22 Fresh, Frugal Cottage Ideas
18. Architectural fragments, such as corbels, brackets, and molding, bring aged cottage elements into a new home. Look for vintage pieces at salvage stores, garage sales, and online auctions.
19. Knobs dress up a utilitarian piece of furniture. Adding glass knobs from Target at $4 each freshens a dated vanity. Look for new or vintage knobs at flea markets and antiques malls.
20. Wire baskets and a worn cupboard add charm as well as storage. If you can't find the right vintage piece, spray-paint a new piece and gently rub the paint in areas of usual wear with steel wool before the paint dries to create a patina of age.
21. Claw-foot tubs offer instant cottage style in the bathroom. Look under "Salvage" in the Yellow Pages to find a vintage tub in your area. It's possible to find reproduction tubs online, but be aware that shipping costs will add up. Check out eBay. You might just find a claw-foot tub that's close enough to pick up.
22. Wainscoting wraps a bathroom with charm. Watery blue paint tops the beaded board with restful color, and it's easy and inexpensive to redo when your color mood changes. Wood floors repeat the look of the rest of the house and work just fine in this damp location.
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