Cottagecore: How To Create This Iconic Interior Design Style At Home

In recent years, a whimsical and nostalgic design trend known as "cottagecore" has taken the world by storm. In fact, you've likely encountered this trend on popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Cottagecore captures the essence of a simpler, more idyllic way of life, reminiscent of rural cottages and charming countryside aesthetics. This interior design style celebrates nature, simplicity, and the beauty of handmade objects.

If you're longing to fashion a snug and picturesque haven within the confines of your home, you've come to the perfect place. Today, we share a collection of expert tips to assist you in replicating this emblematic design style in your own living space. So, keep on reading to discover more and embark on your cottagecore journey.

1. Embrace Natural Materials & Textures

Embracing natural materials and textures is a fundamental aspect of creating an authentic cottagecore atmosphere in your home. By embracing  these elements, you can infuse your space with a sense of warmth, rustic charm, and a connection to the natural world. One way to achieve this is by opting for furniture such as a bookcase and shelf unit made from natural materials such as wood, wicker, rattan, or linen. These organic materials not only add visual interest and texture but also exude a sense of authenticity and timelessness. You can also consider incorporating rustic elements such as distressed or whitewashed finishes to give your space a cosy, lived-in feel.

In addition to furniture, incorporating natural textures through flooring, walls, decor and accessories can enhance the overall cottagecore aesthetic. For instance, hardwood or stone flooring adds an earthy and grounding element to your space. You can also introduce texture through woven rugs, natural fibre carpets, or even a stone accent wall. The possibilities are endless here, so don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and be sure to design with both practicality and style in mind!

2. Bring The Outdoors In

For the ultimate in cottagecore home makeovers, infusing your space with the beauty of nature is essential. For starters, incorporate lush indoor plants to bring the outdoors in and create a sense of tranquillity and freshness. Remember to select a variety of plants with different shapes, sizes, and textures to add visual interest. Place them near windows, on shelves, or in hanging baskets to create lush greenery and a connection to the natural world.

In addition to indoor plants, planting a small herb garden in the comfort of your kitchen, balcony or backyard is also a fantastic idea. Plant herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, or mint in decorative pots and place them on a windowsill or in a sunny corner of your kitchen. The fragrance and vibrant colours of the herbs will invigorate your space and infuse it with a gloriously delightful scent.

By bringing the outdoors in, you will be able to foster a sense of calmness, grounding, and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us, allowing you to experience the magic of the cottage core lifestyle on a daily basis.

Top Tip: If you are lucky enough to have a garden, a great idea is to create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces by incorporating a garden bench inside your cottage core home. Adorn it with soft cushions and decorative pillows in floral or botanical prints to create a cosy and inviting seating area that invites relaxation and contemplation.

3. Opt For A Soft, Earthy Colour Palette

Cottagecore aesthetics are often characterised by soft, earthy colour palettes that evoke a sense of tranquillity and harmony with nature. When giving your home a cottage core-inspired makeover, consider incorporating colours like dusty rose, pale peach, mint green, or powder blue. These gentle hues create a serene and soothing atmosphere throughout your home and can be used for walls, furniture, or decorative accents to infuse your space with a dreamy and romantic ambiance.

Alongside pastels, warm neutrals play a crucial role in creating a cosy cottagecore home. Opt for earthy tones such as creamy whites, soft beige, warm taupe, or gentle greys. These natural hues provide a harmonious backdrop that highlights the textures and materials in your space and can be incorporated into larger surfaces like walls or flooring to establish a calming and inviting environment.

Explore 9 cottagecore colour palettes that will transform your home here.

4. Go Crazy With Floral Prints & Patterns

It’s no secret that floral prints and patterns are a quintessential aspect of cottagecore design, adding a touch of whimsy, charm, and natural beauty to your home. Incorporating these delightful motifs into your interior decor allows you to infuse your space with the essence of blooming gardens and lush meadows, even if you live in a small city apartment that lacks natural surroundings.

When it comes to floral prints, think delicate blossoms, intricate petals, and botanical-inspired designs. Vintage-inspired floral patterns are particularly popular in cottagecore aesthetics, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romance. Look for fabrics featuring dainty roses, wildflowers, or soft pastel blooms to create an enchanting atmosphere. These prints can be incorporated throughout the home in curtains, table cloths, bedding, upholstery and artwork.

However, you don’t have to limit yourself to fabrics alone. Explore other creative ways to incorporate floral patterns into your cottagecore design — consider botanical wallpaper in soft, muted hues for an accent wall or even as a backdrop for shelving or cabinets. Floral ceramic or porcelain dishes, teacups, or decorative plates can also bring an elegant and whimsical touch to your dining table or kitchen display. Remember, cottagecore design encourages creativity and individuality, so feel free to mix and match different floral patterns and colours according to your personal style and preference.

