If dumping your city life, buying a cottage, and living a rural idyll is your dream, cottagecore may be the perfect aesthetic for you and your interior. And while you may not be able to pack up and move to the countryside just yet, you can bring the rustic look into your home with these 15 cottagecore decor ideas.
If you’re like us and are feeling a little stir-crazy from all the time spent indoors lately, you may be daydreaming about ditching it all and moving to the country. But who has time or money for that? Or does one even need to leave the city to enjoy a more rustic lifestyle? Enter cottagecore and all its hygge-inducing, slow-living goodness.
What Is Cottagecore and How It Started
For the uninitiated, cottagecore is an aesthetic movement that romanticizes rural life and hands-on tasks like knitting, gardening, and baking, harkening back to a simpler time when people lived off the land and made their own clothes and food. It’s often described as country living meets greenery and flowers galore with a healthy dose of vintage thrown in for good measure.
Cottagecore began in the late 2010s as a trend on Tumblr and TikTok, but it’s been around for much longer than that. In fact, its roots can be traced back to the Victorian era when it was popular for wealthy city dwellers to escape to rural villages for leisure.
Cottagecore aesthetic exploded into the mainstream during the coronavirus pandemic, probably as an antidote to the endless scrolling of bad news and anxiety that came with it. Remember how everybody was baking bread and sewing masks back in 2021? That was cottagecore.
Since then, the trend has only grown, with more and more people drawn to the idea of a slower-paced, more sustainable reality. And while it may seem like something that would be popular only with those who remember the times before wifi, cottagecore has actually been gaining steam with millennials and Gen Z-ers looking to decorate their homes like their grandma did.
How to Make Your Home More Cottagecore
Cottagecore aesthetic is inspired by a yearning for an idealized past, far from the worries and uncertainties of the modern world. As a result, the style is heavy on florals, natural materials, and vintage-inspired accessories. It’s also about creating a space that feels cozy and inviting—somewhere you can relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Think reading nooks, dried flowers hanging from the ceiling, and well-worn quilts draped over the furniture.
If you’re looking to invite the same tranquillity to your interior, check out these 15 cottagecore decor ideas to get on board the movement. Keep reading through to the end of the article for a bonus gallery of cottagecore wall art ideas to complete the look! And for more cozy interiors to love, enjoy these rustic bathrooms and farmhouse living rooms.
Layer Patterns and Fabrics
There’s certainly nothing pristine or overly coordinated about the cottagecore style. Rather, it’s all about layering different patterns and fabrics to create a cozy, lived-in feel. So don’t be afraid to mix and match—floral prints can go with stripes, gingham can be paired with polka dots, and solids can be offset with plaids. When it comes to fabrics, think linen, wool, and cotton in a variety of textures.
Mix Your Woods
Wood is a common theme in cottagecore style, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to one type. In fact, incorporating different woods can add character and depth to your space. So don’t be afraid to mix and match! Try pairing a rustic farm table with some mid-century modern chairs or teaming a weathered dresser with a sleek metal bed frame. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Get Wild With Wallpaper
Whether used as a feature wall, teamed with paneling, or applied to furniture, wallpaper screams cottagecore. And there are so many different ways to use it! Busy floral prints are always popular, but you could also go for something unexpected like toile, gingham, or even stripes. Just make sure to choose a design that speaks to you and your personal style.
Bring the Outdoors In
One of the most defining characteristics of cottagecore design is its focus on nature, so it’s no surprise that greenery plays a big role in the style. Houseplants of all shapes and sizes are welcome, as are fresh blooms, dried flowers, and herbs. For a truly impactful display, try arranging a few plants in vintage jugs and baskets around the room.
Add Wall Art
Pastoral wall art is a great way to add a touch of vintage style to any cottagecore ensemble. But don’t feel like you have to stick to rural landscapes—any artwork that evokes a feeling of peace and tranquility will do. So whether you choose a serene nature watercolor, an old sketch study, or even just a pretty botanical print, make sure it speaks to you and makes you feel at ease.
