How to Nail Cottage Decor

Worn, rustic and -- most importantly -- comfy items are the key to a cozy cottage home. Here's how.

Photo: Jessica Helgerson

Want to create a comfy cottage-style home (even if you live in the city)? Just follow these simple steps:

Choose a nautical color palette of blues and whites.
Look for wicker, rattan, or metal garden furniture -- we’re talking yard sale items with chipping paint. Think: the most relaxing sun porch ever (no porch or sun necessary).
Get upholstered furniture slipcovered in casual white cotton duck fabric. It’s washable and will give even formal pieces a laid-back, casual look.
Rocking chairs, rocking chairs, rocking chairs. Every cottage needs a few.
Go for a rustic pine or reclaimed wood table, and consider a maple butcher block countertop for the kitchen.
Feel like painting the floors? Go for it. Then lay down sisal and braided rugs on top.

Nestpert: Minnesota designer Jay Nuhring, author of the blog "Loving What You Have".