Have you been hearing the term “cottagecore” popping up more and more in design circles? Let’s talk about some of what is included in this new-to-most style!
*Feature Photo Credit to Brambly Cottage Ashbury Wallpaper. *
I first mentioned cottagecore in my Interior Design Trends for 2021 Blog Post from a few weeks ago and tucked within the responses were quite a few requests to do a post on what exactly cottagecore is!
And I’m HAPPY to oblige. SO many aspects of this style and aesthetic bring me a lot of joy.
Today I’ll focus both on elements that are part of the look, and also share some ideas about how you can incorporate it into your own home!
And I have to say, this style is fairly new to me as well, so I’m learning right along with you! The good news is that it has lots of familiar elements, so I’m guessing if you’re anything like me, you’ll find some things to pick out that you love!
*This post contains affiliate links to products I know &/or love.
What is Cottagecore?:
If you start perusing Pinterest for cottagecore, you’ll immediately find a lot of the following:
- Fields of wildflowers
- Fairy tale cottages in the woods
- Tons of femininity
- English country-side and English garden influences
- A very wild and free, romantic woodland sort of atmosphere.
When you break that down further you find very muted colors like watery blue, buttery yellow, and LOTS of different greens, with accents of warm grey.
I think one of the things I actually love most about so much of this look is that it’s not at all fussy!
You can look through most of these interior design pictures and right away you realize that you could probably thrift every single item in them. Everything feels very reasonable and that is so refreshing!
Other aspects of this style:
I mentioned this in the trend post as well, but it really feels like 2020 as a year changed the interior design community pretty drastically. People who might have previously considered themselves minimalists began to be okay with a little bit of “clutter”. By that I mean more comfortable with having things around them in their home. And I think that stemmed from wanting their home to feel cozy and somewhere they don’t mind spending the majority of your time.
Another interior design element I’m seeing used a lot within cottagecore is shelving. We’re talking shelves all the way up to the ceiling and even wrapping around the ceiling.
Plants abound, and cozy candle light rules supreme.
Cottagecore Textiles:
In textiles there’s absolutely no fear about textures, florals and layers. Vintage rugs lay alongside rustic wooden furniture.
I’ll share a bit more about textiles (of another kind) at the end of this post!
Curtains are bold and colorful and sometimes even found in less expected places like under cabinets and desks.
Cottagecore Kitchen Spaces:
The kitchens I’m seeing feel just like an english picnic. Grandma’s china is out of the box and proudly displayed and used. Tea sets, lace, and wild flower bouquets are plentiful.
Continuing through the house:
I think this cottagecore style is helping to usher in another era of people who are more open to wallpaper again, with lots of botanical prints and beautiful color. I’ve seen some really lovely hand-painted florals right alongside bold wallpapers, and I actually really love it!
Gallery walls are also big, and in much “messier” less polished style than we might be used to.
I love how they even have a row of mis-matched chairs in front of this jam packed wall.
Dainty painted furniture is just about everywhere you look within cottagecore!
Also, did I mention that there are books? Vintage books? And lots of them? How could I not love that?!
We’re talking floor to ceiling books with vintage linen covers, stacked and piled in all sorts of ways until there’s not room for much else. (Except your other great cottagecore knick-knacks, obviously!)
There’s really nothing pretentious about cottage core, and that’s such a breath of fresh air!
Yes some of these spaces look a little bit cluttered, and are probably a bit of a hassle when dusting day comes around, but what you gain is that these spaces seem very child friendly and forgiving. And who doesn’t need a little bit more forgiveness in their every day life?
I feel like this look as a whole gives off such a humble, cozy, authentic life with a bohemian undertone. And I’m here for it!
I’m really curious to hear what you think about this newer-to-us style, and what your favorite part is! You can answer in the comments below.
How to Incorporate It:
If you’re liking pieces of this style, but you’re maybe not quite ready to jump in head first here are some fun ways to start slow!
- Work on adding more color into your decor and accent pieces.
