I have put together some easy tips on how to create Coastal Grandmother lake cottage look. My favorite colors are greens, blues, salmon and of course a lot of white.
These colors mixed together just make you feel relaxed and calm.
I also like to bring in some texture with baskets, throws and glass because it adds depth to any room.
Start with a cool palette
Starting with white walls and white slipcovered furniture it was easy to bring in lots of color!
I chose blues, greens, turquoise, soft peach or you might call it salmon color for my throw pillows.
I love pillows!
Don’t you?
The rug is seriously my favorite thing in the room!
It is quite large 9X12 and it has all the colors of the room in it.
Lake Cottage looking pillows
The salmon colored pillows have lots of texture on them.
One has round little nubby circles on it.
The other pillow has thick embroidered swirls on it.
The navy pillows have an all over texture on each one.
The lime green pillows are a thick linen.
All those textures work so well together on the white sofa!
Textured Peach colored throw
Who doesn’t love to snuggle up on the sofa with a soft blanket?
This particular salmon colored blanket has a waffle texture to it and I love it!
We use it all the time.
Furniture
I think a key thing on how to create a lake cottage look is white furniture!
My white sectional sofa is from Ikea and I have had it for 10 years now!
They apparently don’t make the Ektorp line any more!
So sad!
This sofa has been amazing and we have loved having slipcovers that can be washed.
You might remember years ago this same sofa when I had a red slipcover on it here.
Or when I had it in the basement with a denim slipcover on it.
I keep a large textured basket on the side filled with extra blankets in the winter.
Two ektorp club chairs on the other side of this room with white slipcovers on them create a cozy look.
I was named an expert in a Rent. article. Check out the featured article: Coastal Grandmother: Exploring the Allure of This Trending Design Aesthetic | Rent.
This navy linen ottoman is great for extra seating when we have the whole family here.
Adding blue glass vase on a round wooden tray brings in a little shine and warmth.
On the other side of the room is my entertainment center that we chalk painted in duck egg blue!
It used to be black!
You can see the entertainment before photos here.
The room looked nice before we painted it white and added salmon colored pillows but I love the white walls now.
Lake Cottage Look Accessories
I know sea shells don’t really say lake cottage look, they are more the beachy look but I love them.
Use what you love!
I have placed them in glass apothecary jars, glass house terrariums and wire baskets.
It just reminds me of vacation time.
Isn’t a lake house supposed to feel like you are on vacation?
I want to feel like I am on vacation everyday! 🙂
I also have some favorite books and magazines on the shelves in my entertainment center as well this wood carved pinecone or is it a pineapple?
Whatever you want to call it I like it.
It is simple, white and distressed looking.
Lake Cottage Fireplace and white shiplap
This fireplace used to be red brick before we painted it white.
I painted it white and added white shiplap above.
Instead of it being kind of a dark corner it is now light bright and airy.
I love to decorate the mantle for fall or for Christmas.
I keep things simple for summer and spring with a vase full of dried hydrangeas, a small framed piece of art, two skinny gold candle sticks and a salmon colored pot with faux greenery and a wooden piece of art.
How to create a lake cottage look and feel in any room
I think you can create a lake cottage or beach feel in your house using my tips.
Even this family room that has some decorating issues that can sometimes be a pain to work around.
There is really only one full wall!
A corner fireplace…. which I actually do love.
One side of the room is open to a hallway (where the club chairs are) and the other is a large opening to the kitchen.
This room acts as a pass through to the kitchen, it is the TV viewing area and when our kids and grandkids come over this is the gathering spot and play area for the grand kids too!
It seems to fit all 12 of us and sometimes even more when nieces and nephews come to visit!
It gets heavy use as you can imagine and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Well there you have it all my tips and ideas on how to create a lake cottage look in your home.
You can see the many different ways I have styled this family room on this post.
Spoiler alert It has been at least 5 different ways!
Pin To Your Family Room Board Ideas
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Also a super sad Ikea-er about the Ektorp line. They seem to be replacing the classics with cheaper options. There’s also a Hemnes look-a-like that is cheaper and doesn’t look as good. That said I’ve discovered furniture restorers on Facebook marketplace who do a decent job of repainting old or antique furniture. Those REALLY give the cottage look, especially when combined with some modern pieces. The trick is to smell the inside because old furniture can get stinky in a way that is hard to fix. I also love the salmon! I think I’ll need to shop around for that colour now!
I know! Why oh why did they discontinue the original Ektorp line. It was their most popular line!! I Love painted antique furniture too! It really brings in the cottage look for sure. Thank you for leaving me your sweet comment!
Karin, this room is just beautiful! I love all the pretty colors of your pillows and your rug is gorgeous!! It’s such a pretty, cozy room, perfect for a lake cottage!
What a lovely color palette. Your home looks so inviting.
I adore cottage style. Thank you so much for sharing on Fabulous Friday Link Party. We sure appreciate you. Hugs and blessings to you.
Thank you Renae 🙂 It just brings me so much joy to surround myself with these colors and the cozy feeling it brings. Your party is fabulous and I a so happy to join in the fun!
Hugs,
Karin
Gorgeous. I would love it if you would share this on The Fabulous Friday Link Party this Friday. https://www.peacockridgefarm.com/category/fabulous-friday-link-party/
Hugs to you.
It turned out just lovely! Pinned!
Niky @ The House on Silverado
Thanks so much Niky! We really love it!
When I envision a cottage I think of comfort. You definitely nailed it with this home. Thanks for sharing your wonderful tips. #HomeMattersParty
I really appreciate you kind comments Thank you 🙂
Karin
This is so beautiful. Such a cozy room to enjoy.
Thanks so much we love it! It’s so soothing!
Hugs,
Karin
Looks so inviting! Love all the colour you chose.
Thank you so much Sara 🙂
You created a cozy cottage vibe in your family room. My favorite parts are the salmon pillows and the white slipcover!
Have a great week.
Hugs,
Kippi
The touches of pink are so pretty. What an inviting room.
Your home is beautiful! I am so surprised that Ikea doesn’t make the Ektorp line anymore.
Paula I know! The Ektorp line was so popular! They have a new line that looks similar but is smaller in scale. One of my friends said it is not as good either. So sad!