When it comes to cozy home decor, the cottagecore aesthetic is a great interior design option — no matter where you live. The classic cottage style is a surefire way to bring artisanal charm to your home, while still having room to add your own personal touches. Cottagecore style is the epitome of comfort and simple living, creating the perfect space to spend time with family and friends. It has a romantic quality that can bring a welcoming and homey feeling to your living spaces. So, how can you decorate your home to infuse it with the classic cottage look? Read on to explore our breakdown of the eclectic vintage style and the top 10 ways to make your home feel like a cottage.
What is Cottagecore Decor?
Cottagecore, as the name suggests, is focused on curating a home that looks right at home in the peace of the country — even if you’re located in the heart of a city. It’s all about getting back to our roots in nature with simple patterns, materials and furniture. The popularity of romanticized country decor originally stems from European nobility who would temporarily get away to rural areas for a simpler living situation than their opulent homes. That’s why the Cottagecore aesthetic is primarily nature-driven, with floral patterns and indoor plants a common staple. Recently, the Cottagecore trend has gained momentum again with comforting design elements and handcrafted furniture readily available to transform your home into a personalized farmhouse.
10 Cottagecore Ideas for Your Home
Want some inspiration to help your home match your cottagecore lifestyle? Here are some tips and decor ideas to help you achieve the rural living look without actually having to move:
1. Look for Natural Materials To Incorporate Into Your Home
Cottagecore is all about going back to the basics, and that includes the materials you use to decorate your home. From furniture and throw pillows to art and wicker baskets, get inspired by rustic elements that cozy up your space to transform it into your own cottage. When shopping for furniture, keep an eye out for wicker and wood, which can easily match existing pieces and transition any room into your ideal vintage home. Meanwhile, for other cottage materials, you can opt for cotton, wool and/or macrame pieces made from hemp. All of these will instantly add texture and warmth to your home. However, if you fall in love with a piece that’s not made from a natural material, no need to toss it away! Cottagecore is all about eclectic and vintage decor, so odds are it’ll probably still fit within your space.
2. Decorate With Nature-Inspired Art
When looking for Cottagecore room decor, art pieces can quickly transform any space into a rustic country home. Fill your walls and bookshelves with floral art prints and/or scenic landscapes to make it feel like you’re in the country — even if you’re not. Woodland creatures and your favorite animals add whimsy Simply select frames that still match the cottagecore aesthetic. Choose wooden frames frames with neutral colors. Sculptures of woodland creatures and your favorite animals add a welcome touch of whimsy.
3. Stick to a Pastel Color Palette
When choosing a color scheme for your new home design, take inspiration from nature. Soft blues and earthy neutrals are ideal places to start. Similarly, off-white, cheery yellow and dusty pink can brighten a space while still building a calming environment. For pops of color, think of your favorite flower. This can help you envision the cottage home of your dreams.
4. Try Using Wallpaper
Whether in your entryway, bedroom or bathroom, try decorating with subtle floral wallpaper. Rustic homes often have simple patterns and styles that emphasize the great outdoors. Nowadays, wallpaper comes in a wide variety of patterns, colors and themes to choose from. This enables you to perfectly tailor your space to fit the cottagecore home style. Similarly, you can personalize each room to have its own aesthetic while still maintaining cohesiveness.
5. Fill Your Space With Nature
Plants add color and life to any space seamlessly. Spruce up your kitchen with a bright flower arrangement or herb garden to create a little cottage haven. Other exciting ideas to try are decorating with dried herbs or hanging a bouquet of lavender in your bathroom. Both work as decor and calming home fragrances.
6. Get Cottagecore-Inspired Light Fixtures
Cottagecore style is a romantic interior design choice, so you’re free to choose a light fixture that achieves that feel. Even though this design mostly uses simple and rustic elements, you can choose more intricate pieces for your focal light fixture — just prioritize natural-looking material. A great example is an intricate chandelier designed with wooden beads. Similarly, you can complete your home dining room with a vintage candelabra centerpiece.
7. Bring Coziness to Your Living Spaces With Comforting Textiles
From the master bedroom to your living room, make sure every living space has access to soft, homey textiles. Classic quilts, soft pillows and knit throws are great for cuddly nights and creating warm memories with family and friends. And remember, you can never have too many blankets! Simply use a wicker basket or cabinet to store extra textiles as needed.
8. Shop for Antique Tableware
As previously mentioned, your cottagecore home doesn’t have to match perfectly. In fact, it’s probably helpful if not everything comes as a matching set. That wonderful ceramic mixing bowl that catches your eye at the craft fair would be right at home on your kitchen shelf! With this in mind, you can nail the kitchen look with vintage furniture and antique dishes, china and cutlery — just like from your childhood.
9. Let the Sunshine in
Bring the outdoors inside through your windows! Invest in light linen drapery that can filters the daylight and softens the space. If you prefer colorful and/or patterned options, try adding a layer of sheer drapery or textured woven wood shades behind the drapery. Then, in the early mornings, you can pull away the main drapery panels to allow a soft glow to enter your cottagecore living spaces through the lighter ones. This design element can also add to the dreamy quality of your home, which is essential for cottage-inspired design.
10. Experiment With Atmospheric Lighting
Candles and decorative lanterns can all help build the perfect romantic glow to your cottage-inspired home. As the sun sets, instead of turning on your overhead lights, you can recreate the simpler atmosphere of past country living with subtle ambient lighting.
Achieve Your Cottagecore Home with the help of your personal decorator
Excited to get started on your home’s interior design? I can help you transform your home into a cottage getaway — whether in one room or your entire home! We offer tips, personalized assistance and solutions to streamline the entire process. Get started today!