50 Summer Cottage Style Decorating Ideas and Design Guide

Ah, your cottage during summer — there’s nothing quite like it, right?

Whether your cottage is nestled in the woods, by the sea, perched on a tranquil lakefront, tucked in a lush forest, or resting in the rolling countryside, one thing’s for sure: we want it to feel welcoming, cozy, and full of sunny charm.

Summer is the perfect time to refresh our cottages with light, breezy decor and personal touches that make every day feel like a vacation.

I get excited just talking about cottage decorating. There’s a special magic in creating a space that invites you to kick off your sandals, breathe in the fresh air, and relax with a cold glass of lemonade.

And the best part? You don’t need a huge budget or a professional designer to do it. Refresh your bedrooms, living room, and outdoor spaces with that beautiful summer vibe that says…ahhhhh Summer….

In this article, I delve into a treasure trove of summer cottage decorating ideas—from high-end splurges to creative, budget-friendly hacks.

You and I will journey through different cottage styles, and even step outside to spruce up porches, patios, and gardens.

Embrace the Summer Cottage Vibe

Before we get specific with styles, let’s chat about some general ways to infuse that easygoing summer vibe into any cottage.

No matter the location or theme of your getaway, a few universal tricks will help breathe summer freshness into your space:

Lighten Up Fabrics

Put away those heavy winter textiles. Swap out thick curtains for sheer, breezy ones, and fold up the chunky knit throws in favor of lightweight cotton or linen blankets.

Even slipping a crisp white slipcover over a dark sofa can instantly summer-ify your living room.

Layer lighting and add charm with wall sconces.

Brighten the Palette

Summer is the time to embrace airy colors. You don’t have to repaint entire rooms (though you certainly can if you’re up for it).

Instead, add pops of color with throw pillows, area rugs, or artwork. Think beach-glass blues, sunny yellows, soft blush pinks, and fresh garden greens. These cheery hues lift the whole mood of a room.

Bring the Outdoors In

One of my favorite tips (and it’s practically free) is to decorate with natural elements. Snip a few wildflowers or cut leafy branches and plunk them in a vase.

Collect pretty shells or smooth stones during a walk and display them in a bowl. Nature’s decor never goes out of style, and it instantly makes a space feel more connected to its surroundings.

Mix Old and New

Part of cottage charm is that it’s collected over time. Let vintage pieces and modern touches coexist (a sleek new lamp next to grandma’s old rocking chair — why not?).

This mix-and-match style feels right for summer and is great for your wallet: maybe splurge on one special piece you love, and find other treasures at flea markets or thrift stores.

I know, I know—you may be thinking, “Jaymie, do I really have to redecorate every season?” Don’t worry! We’re not talking about a full makeover here. Just a few simple swaps and additions can usher in a breezy summer feeling.

Think of it like changing your wardrobe for the warmer weather: lightweight and cheerful is the way to go. Now, with these general tips in mind, let’s dive into specific looks for different types of cottages.

Coastal Cottage: Breezy Beachside Charm

Picture this: gauzy white curtains fluttering in the salty sea breeze, the soothing colors of sand and sky all around, and the whole place bathed in a lazy, golden light.

A coastal cottage is all about capturing that laid-back beachside charm – a look that says relax, slow down, and enjoy the ocean view.

Light, Airy Interiors

Keep the palette light and breezy. Think lots of white and cream as your base, accented with the blues and greens of the ocean.

Soft and light colored botanical throw pillows, seafoam green vases, or stripes in classic navy and white can all work beautifully

For fabrics, trade heavy materials for cotton and linen. Sheer white curtains that flutter with the slightest wind and crisp linen slipcovers on sofas instantly make a room feel fresh and cool (and bonus: they’re easy to wash!).

Casual Coastal Furnishings

For furniture, think casual and beach-comfy. Wicker or rattan chairs, a weathered light wood coffee table, and a big slipcovered couch invite everyone to lounge freely.

You want pieces you can flop onto with sandy toes or damp swimsuits and not fret. Whether you splurge on a new rattan set or repaint a flea-market find, you’ll get that breezy seaside vibe all the same.

Arrange your seating to take advantage of the view and the airflow – maybe a pair of chairs by the window facing the ocean, or a daybed piled with pillows in a sunroom. Keep the layout open and relaxed. This is shoes-off, feet-up territory.

