Samantha Pynn shows how to blend designer style with cottage-country charm.

Summer in the city – or the country — should feel relaxed. To bring the look home, follow Sam's tips for a laid-back, nature-inspired cottage style!

The Backdrop

The right backdrop can make you feel like you’re on a country-chic vacation without even leaving home. Designer Tori Leach-Lussing captures the quintessential look in the two rooms shown here. In this cottage-cozy guest room (right), Tori uses lush green painted beadboard, wildflower wallpaper and sandy- toned wall-to-wall wool sisal carpet to create a hideaway for out-of-town guests in the basement – yes, it’s a basement! – of a city home. And in the dining room (opposite), Tori’s choice of lakeside blue hemp wallcovering subtly brings the colour of nature inside, while the bare wood floors lend a no-fuss vibe. If you love this look, consider installing board-and-batten walls, exposed wood beams or even adding a vaulted ceiling for your city or country digs. For modern country charm, follow Tori’s lead and choose furniture with soft curves and warm wood tones. And to keep your space feeling airy, casual and comfy, choose flax- toned linen upholstery and draperies.

Vintage Finds & Paint 

Vintage and antique furnishings bring country soul to your home. Many vintage pieces are perfect and don’t need to be updated, like this antique dining room light fixture (above). For mismatched hand-me-downs and secondhand finds that need a refresh, use the power of paint. Paint will unify lamps, mirrors, frames and furniture. A spectacular example that I recently saw was a coffee table painted the same moss green as the room’s velvet sofa. I also love a painted headboard – red, buttery yellow and cornflower blue are my faves. A fun stripe paint treatment on a dresser or sideboard will create a pretty focal point. Keep in mind that if you want a piece to stand out, paint it a bold colour; to make it fade into the scenery, paint it the same colour as the walls. I’ve painted many odd light fixtures in the same white as the walls! 

The Finishing Touches

As a lover of accessories styling, I am a big believer in the small things and their ability to transform the look of a room. Tori’s loose daisy arrangements on the dining table are definitely singing “I’m a little bit country,” as is the sheer drapery panel and wood knobs on the guest room dresser. So, don’t be afraid to mix modern with rustic or antique pieces. Your collection of Grandma’s teacups will look great in a Mid- Mod glass-front cabinet. Baskets will add country texture to open shelves while keeping them organized. Jute and sisal rugs are neutral, earthy and versatile, but if you crave pattern and colour, layer in vintage patterned rugs. Mismatched patterns have cottage charm; just find a common thread like colour, texture or a repeat motif for a unified look. Lastly, use beautiful and salvaged items in unexpected ways: a vintage mustard jar for makeup brushes on the vanity, a favourite chipped mug for pencils and pens, and old honey tins for flowers.

Pretty Cottage-Chic Accents

• Mismatched stripe and floral pillows
• Piles of plaid throws and vintage quilts
• beloved old books
• A framed map or collection of hats as wall art
• Flea-market-find landscape and bird paintings
• A display of pitchers that can be used for utensils or flowers
• Mason jars or vintage bottles for ferns or flowers snipped from the garden 

Get The Look

Short Glass Vase, Amazon, $40

 

Throw Pillows, Amazon, $22 (set of two)

 

 

Vintage Art, Amazon, $55

 

 

Checkered Blanket, Amazon, $40

 

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