P rince Edward Island summers are beautiful and fleeting. Use your home to escape the long winter months and establish a summer-feel all year. This summer, try bringing the cottage home. There are three closely related styles that can help with your home’s transformation, says Lori Currie, owner of Timeworn Treasures and Antiques in Charlottetown. “To keep things interesting it’s all about recycling, revamping and refreshing,” she says, “and, of course, it’s a great way to add personality to your space.” Shabby-chic, farmhouse or beach style is comfortable, affordable and nostalgic. Cottage-style is letting the sunshine in, with large bay windows and an emphasis on light. Must-haves for all beach homes, according to Currie, include white walls paired with chipped, time-worn pieces, plenty of mirrors, and comfy sofas covered with slipcovers. “It gives an airy, uncluttered feeling,” she says. While Shabby-chic depends on soft florals to be more feminine, you can use burlap and earthy tones to create a wooden farmhouse feel, says Currie. Try dabbling in gentle blues and greens if you lean more to a beach vibe.
Your furniture is telling a story, try listening. Mismatched pieces can be painted, so try all white for uniformity or bright, bold, colours for an extra pop. If you go with the white backdrop Currie says it is easy to switch from one season style to the next if you paint your main pieces of furniture white, too. Worn furniture is reliable. For a cosy feel, search thrift stores and garage sales for fabrics or that extra, unique, piece to accentuate the room. “I love when fabrics and textiles come into my shop that have been a little reloved over the years.” To celebrate the changing seasons, move on from your spring and summer beach- feel by transitioning pastel colours to earthy tones, says Currie. She recommends switching up smaller accent pieces like pillows or pictures. Adding a comfy throw or heavier drapes will warm up your home for the colder months yet still retain that comfortable, cottage charm.
Don't be afraid of mis-matched or worn furniture - embrace the character that comes with a vintage piece or paint it a crisp shade of white. Look for old fabrics and linens in thrift stores or garage sales - recover chairs or use them as window coverings for that cosy feel.
"It's all about loving your home, regardless of the season."
Less than perfect floors? Paint them. We love white but choose your
It's all about storage at the cottage - the day- bed with built-in drawers and the simple crates painted white, become bookshelves.
favourite colour. Seal them well and they'll last for years. Or, if you like that lived-in look, you can let them wear naturally.
We love this old tool-bench for a kitchen island but a vintage dresser, harvest table or almost anything can serve the purpose.
Summer 2017 pei-living.ca
47
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator