Nearly six years' worth of kids, puppies, teenagers, friends and relatives have passed through the doors of this homey guest cottage in Surrey, B.C., owned by Linda Edworthy, a teacher, and her husband, Sam, a dentist. Backing onto a quiet lane where roses climb the fences and kids weave happily on bicycles, the cottage features an interior that's as inviting as its surroundings. Linda credits decorator Colleen Sawatsky, a friend and owner of Vintage Home in Abbotsford, B.C., for its appeal. Colleen started by choosing paints in breezy hues of blue and aqua to refresh flea market and hand-me-down furniture, accessories and even floors. Adds Linda, "By also using dishes and fabrics from the past, Colleen brought the feeling of a simpler time to the cottage."



Budget-friendly decorating tips
1 Beautiful fabric stretched over a frame creates eye-catching art.

2 Cushion covers stitched from vintage tablecloths jazz up a classic white slipcovered sofa.

3 Paint in crisp white and soft blue freshens up furnishings and unites the disparate shapes.

 

4 A vintage dresser with deep drawers stores everything from school supplies to a laptop. Glass knobs pretty it up effortlessly.

 

5 Painted sky blue, an ordinary staircase gets a lift. The coffee table is actually a bench, which doubles as extra seating in a pinch.

 

6 Drapery panels fashioned from time-worn table linens look fresh with a playful grahic tablecloth.

 

7 Open shelves keep dishes within easy reach. They're a great way to display your favourites.

 

8 A simple bench multitasks as a storage shelf, luggage rack and seating in the bedroom.

 

9 A sparkling chandelier, white sheers and a painted blue floor create a dreamy feel in the bedroom.

 

10 A duvet cover sewn from vintage-inspired sheets adds a pretty touch to a painted wrought-iron bed.