Master Cottage Style Without Looking Country » what to AVOID + embrace

Cottage style dos and don'ts! These small mistakes may be ruining your "cottage style" or "farmhouse" look and making it look outdated and country instead of charming and cozy. No mater your cottage aesthetic (vintage, English cottage, cottagecore & more), get it right every time with these tips.
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FIRST TIME HERE?
I'm Jodie, welcome to my channel where I share weekly ideas and tips for creating space in our lives to enjoy more of life's simple pleasures.
This topic is personal and near and dear to me. We sold a townhouse we loved in the big city of Atlanta and bought a 100 year old house in small town South Carolina in an effort live a slower and and more intentional life. We are renovating it into our dream home and have big plans to create our own little urban homestead complete with home grown veggies, fruit trees, cut flowers and chickens.
Thank you for tuning in and joining me on this journey towards living mindfully and embracing a simpler and more fulfilling life.
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[@SimpleMinded]

I love hearing your comments and thoughts and I love the conversation on painting furniture. I truly do believe that everyone should decorate with what makes them happy. If painting a piece of furniture will make you love it and enjoy it for years to come in your own home, then I 100% fully support painting it!! In fact, please do. Anything that saves a piece of furniture from the trash heap and makes it loved and useful is wonderful! My stance on not painting furniture is geared towards people who are painting antique furniture for resale. Some considerations should be given: antiquewarehouse.ca/2011/12/youre-seriously-going-to-paint-your-antique-really/

[@lindas5964]

I was over the “signage” thing when it started. Just too “Hobby Lobby” looking. Love the advice of “use found objects from the beach rather than a sign that says Beach”

[@conniehunter9683]

Cottage means less hard lines. Collected, textures from layers of textiles, stacks of books, rose china, chintz, cabbage roses, quilts, flowers, antique wood furniture and softness around windows and on beds. Been adding these items for years.

[@lavinacordelia3220]

I so agree about not painting beautiful wood furniture.

[@cmb9993]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I have been so upset every time I see a beautiful old piece of wooden furniture being ruined with paint! I certainly will not miss all the trite signs!

[@SimpleMinded]

Thank YOU, Cheri! I love that you GET IT. 🤗

[@laurelbates2992]

I couldn’t agree with you more It breaks my heart every time I see a vintage piece painted. You can never replace the original patina.

[@SimpleMinded]

That is what also what upsets me most as well, Laurel. That original patient is lost forever….😔

[@4everyoung24]

The worst is when JoAnna Gaines used the metal blades from an ACTUAL windmill on a wall, suddenly Hobby Lobby was overflowing with the fake version, namely, the HOME sign with a windmill for the O. No. Just no.

[@SimpleMinded]

I remember that episode! I completely missed the Hobby Lobby home sign version though…no just NO! LOL

[@sandraford4235]

I’ve only ever bought a few art supplies in H L ,I can’t stand all that signage ,I have a couple of signs in my home ,An Antiques sign from when we had an antique shop ,I painted a bakery sign on an enamel tray for my kitchen ,I’ve decorated cottage style for years ,

[@countrysister700]

Not to argue but support your feeling - Joanna was unique, out of the box in her style and outlook. When it was copied in factories in China, that's just sad. I'm a Wacoan who worked for Magnolia and know her heart was and still is to have the courage of your convictions and preferences and when it comes to your home and life just go for what *you* want!

[@elizabethelliott5478]

I watch your videos for inspiration and ideas. I love most of your suggestions some are not for me. I suggest if someone doesn't care for them they should not watch. Please continue making videos.

[@SimpleMinded]

Thanks, Elizabeth! I'm so happy you're enjoying my videos. I'm working on some new ones.....stay tuned 😃

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

We moved here to our cottage in the woods 2004,, I have loved this quaint little home. I can not see any thing else. I do prefer light woods, so the redo of the. Kitchen is all in blond woods. I love it much! The lamp from my Grand ma , the teacups I have collected for the past 30 years, the craftsman style chairs for the dining table my son made for me. It is all grand!!