Beachy Decor Accents

I know, I know—you may be thinking of piling on the anchors, seashells, and ship wheels everywhere. But when it comes to nautical decor, a little goes a long way!

Pick just a few beloved coastal accents and let them shine. For example, fill a clear glass bowl with shells you’ve collected on the beach, or prop a piece of driftwood on a shelf as art.

A throw pillow with a subtle starfish pattern or a navy-striped rug by the door can nod to the theme without screaming it.

Bring in natural textures from the shore to complement the look. A jute or sisal rug feels a bit like sandy beach beneath your feet (and it’s tough enough to handle lots of traffic).

Woven straw baskets can hold extra towels or magazines while adding that island texture. Maybe lean an old oar in the corner or use driftwood bits to frame a mirror – little touches that echo the seaside scenery in an effortless way.

Lakefront Cottage: Rustic Lakeside Tranquility

Cozy Cabin Interiors

Lake cottages often come with beautiful wood features – think log walls, knotty pine ceilings, or a stone fireplace.

Embrace that warmth but lighten it up for summer. Use pale accents to balance the wood tones: a cream-colored rug on a dark floor, light cotton slipcovers over plaid sofas, and sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes.

Draw your color inspiration from the lake and forest outside. Cool shades of blue (sky blue, teal, deep navy) echo the water, and gentle greens and earthy neutrals echo the surrounding trees and rocks.

You might add a pop of cheerful red or buffalo-plaid as a nod to classic camp style – perhaps a couple of throw pillows or a vintage camp blanket – but keep the overall palette calm and natural.

Furnishings should be all about comfort and practicality. After a day of swimming or fishing, you want to plop down on a big, soft sofa or curl up in a well-worn armchair.

Rustic wood furniture fits perfectly – imagine a hefty farmhouse-style dining table for family dinners or an old trunk as a coffee table that doubles as storage for games and extra blankets.

Don’t worry if pieces are a bit scuffed or mismatched; that just adds character. Arrange seating to enjoy the view of the water if you’re lucky enough to have one.

A couple of rocking chairs facing the lake or a dining table positioned for sunset views will make those moments even sweeter.

And remember, lake life is casual: a stack of board games or a shelf of well-loved books in the corner not only looks charming, it invites everyone to unplug and have some old-fashioned fun.

Lakeside Decor Accents

To decorate a lake cottage, bring the outside in. Scoop up some of nature’s freebies: fill a bowl with smooth stones or pinecones collected on a walk, and put wildflowers or bunches of leafy branches in a simple mason jar vase.

These organic touches make the cabin feel connected to the woods and water. You can also nod to lake pastimes in your decor.

Prop a vintage canoe paddle or fishing rod against a wall, or hang an old “Lake House” sign, a pair of wooden oars, or even some antique fishing lures in a shadowbox.

A little bit of camp nostalgia gives your place that fun, lived-in feel (without turning it into a sporting goods store showroom!).

Lighting can boost the cozy factor big-time. Hang some string lights under the porch eaves or along a railing to resemble twinkling stars reflected on the lake.

Lantern-style lamps on side tables add a rustic glow in the evenings.

If you want to splurge on one wow item, consider a statement light fixture – maybe a wagon-wheel chandelier or one crafted from antlers or driftwood – to create a focal point and lodge-like atmosphere.

Then keep other accents budget-friendly: frame a few black-and-white family photos from summers past, display a stack of vintage books or a cluster of thrifted ceramic pitchers on a shelf, and call it a day.

The goal is a space that feels personal and welcoming, like your family has loved it for years.

Nostalgic Display Idea

A friend of mine once framed a pair of tiny vintage children’s swimsuits and hung them in her lake cabin bathroom. It’s an adorable personal touch and a great conversation starter!

Woodland Cottage: Enchanting Forest Retreat

Airy Cabin Interiors

If your cabin walls and floors are all wood, you’ve already got loads of warmth and texture.

To avoid feeling too dark or heavy in summer, balance it out with light colors and soft accents. Lay down a cream or sage-green rug to break up all the wood, or toss a light cotton throw over a dark leather chair.

Use hues drawn from the forest, but the gentler side of it: mossy green, soft brown, and mushroom gray, lifted by touches of ivory or pale yellow.