Make a DIY Sink Skirt
Skirts for sinks! To give your kitchen, bathroom, or utility that unmistakable cottagecore vibe, buy a skirt for your sink. If you can’t find one you like (or if you’re feeling crafty), you can always make your own. All you need is some fabric, elastic, and a sewing machine. And if you want to get really creative, you can add some ruffles or lace trim.
Display Your China
Cottagecore trend or not, there’s something so satisfying about displaying your best china. Whether you use it for everyday dining or save it for special occasions, taking it out of the cupboard and putting it on display is a great way to make your home feel more inviting. Plus, it adds a touch of sophistication to the cottagecore aesthetic.
Embrace Clutter
Gone are the days of minimalism and decluttering Marie Kondo-style—with cottagecore, more is more, even if it gets a little messy. So if you’ve been holding onto those knick-knacks for years, now is the time to put them on display. Arrange them on open shelves, dressers, and windowsills, or create a gallery wall using frame-less artwork, vintage photographs, and pretty postcards.
Use Muted Colors
Cottagecore favors muted tones and earthy hues. Think off-whites, creams, vintage blues, and greens. These colors are not only calming and tranquil, but they also lend themselves well to layering. So if you’re not sure where to start, try painting your walls a neutral shade and then build up from there with fabrics, wallpaper, and accessories.
Furnish with Vintage Finds
Second-hand and vintage furniture is a staple in any cottagecore home. And there’s no need to spend a fortune—hit up your local flea market or thrift store and see what you can find. Old-fashioned plate racks, bureau-style desks, and old dressers can all be given new life with a little elbow grease and some paint. Just make sure the pieces you choose fit the overall feel of your space.
Decorate with Everyday Items
A casual approach is key with cottagecore style, so don’t hide away your everyday items – instead, make them part of the decor. Toiletries, books, and even clothes can be displayed proudly on open shelves and cupboards. Kitchen utensils can be hung from the ceiling or displayed on a magnetic board, while watering cans and old tins can be used to bring some greenery indoors.
Bring Back Beadboard
If you’re looking to give your place a cottagecore makeover, you can’t go wrong with beadboard. Or board and batten. Or any wainscoting, for that matter. These traditional wall coverings are often used in country-style homes, and they can instantly make any space feel more cottagecore. You can find them at most home improvement stores or DIY them with some plywood and molding.
Make It Extra Cozy
Fans of cottagecore aesthetic know that coziness is key. So if you’re lacking in that department, it’s time to make some changes. Add some plush throws and pillows for snuggling, light some candles for ambiance, and consider investing in a cozy piece of furniture like an overstuffed armchair or a knit pouf. These small touches will go a long way in making your space feel warm and inviting.
Dress up Your Windows
Window treatment solutions like blinds and shutters can work in almost any space. But if you really want to make your cottagecore dreams a reality, then sheer white curtains are a must. The floating lines of the fabric will add a touch of romance to any space, while the light color will help keep things feeling airy and open. Balance out the white with some natural green plants, and you’ll have a space that feels straight out of a pastoral painting.
Reduce Technology
Cottagecore lifestyle calls for a simpler way of living, so you’ll need to reduce the technology in your home to get the look. We’re not saying you need to ditch your TV or computer entirely (although, if that’s your goal, more power to you). But try making an effort to keep cords and gadgets out of sight. Not only will it make your space look neater, but it can also help you feel more relaxed.
Cottagecore Wall Art Ideas
Here’s a bonus gallery of our favorite cottagecore wall art ideas to help you get started on your cottagecore journey! All of the designs below are printed on metal sheets, making them durable and easy to clean. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes to fit any space. Enjoy!
Over to You!
From adding a woven basket to your bathroom to covering your entire kitchen in floral wallpaper, these tips will have you feeling like you’ve escaped to the countryside—no matter where you live. So go ahead and give yourself permission to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the simple things in life. Your cottagecore sanctuary awaits.
And if #goblincoredecor is more your thing, we’ve got you covered there too! Check out our post on All Things Goblincore Aesthetic for some inspiration.
Do you have any tips for achieving the cottagecore aesthetic? Share them with us in the comments below! And be sure to look through our Cottagecore Pinterest board for more cottagecore ideas.
