For many people the ?beach? or the ?cabin? represents their serenity and tranquility. It's their refuge and abode away from the pressures and pressure cooker of the every day work day world. In term of furnishing their cottage or lakeside chalet some give it thought ? whereas many do not. For some furnishing the cottage is give little thought? Its just hand me downs from the city home, or at the best ?stuff from garage sales?. In many cases this is downright foolish in addition to poor d'cor and function. In other cases by choosing the d'cor and furnishings so poorly it leads to a lot more work for the cottage owner, or those seeking a retreat. After all the point is relaxation, not more work and effort. After all the whole purpose is to relax and take it easy.



All in all you have to remember that ruggedness and durability is the key. You are only at the cottage for a short time, if that. Its weekends or at the most several weeks on your vacation. Often it seems that just as soon as you have unpacked, its time to go back home to the city. Items chosen should be rugged and durable. They should not be ?dust catchers?. They should be easy to clean. If something spills on them ? say a couch for example it should be able to be cleanable with water ? even cold water and ordinary soap. Ifs not as if you have a drycleaner nearby. Funny enough even if you had a drycleaner the service may not be available or practical. After all you are probably there on a weekend. When do you drop off the stained couch pillow ? before the stain sets and dries? When will you be back to pick up and pay for the cleaning. You may not be back for a month or two and even then it may be on a weekend. On top of that if you have a wilderness cabin ? you may not even have running water, hot water and certainly not an eclectic clothes dryer. After all you are roughing it.

You can never go wrong with brown color schemes in a cabin setting. Not only are brown shades rustic and earthy ? they also tend to hide dirt and stains. Brown shades are not only natural but also neutral. They will go with almost every other color without clashing. On top of that much of the materials and d'cor in most cottages are composed of wood and wood products one way or another. Hence brown colors and their shades are the first order of the day.

The question of art often comes up as well. Nature scenes along with wildlife presentations are always welcome. After all you are in, or wish to portray a landscape of the serenity of nature and being one with nature. Along with that your choice of rugs, towels and drapes can all be of the same basic color schemes brown neutral based. Along with that to liven up the atmosphere your accessories ? rugs, drapes and towels can incorporate nature and wildlife themes.

After all it is all about your personal serenity, relaxation and peace of mind at your lakeside or wilderness cabin, cottage or chalet.