Styles We Love Cottagecore

Nostalgic and romantic, Cottagecore has shed light on the beauty of being one with nature. Antiques, florals, and decor inspired by aviaries create a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of rural lands. We recommend mixing textures and incorporating natural, warm tones when trying this look.

Nailing the cottagecore lifestyle is easier than it might appear. Indulge in your whimsical romantic side by reading our four tips on how to tie cottagecore into your home design.

Table: Aviary Accent Table available at Ballard Designs, Decor: Passerines Figurines available at Uttermost, Mirror: Ellaria Mirror from Currey & Company, Chair: Ace Chair in Olive Green by Scout & Nimble, Day Bed: Kinslow, Day Bed available at McGee & Co., Area Rug: Momeni Sage Area Rug in Harmony, Pillow: Leisure Dusty, Orchard Pillow available at CB2, Wallpaper: Heirloom Room Wallpaper in Grey and Neutrals from Magnolia Home Collection, Artwork: Pastel Flowers painting by Museum Quality Art, Flooring: White Oak Flooring by Carpet One Floor & Home, Light: Fresco Metal Pendant light by One Kings Lane 

Scatter Vintage Details

Cottagecore originally began to take shape as a fashion trend on popular social media platforms, but it quickly turned into a lifestyle. This romantic trend could not have come at a better time, as the past year forced many of us to return to our roots, and we began to gravitate towards items of sentimental value and nostalgia. The overall style of this trend could be described as natural old-world charm meets farmhouse chic to produce a whimsical, rustic aesthetic. 

Valuing traditional skills and crafts like foraging, baking, and pottery, cottagecore has been linked to a nostalgia for past traditions. This is why so many cottagecore elements are vintage-inspired, such as repurposed antique furniture, vintage fabrics, and old books and stationary. 

Design by REBECCA HAY Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Use Floral Prints

A straightforward way to incorporate the cottagecore trend is by scattering wildflowers in vintage vases throughout your rooms. You can mix and match dried flowers and fresh floral arrangements to add living elements to your space. 

If you aren’t a natural plant nurturer and prefer to stick to self-sufficient botanicals, you can always bring in florals through artwork and prints. Museum of Quality Art has inexpensive painted still-lifes reminiscent of 17th-century decor and available pastel watercolors.

Design by REBECCA HAY Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Wallpaper enhances the authentic vintage feel of your space by adding a pop of color with botanical prints in butterflies, mushrooms, or florals. Burke Decor’s Heirloom Rose wallpaper is a brilliant example with its archival images of English roses in full bloom blending the past with present-day colorways.

Florals can also be brought in with drapery, curtains, and linens, as shown here. This traditional blue floral shower curtain pairs beautifully with the English claw-foot tub faucet. The antique curves and dreamy floral print offset the bright modern feel of the shiny silver and marble accent tile.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Natural wood flooring and vintage area rugs fit seamlessly into the theme of cottagecore. Light white oak floors take the cake when it comes to timeless and trendy flooring solutions. Oak pairs well with any design theme and can be whitewashed or distressed for a more rustic cottagecore feel. 

One of the best parts about having hardwood floors —aside from their natural beauty —is that they can be dressed up or dressed down with area rugs. Area rugs are an original way to warm up a room and make the space uniquely your own. The Harmony traditional area rug by Momeni is a perfect example of mixing floral motifs with conventional designs to create a cottagecore air.

Design by REBECCA HAY Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

If you’re unable to incorporate wood through your flooring, try scattering wood throughout your furniture with antique cherry dressers, wooden tables, and wicker rocking chairs. Rattan textures are currently trending, and you can incorporate them through light fixtures, bar stools, headboards, and other furniture.

The Kinslow Day Bed from McGee & Co is a gorgeous example with its air of laid-back contemporary comfort. The organic feel of the bed is rooted in its shapely curves and natural material made from recycled teak and woven cane.

Homemaking and Sustainability

Finally, the ultimate cherry on the top of the cottagecore trend is sustainability. Self-reliance is key, especially when you remember what’s at the root of cottagecore —this idea came from English nobility looking for a simpler life and escaping to the countryside. This doesn’t necessarily mean making everything from scratch; however, when you can, opt for doing things yourself to balance out the more material aspects of your house. This may look like planting a small herb garden, using leftover fabric as curtains, or even making your own sourdough bread.  

You might be surprised at how many cottagecore elements you already have existing in your home. The trick is to sweep up all of those nostalgic pieces that bring you happiness, infuse a bit of the natural world and create a cohesive environment built for cozy comfort.