- Add some elements to a single room, like this example of a subtle and moody office
- Paint your doors & millwork a soft blue
- Add a floral wallpaper to an accent wall
- If you like the sort of indie Gypsy feel, maybe use a piece like this platform bed from Urban Outfitters to update your bedroom.
For some really authentic Cottagecore inspiration, I recommend following @bonjourmoon on Instagram!!
Another Element of Cottagecore Design:
Now I don’t venture outside of my interior design topics too often here on the blog, but I couldn’t help but show you some of the gorgeous cottagecore clothing that is in style through this process!
Things you can expect to see:
- Dreamy white peasant dresses
- Puff sleeve florals
- Smocking for days
- Slouchy cardigans layered over sun dresses for a cooler day.
- Soft feminine blouses, sometimes paired with high waisted pants in a solid color.
Oh, and of course a handkerchief over your hair to complete the look!
My own daughters have a love for this look in both fashion and decorating, which has been a great thing for us to share.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this sweet peek into the romantic and cozy world of cottagecore! Let me know below what your favorite part is!
More like this, Please!
If you enjoy when I share about things like these style insights, you’re probably the perfect fit for my Behind the Scenes Decor Group!
We get together on live weekly classes (on zoom) to share about editing our homes, interior design skills, heart issues for creative women, and consultations where I get to turn the camera around into the homes of my lovely ladies and help solve their design problems and dilemmas.
We also have a private online community where we get to share our design questions, expertise, joys and sorrows. It’s truly a wonderful group of women that have joined so far, and I’m always so excited when it’s time to welcome more!
If you’ve either been waiting for the wait list to open up (I open twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall), or if this is your first time hearing about this opportunity and you want to learn more, you’re in luck because from now until March 28, we’re open for new members to join!
You can click HERE to register! And there might be a little surprise coupon at the end of your check out process for a certain brand new e-book that isn’t available to the general public anywhere else yet… but I’d hate to give away too many details. 😉
Pin this For Later:
I hope to see YOU this coming Thursday!
Until then,
Thanks for doing this post! We live in an old farm house in PA…after having 5 children (only one left at home), and now grandchildren here much of the time…our house naturally has many of these features… but for some reason I was thinking I should try to make it more minimal or sophisticated…but this style is very reassuring and features all my favorites….florals, the color green, vintage textiles/books, shelves, dishes on display, plants and a bit of bohemian whimsy! Great pictures in this post…love the one of gallery wall/row of chairs, the one of kitties in the kitchen window, the dog on the couch with sunshine and books the little green desk! O my goodness…Love love love!
Author
Sounds like you’ve got some lovely elements!
This easy adaptability marks out cottagecore from previous incarnations of ‘country style’ – see shabby chic, faded genteel and rough luxe. ‘My version is based around old English country houses,’ says Paula Sutton. ‘Chintz and chickens, and pots of tea. Lots of colour and a layered mix of antique, vintage inherited and new. My furniture is often vintage, bashed and chippy.’ Highlands Ranch Roofing Company
Wonderful post and pix. Thanks! I’m still wondering how changing the name from cottage style to cottagecore changes anything. Maybe just a few less pinks and reds and not as many roses? This look by a new name certainly feels like the cottage style I remember. Though maybe the former was a bit more overdone with florals and not as easily adaptable for most people. I’ve always enjoyed some of the cottage style elements but couldn’t commit fully to it or my hubby probably would’ve gone crazy. : ) I guess this is a bit more toned down. Perhaps more of a happy melding of cottage and farmhouse- a more natural, less contrived feel. I live in an old farmhouse, so I love the warm, cozy feel. I have to admit that the minimalist look has never truly appealed to my rather packrat-ish nature. : )
Author
You’re right about there being subtle differences between this newer look and some of the older Cottage style!
I agree with Lolo R. .. I just went “Cool! I’m in style again!”
Author
Yes! What goes around comes around, right? 🙂
The same here!! I finally found a name to my style!!!