For example, sage-green curtains or a floral pillows add interest and brighten up all that timber. And don’t forget natural light—keep window treatments minimal to let the sunshine dapple in through the trees.

A strategically placed mirror can also help bounce daylight around and make your snug cottage feel a bit more spacious.

Furnishings in a woodland cottage should be comfy, unfussy, and a tad rustic. This is the perfect place for that overstuffed thrift-store armchair or a simple log bench by the door.

Chunky wood coffee tables, knitted poufs or woven ottomans, and maybe a rocking chair crafted by a local artisan all fit right in.

You don’t need a lot of furniture, just pieces that invite you to curl up with a book or gather with friends after a long hike. Handcrafted touches add soul: an old patchwork quilt draped on the sofa, a carved wooden stool used as a side table, or a ceramic lamp that casts a warm glow.

Arrange your seating around whatever focal point your cabin has—be it a woodstove, a picture window, or a coffee table strewn with nature guides.

Since woodland cottages can be a bit dim under the canopy, dot the room with extra lamps or twinkle lights in corners to chase away any gloom.

Woodsy Accents with Whimsy

Now for the fun part: little details that bring the forest spirit inside. Decorate with found natural treasures, but selectively.

A few pinecones in a bowl or some fern fronds in a vase will remind you of the woods (and cost nothing!), but you probably want to skip dragging in that giant mossy log.

The idea is to blur the line between outside and in, without actually bringing in the local critters! You can also play with subtle woodland motifs: maybe a pillow printed with ferns, or coasters with tiny mushroom illustrations.

For a touch of magic, sprinkle in some soft lighting and whimsy. String lights or fairy lights are practically made for woodland cottages – drape a strand along an exposed beam or around a window to mimic the glow of fireflies at night.

Lantern-style candles (real or LED) on the mantel or coffee table give that flickering campfire feeling after dusk.

And a little whimsy won’t hurt: a miniature “fairy door” tucked on a shelf or a friendly gnome figurine peeking out from a corner can bring a smile without tipping into tacky. The goal is a space that feels a bit enchanted but still comforting and personal.

Practical things can be decorative here, too. Wicker baskets or wooden crates make perfect storage for extra blankets or firewood and look right at home.

Hang a couple of vintage lanterns or straw hats on wall hooks by the door, and suddenly it’s a style statement.

With a balanced mix of earthy elements and light-hearted touches, your forest hideaway will feel like a dreamy retreat where every day is a quiet adventure.

Countryside Cottage: Pastoral Charm and Comfort

Fresh & Floral Interiors

Floral patterns and cottages go together like lemonade and a summer afternoon. I know, I know—you may be thinking, “Floral everything? Isn’t that a bit too grandma?”

But done right, it feels fresh and joyful. The trick is to balance those pretty prints with light, bright surroundings. Keep your walls a warm, pale hue (think creamy white, buttery yellow, or a soft mint green) to set an airy backdrop.

Then layer in florals thoughtfully: maybe breezy flower-print curtains paired with simple gingham cushions, or a botanical wallpaper on one accent wall and crisp white paint everywhere else.

Vary the scale of the patterns, too—a big bold floral print on a loveseat can play nicely with tiny ditsy flowers on a throw pillow. This way it feels charming, not overwhelming.

And nothing brings a country cottage room to life like fresh flowers from the garden: a pitcher of wildflowers on the kitchen table, a handful of sweet peas in a mason jar by the bed, or a vase of sunflowers on the mantel.

If you don’t have fresh flowers, faux flowers are still beautiful and you don’t have to maintain them!

These little touches of nature make the space feel alive, cheerful, and oh-so-country.

Vintage Finds & Personal Touches

A countryside cottage should feel as if it’s been lived in and loved for generations, with treasures collected over time.

You can absolutely mix high-end pieces with humble flea-market finds here. Perhaps invest in one really special item – say, a sturdy farmhouse dining table or a gorgeous antique hutch – and then surround it with more casual, second-hand accents.

Painted wooden chairs that don’t quite match, grandma’s old rocker with a new floral cushion, or a thrifted side table given a fresh coat of pastel paint all add to that cozy, lived-in vibe.

Display your collections and heirlooms proudly, because they tell your story. Hang a few decorative plates on the dining room wall and line your open shelves with those vintage teacups you adore.

