especially nightstands, |
| Because the style tends toward the ornate, wrought | | | | ottomans and other accent pieces. |
| iron can be an ideal element to bring into the room. | | | | Finish off the look with candles, fresh or dried flower |
| Painted white and then distressed, ornate wrought | | | | petals in a china bowl, a mirror with an ornate frame, |
| iron can serve in many ways. A bistro set with a | | | | or shadow boxes painted white to hold sentimental |
| small table and two chairs could serve as a vanity | | | | treasures. Romantic Cottage decor is definitely an |
| table and seats for a bedroom. A section of wrought | | | | affair of the heart. |