How can I create a beachy cottage look in spite of dark flooring?

Nona Ya Beeswax
by Nona Ya Beeswax
My laminate flooring seems too dark (cherry) for the beach cottage theme I envisioned for my vacation home. Any suggestions for decor & furniture colors?
  7 answers
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Oct 12, 2015
    Would a light colored area rug or smaller rugs lighten things up?
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 12, 2015
    I am assuming the floor is in a living room area. There are many ways you can tackle this project. The floor can be painted over or you can work around that with your decor.If you post a picture the task of helping you will be alot easier.
  • Janet Glabas Janet Glabas on Oct 12, 2015
    I agree with the rug idea from Cynthia H. sisal rugs,bamboo rugs etc.
  • Nadia Sammartino Sims Nadia Sammartino Sims on Oct 12, 2015
    I was going to say sisal rugs too. they are light and organic looking. Light paint and coverings and you are made in the shade. A little touch of the same floor color in say a couple of frames or statuary will tie the flooring into the look with out it looking like it had to be covered. put a couple of pieces around the room as an accent.
    • Z Z on Oct 12, 2015
      @Nadia Sammartino Sims Good point about bringing the floor color into some accessories such as picture frames.
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Oct 13, 2015
    Here's my 2 cents...I would keep colors on the light side...Trim, woodwork, & windows in a pure white w/ semi-gloss, or flat. For the walls..I would add a hint of color...Blue, Gray, or Green. Some wood pieces in lighter varied shades of same stain color of the floor. The rest of furniture can be a mix of shabby chic & cottage. Instead of a couch, put in it's place a vintage or distressed day bed w/ a ton of pillows & light colored throws. Add an ottoman that can be used as a coffee table.(Just add 2-3 mirrored trays for a hard surface) Add wing back or club chairs. Add throws in cashmere, merino wool, or even faux fur. Then layer accessories w/ natural items like conch shells, baskets, small trunks that can be storage as well. Add a gallery of antique mirrors to a wall. Add artwork w/ pops of color.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 13, 2015
    Ok that would be great so that we can offer suggestions.
  • Kristen Zebley-Bossert Kristen Zebley-Bossert on Oct 16, 2015
    You could paint the floors a lighter color. Or paint light blue & white stripes on the floor.