If you love it, let it become part of the decor! Stacks of old books, a ceramic pitcher repurposed as a vase, family photos in mismatched frames – these personal touches make your cottage feel uniquely yours.

Let the garden spirit flow inside as well. Incorporate natural materials and motifs from outdoors: a wreath of dried lavender on the door, a bowl of fresh lemons or apples on the countertop, or sachets of herbs tucked in your drawers.

Light cotton or lace curtains fluttering in the breeze and a couple of gingham or crochet throw pillows can bring that farmhouse sweetness into any room.

The beauty of this style is that it doesn’t need to be perfect or expensive – it just has to make you smile. (In fact, what was once considered “old-fashioned” is cool again – hello, cottagecore!)

Embracing a bit of nostalgia, a lot of flowers, and your own personal flair will create a sunny cottage interior that feels like a warm hug on a summer day.

Outdoor Summer Spaces: Porches, Patios & Garden Nooks

Your outdoor areas are an extension of your cottage’s charm, so let’s make them as cozy and delightful as the inside:

Porches & Decks

A great porch or deck is all about comfort and conversation. Start with comfortable seating — perhaps a couple of rocking chairs, a porch swing with cushions, or a cozy bench on the deck.

Add a durable outdoor rug to anchor the seating area and make it feel like an outdoor living room (plus it’s nice for bare feet). Soften up the space with weather-resistant pillows in cheerful colors or patterns that echo your cottage’s style.

A few potted plants or hanging flower baskets will bring color and life right to your doorstep. Geraniums, petunias, ferns — whatever grows well in your area — all add to that summer vibe.

Don’t forget the little decor touches that make an outdoor space feel like “you.” Maybe it’s a cute wooden sign with your cottage’s name by the door, or a vintage lantern on the side table.

Lighting is key for evenings: string lights are a favorite (there’s nothing like that magical twinkle as the sun sets), and lanterns or solar-powered fairy lights can dot the corners for extra glow.

If your porch isn’t covered and the sun gets intense, consider adding some shade with a pretty patio umbrella or a simple canvas shade sail so you can enjoy your lemonade without melting.

The idea is to create a welcoming spot where you love to linger, morning or night.

Little Garden Retreats

Not everyone has a big yard or garden. But even a small nook can become a charming escape with a bit of creativity.

If you have some yard space, set up a cozy corner to relax: maybe a bench under a tree or a couple of chairs around a fire pit. Dress it up with outdoor cushions or a weatherproof throw blanket so it beckons you to sit and stay a while.

Even the Smallest Spaces

Even a single comfortable chair on a tiny balcony or a stool next to a pot of flowers on a stoop can give you a mini “garden” spot to enjoy your morning coffee.

Use your garden decor to add personality. Line a walkway or railing with inexpensive solar lights or candle lanterns to make your evenings feel a bit magical.

Tuck a whimsical touch here and there: perhaps a friendly gnome hidden among the ferns or that old bicycle with a basket of flowers parked cheerfully by the fence.

Don’t shy away from functional items doing double-duty as decor – a pretty watering can or a pair of bright floral rain boots by the door can look storybook-cute.

The goal is simply to celebrate the outdoors and surround yourself with the sights and scents of summer.

No matter the size of your outdoor space, make it your own little oasis. Lay out a couple of lightweight throws for chilly evenings on the porch swing.

Keep a tray with citronella candles or bug spray handy (arranged prettily, of course) so nothing interrupts your stargazing.

When you throw open the doors and decorate your porch or patio with the same care as your living room, your whole cottage feels larger and more joyful.

Your Summer Decorated Cottage Awaits

We’ve explored so many ideas to help your summer cottage shine with personality and warmth.

Now it’s your turn to mix and match these tips and make them your own. The beauty of cottage decorating is that it’s delightfully forgiving and meant to bring you joy.

It’s not about perfection at all – only about creating a space where you and your loved ones feel at ease and happy. Maybe you’ll take a bit from each style: a dash of seaside color in your lake cabin, or a touch of floral charm in your woodland retreat.

Go for it! There are no strict rules here. Embrace whatever feels welcoming and right for your home.

So fluff those pillows, hang those string lights, display that quirky thrifted find, and most importantly, enjoy every second of your summer sanctuary.

I can practically hear the screen door creaking and the crickets chirping already.

Happy decorating, and have a fabulous summer at your cottage!