Slipcover hand-me-down chairs and ottomans in the same fabric for a cohesive look.

When the slipcovers get dirty, just toss them in the wash. Other wallet friendly ideas include using washable flat paint on walls for easy wiping, and opting for bare floors throughout. Reinvent vintage finds like homeowner Ingrid Oomen did here — she had the antique post lamp rewired into a pendant light.

For more cheap and chic cottage decorating ideas, visit our photo gallery.

Revive worn wood floors with a fresh coat of paint.

Window treatments don’t have to be complicated — simply cut panels of raw linen fabric to length, leaving the edges unhemmed, and hang from a rod using drapery hooks. Group together simple black frames to create a gallery wall featuring your own black and white photographs.

For more cheap and chic cottage decorating ideas, visit our photo gallery.

Place found objects and souvenirs in clear apothecary jars.

Sea shells and beach rocks create a pretty look when gathered. Stacking books and placing select jars on top adds colour and dimension to a mantel vignette.

Create your own version of the popular twig chandelier.

Designer Barb Purdy dressed up an inexpensive fixture with pliable young twigs, which she tied at the top and around each light with thin black wire to form organic-looking branches. The bulbs were dipped in silicone for a softer, aged effect. You can also spray paint your entire chandelier white for an on-trend look.

For more cheap and chic cottage decorating ideas, visit our photo gallery.

Refresh a kitchen with paint, hardware and open shelves.

To give a cottage kitchen a facelift on a budget, consider exposed shelving. Here, designer Barb Purdy removed existing built-in cupboards and replaced them with cedar shelves that allow her to display only what she needs. This turns everyday objects into showpieces, and encourages decluttering. An affordable striped runner adds a hit of colour.

For more cheap and chic cottage decorating ideas, visit our photo gallery.

Use natural elements to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

A neutral palette exudes serenity and cleanliness. Freelance stylist and creative director Jenn Cranston created a headboard out of a bamboo screen, and unique lights by rewiring two pendants and wrapping the cords in raffia. Throughout her cottage, Jenn uses branches for sculptures and displays grass and leaves from her garden.

For more cheap and chic cottage decorating ideas, visit our photo gallery.

Use everyday objects as decorative items.

Combine flea market finds with big-box items and personal accessories for a customized bedroom corner. A necklace and wicker bag are minimal but add a nice touch when left hanging off hooks. The carved African chair was a flea market steal.

Hide a dishwasher and lower shelves with a curtain.

Sticking to as few types of glassware as possible will keep costs down, and create a neat look when lined up. Inexpensive open shelves, old wine casks and a wicker basket holding condiments contribute to an an unfitted and European look.

For more cheap and chic cottage decorating ideas, visit our photo gallery.

Give life to vintage pieces with a fresh coat of paint.

Hand-me-down side tables and wicker chairs can be instantly revamped with a few coats of paint. Cherry red paint injects the side table with farmhouse charm, while some light distressing furthers the rustic feel.

For more beachy and nautical rooms, see our Seaside-Inspired Interiors photo gallery.

Display rope in creative ways.

To create a vignette like this, cut and coil lengths of rope in glass vessels to showcase their natural tones and coarse textures. An oversized fishbowl pairs nicely with a length of chunky sisal, while a narrower hurricane shows off loops of twine.

For more beachy and nautical rooms, see our Seaside-Inspired Interiors photo gallery.

To learn how to make your own coiled-rope lamp, view Michael Penney’s Online TV DIY segment.

Line up multiple twin beds in kids' and guest rooms, outfitted with big, chunky casters.

This modern-country space is ideal for a shared bedroom or frequent sleepovers. The casters on the Ikea beds provide flexibility with the layout, while Indian quilts and flea-market finds give the room big personality on a small budget.

Hide open shelving with linen fabric tacked to a counter.

Exposed rustic planks and beams give this cottage kitchen a dramatic sense of height. The darker wood farm table and Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs break up the monochromatic palette. The overall ‘unfinished’ vibe of the kitchen, complete with linen curtains covering lower shelves instead of closed cabinets, offers even more character.

See more photos in our White Cottages gallery.

Use inexpensive roman blinds and hold open with black ribbon.

A large black mirror, a steal at $50, visually doubles the space of this area and fits perfectly above a narrow table. The roman blinds throughout the main level are inexpensive linen attached to tension rods and held open with black ribbon.

See more photos in our White Cottages gallery.