Unfortunately, summer is winding down. It’s a reality we all have to face, but don’t let it get the best of you. Instead, take your cottage vibe home with you for the off-season. Who says relaxed style is strictly for lakeside retreats anyway? Well, within reason of course. Side note to my brother-in-law: crocs are cottage casual and don’t pass for daily footwear in the city—no matter how much you like them.
How to bring the rustic and relaxed cottage vibe home
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Keeping the cottage connection all year round can be as easy as bringing the outdoors in. Try a stylish side table such as this tree stump from West Elm. You could also cut your own, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the critters that could crawl out once that warm fire is blazing.

Rustic decor doesn’t have to be confined to the cabin. Bring it to your city dwelling by adding a reclaimed wooden wall to your space. It will create instant warmth and casual style.

How great does this simple shelf look? Show off your antiquing adventures in cottage country with an amazing storage unit like this one. You’ll have a story to tell about the items in each crate, and each time you tell them, they'll catapult you back to the glory days of summer.

Even if you don’t have a working fireplace in the city, you can still create warmth with wood. Add some for decoration and it will warm up your space, whether it’s lit or not.

Bring home rustic pieces from the cottage to use around the house, like this metal bucket come wine cooler. Items like this add history and relaxed charm to your space without overdoing the rustic look.

If you are brave enough to use a picnic table as your main dining table, then you could have a pretty cool looking dining room. People will happily squish together to sit around a table as adorable as this. Serve burgers and hotdogs and you might just forget summer has passed.

Nothing says relaxation like a swinging chair or hammock. Add one to your reading nook and I’ll bet you start hearing waves lapping up against the dock. Well, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’s a nice thought.

Don’t be afraid to bring your lanterns inside. When you place them in a group, they can have a huge impact. Not only that, but they also cast a warm, soft glow that will remind you of sitting out on the porch on warm summer nights.

Bring home some of your favourite tchotchkes from the cottage and hang them in your living room. Walls aren’t just for artwork, and when you add other items it not only creates interest, but it also makes your space more dynamic. That anchor hook used to store life jackets in the boathouse will get a whole new lease on life when it's display in your home—just don't forget to return it to the cottage when the time comes.