By Hannah Summers | 15 November 2024
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through interiors on Instagram or Pinterest, you’ve probably encountered #cottagecore. While this trend has been around for a while, it truly took off during the COVID pandemic when so many were spending time cocooned at home. Since then, its cosy appeal hasn’t waned – with interior stylists and DIY home improvers increasingly embracing the cottagecore life.
But what is it? In its simplest form, it’s a celebration of simple, aesthetically pleasing rural living. Think of the cosiest cottages you’ve seen on screen and imagine yourself relaxing on that cloud-like couch. While it often evokes a particular style of historic home – brick exteriors, thatched roofs, wild yet enchanting gardens – cottagecore is adaptable to all interiors and homes (and even wardrobes).
You’ll love it, if...
You adore a home filled with trinkets, prints, cosy layers, and spaces that feel whimsical and feminine. Although cottages are traditionally small, with low ceilings and beams, cottagecore isn’t limited to small spaces – it’s about the thoughtfully curated items within your space that create the charm. Cottagecore tends to combine different styles, textures and patterns – so if you are a "less is more" kind of person, this style is not for you (but Scandinavian minimalism might be your perfect match).
Also read: What your furniture says about you
Where to start?
Make the most of flea markets and auction houses; well-loved second-hand items and antiques with a story to tell are ideal. For online browsing, Catawiki hosts a continuous collection of cottagecore furniture and art. Take it slow – these spaces are meant to develop over time, with cosy additions introduced along the way.
Bring the outside in
Search for ‘cottagecore’ online and you’ll find images of stone houses draped in lilac wisteria or ivy, with lawns dotted with wildflowers. Bring this natural charm indoors with foliage and flowers – not in symmetrical arrangements, but in wild, unstructured bouquets in oversized vases, or a few stems in petite ceramics. Dried eucalyptus and floral bouquets are also great for adding texture and colour while keeping maintenance low. Use nature as your colour palette, with sage greens, warm taupes, earthy browns, and pops of marigold, mustard, lilac, or dusty pink.
Opt for functional, enduring furniture
Cottagecore is not just an aesthetic; it’s also a functional, straightforward way of living. Opt for items that age gracefully – wooden floors that develop character over time, and countertops that blend seamlessly with any scheme. Previously-loved and lived-in furniture fits beautifully with cottagecore.
Think fireplaces that can be stripped and painted, elegant couches that can be reupholstered, or statement roll-top baths with a fresh coat of paint. Auction houses and markets are treasure troves – you may find armchairs with skirts, antique drinks cabinets, or vintage trolleys. New furniture can work too, but avoid making things feel too uniform.
Also read: The stories behind iconic 20th-century furniture design
Statement vases and ceramics
Accessories are essential to cottagecore. Instead of pulling items together quickly, add them thoughtfully over time. There’s much to choose from: petite ceramic bowls, statement vases, well-thumbed books, doilies, coasters, candlesticks, or gallery walls.
When it comes to art, consider both the artwork and its frame. It could be an oil painting of a bird or a floral bouquet in a wooden frame. Embrace rural themes – birds, botanicals, gardens, and rivers work wonderfully. Personal pieces, like favourite postcards, family photos, or sketches from a pub, add a unique touch.
Also read: Four reasons why you should invest in Chinese porcelain
Channel cosiness with rugs and sheepskins
When you think ‘cottage’, cosiness should come to mind. Embrace soft furnishings with layers and textures – jute rugs may feel Scandi if your decor is minimalist, but layered with sheepskins or wool throws, they can add immediate warmth underfoot. Extend this softness to slippers at the door, a bathmat in the shower, or a plush rug beside the bed.
Paint colours can help too – even a slight change in white tone can create a warmer atmosphere. Farrow & Ball’s All White is an excellent neutral choice. For lighting, skip bright overheads and instead use lamps, allowing you to adjust the atmosphere as needed.
Also read: How to decorate with rugs in your home
Patterns are your friend
Cottagecore is often maximalist, but it doesn’t mean cluttered. Patterns play a big role here. From thick, antique curtains adorned with roses to fringed bohemian-style cushions. Consider mixing large and small floral prints to vary the look. Monochrome floor tiles and gingham patterns on tablecloths, cushions, and rugs all match this aesthetic. Even abstract prints work when paired with other cottagecore elements. Patterns can extend to furniture too – think stencilled or painted floral designs that you love.
Consider a fireplace (or get some candles)
Cottagecore is about creating a cosy, functional space that feels warm. Heating is essential to this, and many cottagecore-inspired homes have a central fireplace or wood-burning stove. Fireplaces, dotted with candles and surrounded by wood stacks, make a perfect focal point.
Other heating options can add character, such as cast iron radiators painted in bold colours, or an AGA, which can function as both a cooker and a heat source.
Keen to give it a go? Start with a few key pieces that you love from our Cottagecore Collection, and build from there.