Cottage-style shutters are a good choice against blue gray walls

If gray is the new beige, then it fits beautifully with a cottage look that traditionally focuses on whites and pale blues.

Gray with a hint of blue offers a good base color for the traditional white trim, fabrics and painted furniture of cottage style decorating. It works just as well against the filmy look of sheer curtains that are a traditional window treatment for cottage-themed rooms, according to CottageStyleDecoratingGuide.com.

"Most of the time, it's best to go with a light type of fabric like a sheer drape which will let light in and not be too heavy for your cottage style," states the website.

For privacy, the addition of shutters is a good choice. Usually left in a light wood finish or painted white, they offer an attractive complement to blue gray walls. If print curtains are used, they should include the wall color as one of colors of the pattern to avoid a mismatched look.

Accessories in cottage-style decorating are often vintage items, such as collectibles displayed on shelving and side tables, and baskets used for storage. Artwork frequently depicts seashore or gardening themes.