Guest Picks: A Stylish Small Cottage
Decorate your lakeside retreat with these 20 bright and cheerful pieces
Having a tiny lakeside cottage doesn't mean it can't have style — a bit of paint, fresh linens and a few colorful mod accessories can make even the most petite of cottages a bright and cheerful retreat to be enjoyed right up until late autumn. — Lori from automatism
Linen Tablecloth by Stripe Fog Linen Work
Make an al fresco supper a special one with a pretty striped tablecloth in easy-care linen. Add a pitcher of wildflowers and suddenly hamburgers become an occasion!
Freestyle Large Print by Samantha French
Freestyle, a lovely print from an original oil painting by artist Samantha French, would be a perfect gift for someone who's just bought a lakeside cottage — a promise of many happy summer days to come spent in and around the water.
Stainless Steel Wood Basket, Bebop
Many people are extending the enjoyment of their cottages into the cooler months of fall and beyond. This chic wood rack by Andre Gilli is an elegant alternative to the usual loose stack of wood by the cottage stove, and turns a storage necessity into a work of art.
Pop Orange Flower Plate
Not only does this melamine plate add color to the menu, but peace of mind as well — no need to worry if it slides off the dock into the lake.
Rosendahl Lantern
When dusk falls, a beautiful lantern will add a warm and cozy glow indoors as you relax and listen to the loons call across the lake.
Modern Patio Chair by Fillingham Art Furniture Design
These beautiful handmade patio chairs of solid walnut, northern white cedar and stainless steel not only have an elegant mid-century modern vibe, but they don't mind being left out in the rain once in a while, either.
Hands On Salad Bowl
This great looking salad bowl is clever too: the servers are integrated into the bowl, perfect for storage in tiny cottage kitchens.
Unison Larch Medium Charcoal Blanket
The design of the Larch Blanket by Unison is reminiscent of tree shadows on a summer afternoon, but is lovely and cozy on cool nights too.
Flora N1 print by Miles Of Light
This delicate print from Miles of Light evokes sunny afternoon walks in the woods, collecting interesting leaves and other natural objects for little souvenirs of summer at the cottage.
Dr. Yes Chair by Kartell, Set of 2
The stylish Dr. Yes Chair by Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet not only has great lines, but great practicality too; made from modified polypropylene, it's just as comfortable outdoors as it is inside. A wide range of colors means you can mix and match your look as well.
Ljusa Hand-Powered Flashlight
I just love the retro modern design of this flashlight. And thanks to its clever hand-powered design, no batteries are needed, making it ideal for cottage use.
Large Vintage Yellow Ice Bucket by Estate Eclectic
This cheerful yellow vintage ice bucket (with the great style details of a lucite handle and lid) would make chilled drinks on the dock extra chic.
White Birch Tapper Candle Holders by Urban + Forest
Add a little atmosphere to a cottage supper with this pair of handcrafted taper candle holders made from reclaimed Maine white birch wood. They're pretty and reflective of the surrounding woodland.
Red Cross Medicine Storage Box
Keep your stock of band-aids, sunblock, bug repellent and other cottage necessities stylishly stored in this retro-inspired Red Cross medicine box.
Vintage Pair of Teak Atomic Boomerang Dishes by Wise Apple Vintage
This little pair of vintage teak atomic boomerang shaped dishes would add warm Scandinavian style to a serving of nuts, olives or sweets at the table or on the dock.
Coleman Jug Cooler by Old Green Canoe
Serve drinks on the dock with cheerful retro style using this great vintage Coleman jug cooler. It's fun and practical too.
Ikea PS Sandskär Tray Table, White
With its wide base, this stylish table is a great choice for a cottage lot with uneven ground — and the removable table top can be used as a serving tray if the party moves indoors. It's also UV-stabilized and fade-resistant, so if you leave it outside once in a while there's no need to worry.
Deluxe Bocce Ball Set
When the weather turns a little too cool for swimming, toss on a sweater and break out the bocce ball set! This beautiful version is as decorative as it is fun — it'll look great in the living room, waiting for the next game.
Triangle Mug Set
Add some cheerful geometric color to morning coffee on the dock with one of these Triangle mugs. They're available individually or as a set of four.
Olympic Firebowl/Grill
Being at the cottage means you never want to go inside, and that includes eating. This compact and elegant fire bowl allows you to barbecue quickly and easily — always good when everyone is hungry from a day on the water.
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Next: More guest blogger product picks