Dream Cottage Design

Liz shares her tips for creating a coastal dream cottage.

• MATERIALS – “Use durable materials such as quartz countertops and outdoor fabrics inside. Stay away from glass coffee tables and, if your budget allows, use wall-mounted plumbing fixtures versus deck-mounted.”

• WINDOW TREATMENTS – “We go cordless on Roman shades whenever we can. The cord is unsightly and not safe for families with young children. Think about how much privacy you need and what type of light you want. The spectrum goes from light filtering to blackout.”

• PAINT – “We like paint to be cohesive in a home. Stick with a main color and then think about other colors you want to add for a pop.”

• HARDWARE – “This is a way to make even a prefab cabinet feel more unique. Think about size, finish and style to create the finishing touch.”

• UPCYCLING – “Your old bed or dresser can be reused. Keep the pieces that tell a story and speak to your heart.”

• LIGHTING – “Go big or go home! We think lighting is the jewelry of the room. We like to play with scale of lighting. If you’re unsure whether to buy it a little bigger or a little smaller, go for the larger size. While the number of bulbs and wattage needs to be functional, the style can elevate your home in terms of how you want your space to look and feel.”

• COLOR – “Color should be woven throughout a home but not overused. You can play off similar tonality, but we recommend mixing up shades, so your space does not feel so matchy-matchy. Think of unique ways to place color; it doesn’t always have to be with paint. Think wallpaper or as subtle as a pillow or art.”