The cottagecore trend is one of the latest interior décor styles that grew in popularity during the pandemic. This aesthetic trend came as a response to people’s burning desire to make the walls they’ve been locked behind more cozy.
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The Cottage Fantasy
Cottagecore gained popularity as social media sold us the dream that life out in the country is less stressful, and it will help us go back to simpler times.
“Born out of a desire to return to a slower way of living, it is a movement that revels in the romance of rural life and celebrates a pastoral fantasy. Think of soft, sun-faded aprons and the scent of freshly baked bread, and you’re halfway there.”
Not everyone is lucky enough, though, to live in a dreamy rural cottage. But the good news is: That’s not a complete deal-breaker. Thanks to some essential elements that can be applied to any other property, you can also achieve this cozy rural idyll regardless of where you live.
Here’s how you can create a warm welcome and homely feel, so you can too enjoy this beloved style.
Think Vintage
Taking inspiration from the Arts & Crafts movement, the Cottagecore trend places value on items with a story to tell.
So before buying mass-produced products, stop for a moment and think of handmade and artisan items instead.
Choose preloved tables and chairs that you can find in second-hand stores, charity shops or flea markets. The good thing about vintage furniture is that it can be easily refreshed with some paint and creativity and turned into unique rustic pieces.
Antique furniture can also blend beautifully with newly bought furniture. Mismatched pieces work well for this style, but just make sure the overall mix feels coherent.
Choose Shaker Style Furniture
If you think what style of furniture would go with this trend, an eclectic mix of old and new would be a great choice.
A wooden bed in a Shaker Style is a perfect solution for a humble country cottage look. Based on the Shaker principles of simplicity, utility and craftsmanship, a simple wooden bed frame from www.bedstar.co.uk with a slatted headboard will help you achieve this style.
To complete the look, think of reclaimed mismatched bedside tables for a relaxed feel. Include a rustic farmhouse table and chairs for your dining area to create a warm and welcoming vibe.
Embrace Natural Materials
Embracing natural materials is the perfect place to start as they match perfectly with a country cottage’s rustic features.
Introduce warm, organic textures to your home with natural wood flooring, rustic ceiling beams, exposed brick walls, stone and pebbles. Choose an oak or pine bed in a rustic style where the natural beauty of wood is visible, and it can be cherished.
Welcome Floral Patterns
Decorate with patterns that pay homage to the charm of the British countryside.
William Morris, a British textile designer and founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, created distinctive patterns for textiles and wallpapers that celebrated nature’s beauty.
When you are thinking of cottage décor, he should be your number one to-go-to source of inspiration. His stylized flora and fauna prints are still available to buy today, and they are just perfect for bringing the realm of the outside into your home.
As romantic botanical wallpaper is a significant characteristic of this style, there’s been a 40% rise in customer searches for floral wallpaper. Prints inspired by nature are a mainstay of quintessential cottage interiors.
Think of curtain pelmets, a revival of the sink skirts, mix and match fabrics and get retro with your textile treatments. Opt for handmade, muted and pretty things that spell pastoral pleasure.
Layer Fabrics and Textures
When it comes to styling for a cottagecore vibe, think of a layered approach.
Combine textures and materials to soften the décor and create a welcoming, warm atmosphere.
Incorporate subtly printed fabrics for lampshades, choose a floral table runner and scatter cushions in botanical prints to add texture and interest.
The layered cottage look should contain rugs, tartan blankets, patterned eiderdowns and maybe even a rocking chair with cushions and blankets.
In the bedroom, choose a rustic wooden bed or a metal bed in a creamy shade with brass accents.
Layer high-quality bed linen in neutral shades with thick woven wool blankets and complete the look with pastoral print cushions.
Let Nature In
The rustic reverie taps into a desire to be at one with nature, and it encourages us to take inspiration from the outside world for our scheme.
Nature acts as a healing balm for our body and soul, and we can incorporate it into our home even if we don’t have an outdoor space.
Houseplants are the obvious place to start as they brighten up any space and fill the air with a glorious scent. Living plants are also fantastic air purifiers, as they cleanse the air in your home by filtering out harmful toxins.
Place pots in your balcony or windowsill planters to attract butterflies and bees.
Make table decorations with seasonal flowers and arrange jugs of wildflowers in any room.
For a beautiful floral centrepiece, gather various blooms in different sizes and colours and place them in jam jars or stoneware pots.
Different Sources of Warm Light
The cottage environment is breaming with nostalgia, and this vibe is also achieved by the clever use of light sources.
A cottagecore home is filled with sunshine and flowers in the summer and candles and fires in the winter.
For your choice of artificial light, you should opt for warm light and have a different task and accent lighting for various purposes.
Lamps and candles lit in every room will help the look, and log fire will create a warm and cozy space with its crackles and flickering flames.
Muted Colour Palette
The earthy, natural tones are the gentle colours of the countryside.
To inject instant coziness, try creams, warm shades based on natural earth pigments, honeyed yellow tints and all the way through to warm plaster pinks and rich terracottas.
To create the perfect backdrop, use warm whites, pale pinks and duck egg blues for your walls.
To complete the look, pale layer colours with botanical prints and feminine fabrics for that cottage nostalgia.
We hope you found the inspiration you were looking for, and you are now one step closer to creating that charming rustic space.
Bio
Daniela Ganea is a passionate Interior Designer and Content Writer for the Home Furnishing Industry. With a PR background, she combines her higher education with her passion for interiors by helping people with Interior Design and Styling tips for a happier home.