5. Emphasize Natural Light

Emphasising natural light in your cottagecore design is essential to create a bright, airy, and inviting atmosphere in your home. The presence of ample natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also has numerous benefits for your overall well-being. To maximise the amount of natural light in your home, start by ensuring that your windows are unobstructed. Remove heavy curtains or opt for lightweight sheers or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through while still providing privacy when needed.

Next, carefully consider your furniture placement. Arrange seating areas near windows to take advantage of the incoming sunlight, or position your dining table by a large window to create a serene and inviting space for meals. Avoid placing large furniture items against windows, as this will greatly minimise the amount of natural light that streams in.

If your home is lacking in large windows, a good idea is to  incorporate reflective surfaces into your cottagecore design to bounce natural light around the room. Mirrors are excellent for this purpose as they not only add a touch of vintage elegance but also help distribute light and create the illusion of a larger space. You can also brighten things up by investing in light fixtures that mimic natural light. Think warm-toned, soft lighting options like fairy lights, vintage-inspired chandeliers, or table lamps with soft, diffused shades.

Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious balance between natural and artificial light. While natural light is ideal, it's essential to have layered lighting options for different times of the day and activities.

6. Choose Vintage or Refurbished Furniture

One of the key elements of cottagecore design is the incorporation of vintage or refurbished furniture. These pieces not only add a unique and charming character to your space but also contribute to the sustainability aspect of cottagecore living. When selecting your furniture, head to second hand stores or vintage shops and keep an eye out for pieces that embody the rustic, worn-in aesthetic commonly associated with this interior design trend. Seek out items with interesting details, such as carved accents, ornate handles, or distressed finishes. Vintage wooden furniture, such as farmhouse-style dining tables, spindle-backed chairs, or antique dressers, can also bring a sense of history and authenticity to your cottagecore interior.

Alternatively, refurbishing furniture allows you to breathe new life into old pieces, giving them a cottagecore twist. You can work on pieces you already have, or source pre-loved items at flea markets, or online platforms. Consider sanding down and repainting a vintage chest of drawers in a soft pastel hue, reupholstering a worn-out armchair with a floral fabric, or distressing and whitewashing a coffee table to achieve that sought-after weathered look.

Learn how to refurbish old furniture here.

7. Create Cosy Nooks & Relaxation Corners

A hallmark of the cottagecore design is the creation of cosy nooks and relaxation corners throughout your home. These inviting spaces provide a sanctuary for relaxation, contemplation, and escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life. Begin by identifying areas in your home where you can carve out these cosy nooks —- consider underutilised corners, window alcoves, or even a small section of a larger room.

Once you have identified your unused spaces, it’s time to start furnishing and decorating with comfort and cosiness at the forefront. Choose plush seating options such as oversized armchairs, upholstered chaise lounges, or soft cushions and floor pillows. Layer these seating areas with soft blankets, cushions or throws, inviting you to curl up and get lost in a good book or enjoy a cup of tea.

To enhance the cottagecore aesthetic, decorate these nooks with elements inspired by nature. Place potted plants or fresh flowers nearby to infuse the space with a natural touch. Vintage books, botanical prints, or nature-inspired artwork can also adorn the walls, adding to the overall charm and whimsy. More importantly, personalise your nooks with items that bring you joy and reflect your interests. By scattering these spaces throughout your home, you can fully immerse yourself in the cottagecore experience and find moments of peace and tranquillity wherever you wander.

8. Pay Attention To Small Details

Last but not least, it's the small details that truly bring the cottage core aesthetic to life. There are many ways to add the final details to your cottagecore inspired home, including the addition of items such as doilies, vintage-inspired picture frames, or antique trinkets that add a touch of history and personality to your space. Opt for delicate lace curtains, ruffled bedspreads, or embroidered tablecloths to add a romantic and whimsical touch.

Finally, don’t forget to consider scent as part of the small details. Light candles with soothing aromas such as lavender, vanilla, or fresh linen to create a relaxing and inviting ambiance. You can also use natural fragrances such as dried herbs or potpourri to infuse your home with a subtle and refreshing scent. At the end of the day, it's the thoughtful and intentional curation of these small details that will truly make all the difference.

Top Tip: If you are planning a major overhaul, consider installing a farmhouse kitchen sink, vintage-style light fixtures, or a clawfoot bathtub to add a touch of nostalgia.

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And there you have it — 8 expert tips that are guaranteed to help you transform your space from drab to cottagecore fab with ease. At the end of the day, cottagecore is more than just an interior design style — it's a way of embracing the beauty of simplicity, nature, and nostalgia in your home.

By following these guidelines, you can create a truly enchanting cottagecore haven that transports you to a world of tranquillity and serenity. Happy designing and all the best!