Cottagecore is a home design esthetic that celebrates living simply. But unlike minimalism, it inspires with a romanticized interpretation of rural life. 

Whether you are searching for inspiration to decorate a new home, staging your home for best resale, or just imagining how you can enjoy cottagecore yourself in the home you love, here is more about the latest hot design aesthetic.

What is Cottagecore?

Also sometimes called farmcore or countrycore, cottagecore evokes a sense of nostalgia. It encourages a lifestyle rooted in traditional skills—like baking bread, gardening, and sewing your own clothes. And it has become popular perhaps because there is comfort in knowing that maybe, somewhere, we can still live a simpler life.

The aesthetic is prevalent on several social media sites, such as on Instagram and TikTok, but it didn’t start with social media influencers, and it isn’t ending there either. For many, the cottagecore aesthetic represents a safe haven, and it has become a prominent home decor trend that places high value on tranquility, domestic living, and creativity. 

Cottagecore is also about simplification, though the floral prints and patterns can easily lean toward cluttercore — a separate but adjacent trend that also evokes nostalgia by putting all of your sentimental items on display. Dressing your home in cottagecore, conversely, is about the reminder, not of things and life memories, but of slowing down and savoring the moments.

Doesn’t it sound dreamy? Cottagecore’s relaxing spaces filled with less technology and more intention may be charming and whimsical, but they don’t have to be Little House on the Prairie. They shy away from modern stresses and invite sustainable living, reducing anxiety and helping you re-center on the simple things in life.

How do you create a cottagecore aesthetic in your home?

The idea is to create a haven to escape the pressures of the outside world. This kind of hideaway comes with comfy fabrics, soft colors, and rustic components that make you feel welcome and at peace. Using natural materials and repurposed items in your home also allows you to contribute to a greener world and reduce your carbon footprint.

Surprisingly, it may not take a complete overhaul to bring this lovely design trend into your living space. Start small by simply repositioning some items you likely already own.

Vintage and unique antique furniture are great choices that will create an authentic cottage-inspired look and feel. This aesthetic works best with pieces made of aged or reclaimed wood, but you can still enjoy an eclectic space with a variety of textures. Mix and match natural materials by bringing in elements like stone, wood, and organic fabrics.

The liberal use of whites, creams and beiges, and purposefully avoiding artificial colors, helps to provide a stunning backdrop for fresh florals, intricate embroidery, and woven grass accents.  Play around with textures and layer them with feminine and airy textiles to craft an ethereal cottage-inspired vibe. 

Complement functional decor with purposeful, delicate accessories like vintage teacups, thrifted or personally crafted artwork and paper wrapped books on display. 

Bring nature indoors, showcasing fresh flowers wherever possible. Houseplants are a huge trend of the moment, and cottagecore works well with fiddle leaf and olive trees, climbing vines, and other infusions of organic style and lively greenery. Faux and dried flowers are equally as pleasing. Accessorize your space with hanging bundles of herbs like dried eucalyptus and baby’s breath, or fill a glass vase with a bouquet of your favorite dried flowers to add a touch of soft color and organic appeal to a living room or bedroom.

When it comes to other items, natural botanical fabrics like wool and organic cotton are perfect choices for throw pillows, blankets, and curtains. Nature-scented candles in fragrances like pine or fresh florals help to bring cottagecore to olfactory senses. And you can even set the table with vintage porcelain dinner and etched glassware to elevate your cottagecore look and transition it from home to table. 

Life can feel incredibly complicated for most of us right now, and adding cottagecore vibes to your home can help soothe stress, inspire your creativity, and recall a simpler time and space that will allow you to feel calmer and at peace.

Our homes are our safe spaces, and we love this latest design aesthetic that has some very real mental health benefits like increased peace of mind, increased emphasis on intuition, and a deeper connection with nature… not to mention it’s a trend that helps to you to feel most at home in your home.