Coastal Cottage Chic

During our recent vacation in Maine, we stayed in large seaside cottage that’s been in my brother-in-law’s family since 1905. The cottage is uninsulated, with exposed wood walls and ceilings. Most decor blogs and magazines tout the idea of achieving a look that gives the appearance that it’s been collected over time. In the case of this seaside cottage, the decor has genuinely been accumulated over time – more than 100 years, to be exact.

From school sports trophies to parts of sailboats, from original paintings to antique maps, this cottage has it all. Some may think that the walls are cluttered, but I loved every inch of it. The dining room table has played host to thousands of steamed lobsters over the past century, and the well-worn braided rug hides wine stains from many a guest.

This rustic cottage look isn’t for everyone, but it definitely speaks to me. I spent two weeks of every summer at similar (but much smaller) cottages on New Hampshire lakes, long before I ever had any interest in what was hot in the world of home decor.

When I walk into a new place, my brain automatically goes into redecorating mode. I immediately begin to re-imagine the space, mentally swapping out fabrics and rearranging furniture. But I didn’t do that here, because this cottage looks exactly how it’s supposed to look after generations have left their mark.

Here’s my take on how you could re-create this look if you don’t have a century to accumulate accessories (or time to hit up flea markets every weekend):

• Braided rug: LL Bean, $399 for 5×8
• Pendant light: IKEA, $89.99
• Red dresser: Wayfair, $739  (replace the painted knobs with brass ones)
• Blue & white china plates: Blue Green Water, $28.50 for the lot of 5
• Farmhouse extension table: Diningtables.com, $230
• Vintage Maine map poster: Forrestina Vintage, $13
• Vintage Porthole Window: Third Shift, $49
• Valance with seashell trim: Country Curtains, $39

I found two great yet more expensive alternatives to the dresser in the mood board: the Antoinette Sideboard and Louis XVI Dresser, both from Ballard Designs in the “distressed red” finish. If you’re smart, you’ll check Craigslist first and find a neglected piece that could use a nice coat of red paint.

While I wouldn’t want to live with all of the rustic elements of this cottage on a daily basis, I still love the look for a getaway. More importantly, visiting this place and reviewing my pictures made me realize that my ideal design style does indeed incorporate both rustic and antique touches.

Have you every been to a place with a design that just felt right? Did you try to incorporate that style into your own home?