[@nonisnest9718]

To me the “cottage” interiors all looked more traditional to me. Cottages tend to be decorated with unused items from peoples homes. Manufacturers of decor items change the “dos” every few years to keep their cash flow going. I don’t like being told what I absolutely should not have in my home. I like what I like and will change it when I tire of it.

[@SimpleMinded]

Thanks for commenting. I really do appreciate the feedback! Yes, most of the examples I include in this video definitely lean very traditional. There are so many takes on cottage style for sure, all of them equally valid imho. You hit the nail on the head with the decor trends being a way for manufacturers to keep the cash flow going!

[@WhiteRavenBookRook]

I’m right up there with you on that soapbox.! I can understand painting the uglies to change it up but please leave the beautiful wooden antique pieces alone.

[@melodymartin222]

I agree!!! I only paint inexpensive junk furniture-never anything that is already beautiful

[@swisschalet1658]

Very inspirational! Thanks!

[@SimpleMinded]

Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for watching.

[@heathers510]

Very good suggestions. I’m soooo over the all neutral bland white or gray with no color. Rooms with no floral patterns allowed. I agree about the signs! Throw in the burlap, galvanized aluminum decor and basketry everywhere. When you walk into a drug store and you’re seeing this stuff, you know it’s gone on too long and overdone! LOL! I’m not saying it’s a bad look. Just feel we’ve been seeing it forever now. However with that said. I do feel like if you love it, that’s what you should have. Personally I love painted furniture. I always have but I don’t like seeing beautiful wood pieces painted when they’re in nice shape. I love old (naturally) chippy, distressed paint but I absolutely love gorgeous more elegant French painted pieces the most! Fun video! Glad I found you!

[@Pets-n-Treats]

Never got into the word art. Have had gallery walls for decades. Too late, I painted all my mismatched living room wood furniture. They were all very damaged and different stains. It was paint or the land fill. I think they turned out beautifully; I did not destress and I put on some nature decals.

[@SimpleMinded]

I'm so glad you saved them. Sounds like they turned out really well. Damaged and stained beyond repair furniture is the perfect candidate for a refresh with paint!! 😊

[@dottiebaker6623]

I agree with all your don'ts, especially the SIGNS. Loved seeing the do tips, although I think everyone should just do what makes them smile and strike that happy balance between unified and unexpected.

[@alice-lynnnewman5987]

Great advice!!

[@SimpleMinded]

Glad you think so! Thanks so much for watching!! 😀

[@jeanettekays1954]

I like these photos and your comments. It all looks homey, comfortable and not contrived. Thank you.

[@countrysister700]

Lest we get a tad snooty about our cottage style, cottages were the rural homes of the lower classes, the agrarians, the people who if they had a bookcase or mouldings had to craft them themselves. European cottage residents didn't have the budgets or tastes to accomplish anything they didn't build it repair themselves. They worked to get livestock, crops and gardens tended, the leaky roof repaired and the children fed and clothed. Let's not forget our roots. I'll be moving along as these rooms more reflect the manor style of Town and Country.

[@SimpleMinded]

I do love a manor house, I can't lie. :-) I appreciate your feedback. I did go heavy with the millwork in many of my examples. Drywall has little to no character and is definitely not charming. Millwork is one of my favorite ways to add character and charm.

[@bigjdaddymack]

I appreciate that you strongly announce your point of view. I completely agree with everything you said. For those you that want your painted furniture, shabby chic, and your distressed knickknacks, keep at it. But if you want an elevated and more modern cottage design, pay attention to what she has to say.

[@stephenstokesberry3767]

Brilliant!

[@flowerpower3618]

For flow I’ve kept my brown wood antiques brown, but have painted some creamy white pieces ( some hand me downs, garage sales etc.to provide unity throughout my home. I didn’t want too many things going on such as multicolored , black, white and brown.

[@Heather11268]

Awsome video, thank you. I feel like I just took a master class.

[@SimpleMinded]

Thanks so much, Heather. I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

I totally agree about the milk painted furniture. Authentic antiques loose their value when they are painted. Not that many people are good at painting furniture in a way the improves it.

[@coinkydink3984]

I love old things, but I hate chippy paint... it looks dirty and ugly. Also signs and crafty cute is usually stupid looking (sorry, Crafters, but true). My house has some Painted pieces white but also beautiful wood finishes. I like French and English cottages... and I love real paintings, since I and most of my friends are artists. Confession: I do have an addiction to unusual and old lamps. I have a chinese man-on- a-horse lamp in my office, a candleabra lamp in the kitchen, a monkey lamp in the guest room, an old ceramic with roses in my bedroom and etc. It's fun to shop for these things, but I'm running out of space for new old things. 😊😊

[@SimpleMinded]

The hunt for the old and unusual is so much fun! I love the sound of your lamps. They sound like so much fun. I love a quirky piece and lighting is one of the best ways to incorporate it imho.

[@lindahyatt3935]

I SO agree with your take on painted furniture. I am taking a break from my days long journey to remove four layers of stubborn paint from a beautiful antique dresser. However, the wood that I have reclaimed so far is just stunningly beautiful. Even the gold locks on each drawer had paint so thick you couldn't see the detail. Thanks for having the nerve to say it out loud!

[@SimpleMinded]

You are so welcome! Good luck on your project. It sounds like it is going to be beautiful when done!

[@mariaburgos5978]

If we want Gallery world , is better to go to the museum ; but in the house 🏡 I will have what please me the more . By the way , your inspiration for the decor , is yours only ? We want to have in our house what we love , and what we make us , to feel comfy .

[@SimpleMinded]

"We want to have in our house what we love , and what we make us , to feel comfy ." Always, always, always ---- yes! I couldn't agree more, Maria. Always have what you love and what pleases YOU in your home. That is the most important design advice of all. Go for what makes you feel cozy and happy. Those are always great choices, because they are intentional. Thanks for sharing!! ✨

[@lauraanderson8244]

If something becomes more elevated with less rustic items is it really cottage? I don't think so.

[@joannbaumann4028]

Gently worn got it! No contrived text.

[@dianemeche5584]

Music is competing with content being shared!

[@SimpleMinded]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@carolsly686]

I am not one who does this but ….. It shouldn’t b anyone else’s business to tell others not to do what they want with their own furniture. Just because the masses tell us what we should b doing in our home that doesn’t mean we all should follow. We all need to do and decorate with what makes us happy. No one needs to dictate what others need to do with their own things/home.

[@SimpleMinded]

"We all need to do and decorate with what makes us happy." I completely agree, Carol. 😀

[@bobbipetty7411]

I'll paint furniture if I so desire

[@SimpleMinded]

And I think you should, Bobbi. I 😍 painted furniture - it definitely has its place in our hearts and homes. I’m just requesting that everyone be respectful and conscientious of the furniture they choose to paint so that as many antique furniture pieces as possible retain their integrity and original beauty. I view it as a way of protecting history. Trust me - many pieces of furniture DESERVE to be painted….lol

[@beeben5260]

You do you Bobbi don't listen to this old fart not a original though in her head.

[@carolsly686]

And btw - yuck! All those colors give me a migraine!

[@SimpleMinded]

Maybe just a small dab of color then, on a throw pillow or bouquet of flowers. 🌻✨🌞

[@SimpleMinded]

I just adore color!

[@joannecorey8239]

Who do you think you are? Stop telling us what we should and shouldn't do

[@SimpleMinded]

I’m someone (with several years design training and experience) providing tips and advice for people who want to decorate in a timeless cottage style without it looking country. Those are the people this video is for. That doesn’t mean there is anything inherently wrong with the things I advise you not to do. If that is the style decor you love, then by all means do all the things I advise you not to do in this video and have fun and love your home. 🤗

[@dedee6733]

Calm down people,she is just trying to help.Take whatever advice you want and leave the rest.