Cottage Cool

(Family Features) Is your home in need of color, individuality and a little romance? A cottage-inspired makeover may be just what the décor doctor ordered.

Taking nods from a diverse range of styles, cottage inspirations can span from vintage '50s Americana to country French. Because this style is founded on the mantra of "old meets new," it's easy to find affordable statement pieces at antique stores, garage sales and thrift stores. As long as the colors are soft, complimentary and the aim is feminine, you're on the right track to creating cozy cottage style.

Check out these tips to incorporate this simple and sweet look into your home:

Pastel Pieces

Turn your favorite furniture pieces into soft statements by painting them in pastel hues. Soft turquoises, mint greens, yellows, pinks and powder blues bring a feminine touch to any room. These colors can be played up with other trinkets, artwork and decorative linens.

Whites

Always the blank canvas from which to work, white is the perfect starting point for achieving this look. Choose white, ivory or light beige in dinnerware, bedspreads and for wall colors. These neutrals will make bright florals pop. Plus, these home décor classics will never go out of style, even if your tastes change.

Retro Touches

Cottage style has a penchant for the past. Old-timey floral prints and posters, vintage clocks and pop culture pieces all are welcome additions to this comfortable style. Use old soda bottle or milk bottle boxes as serving trays or containers for small items. Mismatched antique chairs clustered around a kitchen table add to the "anything goes" attitude.

Floral Inspirations

Pretty petals are a must to complete this look. Start by looking for a few floral finds at your local antique shop and build from it. Does the flowery painting you purchased have a wonderful mint green? Use that green throughout the room in tiny punches of color.

When you need a change from the straight lines of contemporary or the rigid rules of traditional, give cottage a try. You'll be enchanted by the charm when you integrate these feminine nuances into your home.