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Guest Picks: Conjure a Cottage on Your Porch or Patio

Gather furniture and accessories with soft hues and subtle patterns for an outdoor space that's casually romantic

Sarah Haywood June 10, 2013

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Cottage style is my absolute favorite. For me, the word "cottage" always conjures up images of lazy summer days, fresh lemonade and curling up with a cozy throw and a good book. Living in a small city in northern Ontario often makes it challenging to find furniture and accessories in the cottage style that I love. Over the years, I've learned how to scour online and local retail stores to find any and all items that fit my criteria: soft hues, subtle patterns, patina, natural materials and of course lots of white.

I recently added a large two-tier deck to the backyard, and I'm ready to transform the massive expanse of boring wood into the cozy, casual cottage space of my dreams. Check out my collection of inspiration items. — Sarah from Cozy Cottage Cute

Lowe's

Allen + Roth Meridale 48-inch Round Pedestal Table - CAD 548

I had to do a double take when I first saw this pedestal table in the Lowe's flyer. I love the chunky base, the slightly worn finish and the fact that it doesn't even look like a piece of outdoor furniture.

Lowe's

Allen + Roth Wicker Accent Chair - CAD 498

These chairs are at the top of my outdoor wish list. I love that they have closed sides and a closed base, making them look great from all angles. Even though they are made of durable vinyl, they look like woven rattan. Oh, and don't they look so comfy?

Lowe's

Garden Treasures Stencil Navy Blue/Texture Outdoor Accent Pillow - CAD 11.98

You just can't have a cottage patio without a little bit of blue and white fabric thrown into the mix. I love the swirly, whirly white pattern against the navy background. I could definitely take a long snooze with this pillow around.

Dash & Albert Rug Company

Rugby Stripe Light Blue Indoor/Outdoor Rug - $38

Oh yes, stripes are a cottage must-have. These narrow stripes in varying shades of blue and white make me weak in the knees. If you're nervous about using such light colors in an outdoor space, don't worry. These rugs are designed to be hose-able, scrubbable and bleach-able.

West Elm

Stackable Wood Plant Stand

There are so many possibilities for this rustic-looking wood stand. Stack a few for display, or use just one as a potting bench, coffee table or additional seating.

Traditional Artwork - $79.95

I've always wanted an antique ceiling tile. This replica from Pier 1 is a great option for outdoor wall art — any weathering would make it even prettier! Hang one on its own or a collection of three or four on a wall, fence or partition.

Williams-Sonoma

Vintage Galvanized Watering Can - $69.95

Old, weathered watering cans serve two purposes: They're a visual reminder to water your flowers and they make a lovely cottage decoration when not in use.

Target

Smith & Hawken Premium Quality 9-foot Wood Umbrella, Cream - $579

Crisp white fabric with contrasting dark, chunky wood? Yes, please.

Contemporary Candleholders Contemporary Candleholders

Contemporary Candleholders - $10

A few of these mini lanterns in a soft, distressed blue add a little bit of color to an otherwise neutral color scheme. Plus, candlelight is so romantic.

West Elm

Ceramic Snail - $8

These decorative snails are simply adorable. While I'm not a fan of real critters in my outdoor living space (eek), pretty ceramic ones are always welcome.

West Elm

Outdoor Embroidered Stars Pillow, White/India Ink - $34

These crisp white cushions with delicate blue embroidery would really pop against the dark browns of the rattan-like outdoor furniture.

User

Savoy House Heritage Ellijay Three-Light Traditional Outdoor Wall Lantern - $270

You can't have a cottage porch without nice lighting. The glass panes on this outdoor lantern would create the prettiest shadows in the evening.

Etsy

Vintage Rustic Wood Box, Corned Beef by La Roux Vintage

I'm pretty much obsessed with old wooden crates. While there are many to choose from when browsing on Etsy, I'm loving the white and blue graphics and text on this one. Wooden boxes and crates can be used to hold throw blankets, extra cushions, magazines, potted herbs, dishes — you name it!

Lowe's

Ashton Sutton Wall Standard Clock - $79.90

I love the look of this faux-rattan outdoor clock. Isn't it charming? For me, an outdoor clock is a must on a cottage porch, as I would probably snooze the entire day away if I could.

Amazon

Safavieh Castle Gardens Collection Embossed Ceramic Garden Stool, White - $114.72

I've seen garden stools like this one many times, but I've yet to see one with such a delicate floral pattern. It would fit in perfectly on a cottage patio as a side table, a foot stool or additional seating.

Williams-Sonoma

Galvanized Planters - $39.95

The handles on this galvanized planter take it from cute to mega cute. I could also see it doing double duty as an ice bucket for beverages during a party or get-together.

Cost Plus World Market

White Escape Grommet-Top Curtain - $29.99

White curtain panels are an easy way to soften the harsh, straight lines of a deck or porch. They are also great for hiding any unsightly views from your, ahem, neighbors. Sheer white curtains will still allow sunlight to stream through to help create that airy, cottage look.

West Elm

Outdoor Embroidered Border Pillow, Natural Flax/Stone White - $49

The natural brown shade of this cushion coordinates perfectly with cottage colors like soft blue and white. The delicate pattern along the outer edge is so pretty, and if I must say, fairly unique for an outdoor cushion.

Indigo

Terra-cotta Hanging Bird House - CAD 39.50

This sweet birdhouse has so much to love: the rope handle, the teardrop shape and the soft shade of blue.

West Elm

Cloud Planters - $29

I'll admit that quality white planters are hard to find. These terra-cotta pots from West Elm are perfect. The crisp white makes greenery stand out, while the subtle stripe detail adds just the right amount of visual interest.

Next: So Your Style Is: Cottage

Comment9

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Comments (9)

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familyfoursome

Unable to click through for sources. Got the Lowes and Pier 1 references but what about the other items?

Like June 23, 2013 at 4:29AM

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Sarah Haywood

Familyfoursome, I just tried the links and they seem to be working on my end. Did you try clicking on the image and then the link that says "Visit Store"?

Like June 23, 2013 at 6:17AM

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familyfoursome

Thanks! I see I can get to them on the full site. I was using the ipad app and for some reason there are no links. There aren't even item descriptions now that I compare! Next time I'll check the full site first.

Like June 23, 2013 at 7:56AM