This “new to us” cottage look is more inline with the british and european styles that I have loved for quite awhile now. It is less fussy and more livable than say the chintz and big flower looks of the 90’s when I had my sectional sofa in a beautiful rose chintz fabric. I switched to reading British decor magazines years ago, as I was bored and uninspired by the American aesthetic and nothing really new or innovative in home decor and design. This Cottagecore look is real life living, easier to aspire too and as you say attain from our local thrift and estate sale foraging! I love the muted tones also, not overwhelming, even though there is a lot more going in the room and many more objects.So glad to see you bringing it to our attention.thank you!
Author
You’re welcome, Sheryl! I’m excited about it, too!
This new trend isn’t surprising given most of the world has the spent past few months inside.
Author
Yep, agreed!
Hi. I would like to order that wall paper and I followed the link but I can’t find if they mail to the US. Can you help me. Thanks
Author
Hi Suzanne, which wallpaper are you asking about? 🙂
light background with green feathers lattice and motif in the center. Its the one with the coats hanging in front of it. I found in on wayfair.com/uk but they don’t ship to the USA.
The name is Asbury 10.05m x 53cm Matte Wallpaper Roll
By Brambly CottageGLAI1214 green.
Hello, I am in my mid sixties and have been living with this style for years. So glad others are joining in as it is so homely and comfortable. Kind regards
I agree, I’m in 60’s too and have always loved the old English/French country style which this new “Cottagecore” seems to incorporate. Blue and white ginger jars, old wood furniture, painted furniture, books galore, floral drapery panels, warmth and comfort. That’s my style (Ralph Lauren homes has much of this same look). It’s timeless, classic and never gets old.
I can’t determine if I’d be able to live with this style. Maybe a combination with another style. What if you live in the city and it’s a newer house? Would that decor style fit? I just embraced a more minimalist style in my home so this would be an about face. Loved this video though.
Author
You can always start slowly by picking your favorite 1-2 elements and adding them in one at a time until you find the perfect blend!
I think this has a very English cottage feel and that concept can be achieved with some other styles. At least in a room or two! I love the fashion part you added, but as. Woman in her sixties I’m not sure I could pull it off! Sigh….
This new trend isn’t surprising given most of the world has the spent past few months inside.
Author
Agreed!
The French has lived by this cozy , classy , inviting no fuss lifestyle for centuries. enjoy life and make memories in your home
Author
Agreed! 😀
This reminds me of the “granny chic” look of a few years ago. Maybe a few less doilies, but the same warm and welcoming feel.
I personally loved your design. Where did you get these ideas? I already bookmark your article. Reading your article is time consuming but Its definitely worth it. xo xo
Author
The ideas are sourced from all over, but I try to link each picture/reference for you in the post!
I’m enjoying reading all the current stuff around cottagecore. I live in a 300yr old house in north England, we have coal stoves (1 in an inglenook), stone walls, wood floors and shutters (some original) a library and a proper farmhouse kitchen We keep chickens, grow our own veg and cook everything from scratch. Sadly there is no place for whimsical frocks when you’re cleaning chicken poop and proper veg gardening isn’t too kind to those manicured nails! You’ll find me in wellies (gumboots), sometimes with a skirt, but mostly jeans. I love to make my own clothes, read, knit, paint and walk in nature finding toadstools, mosses, red squirrels and listening to curlews and oystercatchers….but in reality there is no time. My husband and I live in shifts in the summer of long days, he’s up letting the hens out at 4.30am and I’m still up at 11pm waiting to shut them away! I’d love to blog / vlog the reality of our life and the fells and moors we call home as we really do have the idyllic rural lifestyle….but without the fairytale bit!
Beautiful photography in your post, some of the rooms are so similar to ours, it is inspiring to see what we could achieve…will have some ideas in mind when we next go to the bargain furniture shops (junk and thrift shops)..thanks :o)
Found a link to my (now unused) blog showing some of our home, you may just have inspired me to keep going with it! x
http://noraathome.blogspot.com/2021/05/before.html
Author
Best of luck! I hope you make some great progress!
Author
Thank you for sharing, Karen! If you ever were to blog I bet it would be popular! 😀