Spring is in the air, wildflowers are blooming everywhere, and I’m fully leaning into my cottagecore era. No, I don’t live in a cozy 17th-century limestone cottage in the Cotswolds (a girl can dream), but that didn’t stop me from grabbing my crochet hooks, some yarn, and whipping up a handmade wreath for the front door.
Cottagecore isn’t just a style aesthetic; it’s a lifestyle that encourages us to slow down, savor the moment, and romanticize the mundane. Rooted in nostalgia, nature, and all things vintage and handmade, this charming style can completely transform any room. Whether you live in a countryside cottage or a city apartment, here’s how to bring the soft, storybook appeal of cottagecore into your home.
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Cottagecore Color Palette
When it comes to choosing a color palette, picture yourself wandering through Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny—soft, serene, and bathed in natural light. Think earthy greens, dusty rose, creamy whites, soft browns, muted yellows, and faded blues. These gentle hues evoke the charm of old botanical prints, vintage wallpaper, and fields of spring wildflowers. Use them on walls, linens, or accent pieces to instantly soften a space and create that timeless, lived-in feel.
Incorporating Vintage Elegance
At its heart, cottagecore is a celebration of nostalgia and lived-in charm. Choose secondhand furniture that carries a sense of history—pieces with character, patina, and a story to tell. Thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales are treasure troves for this look. It’s not about perfection; it’s about warmth, personality, and the quiet beauty of something well-loved. Think mismatched dining chairs, an old mottled mirror, a worn wooden chest of drawers, or a cozy velvet sofa.
Layer in Textures for a Cozy Feel
The secret to this style is all in the layering; it should feel warm, welcoming, and irresistibly touchable, like a beloved quilt handed down through generations. Think soft linen curtains swaying in the breeze, delicate lace doilies beneath your teacup, chunky knit throws casually draped over chairs, and vintage floral quilts adding that perfect lived-in charm.
Layer wool rugs over creaky wooden floors, scatter embroidered cushions across your seating, and top it all off with crocheted blankets in every cozy corner. This is granny chic, reimagined—an artful blend of handcrafted and heirloom textures that infuse your home with comfort, nostalgia, and timeless soul.
Handcrafted and Personal Touches
One of the things I love most about cottagecore is how it celebrates slow living and creativity, making it not only beautiful but also a naturally sustainable aesthetic. It encourages you to surround yourself with meaningful, handmade touches: intricate embroidered wall art, freshly picked flowers arranged in a hand-thrown ceramic vase, pressed blooms framed in vintage gold, and shelves lined with journals, handwritten cookbooks, and—dare we dream—first-edition Jane Austens (okay, maybe that one’s a stretch).
But truly, this style isn’t about perfection. It’s about authenticity, charm, and crafting a home that reflects who you are—flaws, stories, and all.
Indoor Nooks with Outdoor Charm
Cottagecore is rooted in a deep connection to nature—an aesthetic that blends rustic simplicity with romantic charm. Think of it as a refined take on countryside living: a high-end peasant look that gently blurs the line between indoors and out. Fill your space with fresh or dried flower arrangements, such as lavender, daisies, foxgloves, or poppies—any bloom you might stumble upon in a wild hedgerow. Wicker baskets are essential, not just for their beauty but also for their practicality; filled with herbs or pinecones or used to tuck away lesser-used items, they add both charm and function.
Antique jars or weathered earthenware pots planted with herbs or wildflowers make for a lovely, lived-in display on any windowsill. Whether you’re nestled in the countryside or right in the heart of the city, it only takes a few thoughtful touches to root your space in nature’s quiet, grounding presence.
The Hearth of the Home
Cottagecore is more than an aesthetic; it’s a way of life. It celebrates slow living, heartfelt rituals, and a deep appreciation for the everyday. Embrace the Slow Food movement by simmering a rich, homemade sauce with heirloom tomatoes in a kitchen that truly feels like the heart of the home. This space isn’t just for cooking; it’s where memories are stirred into every meal.
Style your kitchen with open shelving that showcases ceramic mugs, timeworn cookbooks, and jars of homemade preserves. Keep wooden spoons within reach in a stoneware jug that’s as beautiful as it is practical. Create a cozy nook where you can sip tea and read while your sourdough rises in the oven. Let the space feel lived-in, functional, and full of charm—inviting, intentional, and entirely your own.
Cozy Spaces for Still Moments
Cottagecore is a style that gently encourages slowing down, embracing stillness, and expressing yourself through the simple pleasures of daily life. Spaces should feel like an invitation—to read by the window with a cup of tea, to journal in the soft glow of morning light, to knit, paint, or embroider. Thoughtfully design quiet corners that offer comfort and inspire contemplation—moments of calm tucked into the rhythm of your day.
Source: Ikea
At its heart, cottagecore is about creating a home that takes care of you—a sanctuary where you can unwind, create, and recharge. It’s a space that feels lived-in, loved, and entirely your own. This isn’t about following trends; it’s about surrounding yourself with things that spark quiet joy—an old teacup, an old embroidered table cloth, a well-worn book, or a vase of wildflowers gathered on a morning walk.
In a world that moves faster every day, cottagecore invites you to slow down. Let your home become a place for making homemade preserves, reading by candlelight, or crafting something with your hands. A place that honors natural rhythms and the beauty of everyday moments. Let your home tell your story—soft, soulful, and full of heart.