What is Cottagecore

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Cottagecore is a trend and aesthetic that is characterized by a romanticized, nostalgic view of rural life, often associated with a simpler and more pastoral way of living. 

It often includes elements such as floral patterns, vintage or handmade clothing and decor, and a focus on nature and self-sufficiency. 

The trend has been rapidly gaining in popularity on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Additionally, the home decor industry has taken notice as more and more companies are selling products that can be classified as cottagecore.   

The History of Cottagecore 

The term Cottagecore itself is thought to have originated in the early 2010s, and the trend began to gain popularity on social media in the mid-2010s. 

The aesthetics of Cottagecore are heavily influenced by Victorian and Edwardian era design and literature, as well as the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which celebrated the beauty of traditional craftsmanship and rural living.

Tips to Make Your House CottageCore 

So how can you update your house's design in order to make it more Cottagecore? We’ll break it down for you here. 

Interior Cottagecore design tips

1) Furniture

When looking for furniture to create a Cottagecore aesthetic in your home, there are a few key styles and elements to keep in mind:

Vintage or antique furniture: Pieces with a history and a patina can add a sense of warmth and nostalgia to a room. Look for items like rocking chairs, farm tables, and dressers with curved details and ornate hardware.

Handmade or hand-crafted furniture: Pieces that are made by artisans or local craftsmen can add a sense of authenticity and traditional charm to a space. Look for items like woven baskets, pottery, and quilts.

Natural materials: Furniture made from natural materials like wood, wicker, and linen can help to create a sense of harmony with nature. Look for items like wooden rocking chairs, wicker armchairs, and linen-covered sofas.

Floral or patterned fabrics: Floral or patterned fabrics can add a sense of whimsy and charm to a room. Look for items like patterned cushions, curtains, or tablecloths.

Functional pieces: Furniture that is both beautiful and functional, such as a writing desk, armchair, or rocking chair, can add a sense of practicality and comfort to a space.

Rustic elements, like barn wood, distressed finishes, and natural fibers, can give a space a charming, lived-in feel.

It's important to note that cottagecore is a rustic, cozy, and charming style, so it is not necessary to buy all new furniture, you can also repurpose and upcycle old items to give them a new life and fit with the aesthetic.

2) Hang traditional tools on the wall

Here are a few ways you can incorporate tools into your Cottagecore decor:

Vintage tools: Incorporating vintage tools, such as old farming tools or kitchen utensils, can add a sense of nostalgia and history to your home. These tools can be hung on walls or displayed on shelves or in vintage boxes.

Repurposed tools: Repurposing tools for decor is a great way to add a sense of rustic charm to your home. Old tools can be repurposed into candle holders, picture frames, or even lamp bases.

Industrial elements: Incorporating industrial elements like metal and galvanized metal can give a space a sense of practicality and durability. These elements can be used to make shelves, hooks, or even lighting fixtures.

Garden tools: Incorporating garden tools like watering cans, spades, and rake into your decor can help to create a sense of harmony with nature. These tools can be used to create displays on tables or shelves, or even as planters.

Hanging tools: Hanging tools, such as old saws, spades, or rakes, can add a rustic charm to your home. They can be hung on walls or from the ceiling, and can be used to create unique wall displays or even chandeliers.

It's important to keep in mind that Cottagecore is all about creating a warm, cozy, and inviting environment, so you don't have to overdo it with tools, a few pieces here and there can make a big impact. Also, it's important to keep in mind that you can use new tools or tools with a rustic finish to achieve the same look.

3) Use Rugs

Here are a few ways you can use rugs to Cottagecore your house:

Use natural fibers: Rugs made from natural materials such as jute, sisal, or wool add a rustic touch to any room.

Opt for earthy colors: Choose rugs with earthy colors such as beige, brown, or muted green to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Consider vintage or antique rugs: Vintage or antique rugs can add a unique and authentic touch to your home.

Use multiple rugs: Layering rugs can add depth and interest to a room. Try layering a smaller rug on top of a larger one, or using a runner in a hallway.

Incorporate florals: Floral patterns are a popular design element in cottagecore decor. Consider a rug with a floral print to add a touch of sweetness to your space.

Use area rugs: Area rugs can be used to define different spaces in a room, or to add warmth to a hard floor.

4) Install Curtains 

Curtains are a great way to add both style and function to a room. To incorporate a cottagecore feel with curtains, consider the following suggestions:

Use natural fibers: Curtains made from natural materials such as linen, cotton, or burlap add a rustic touch to any room.

Opt for earthy colors: Choose curtains with earthy colors such as beige, brown, or muted green to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Consider vintage or antique fabrics: Vintage or antique fabrics can add a unique and authentic touch to your home.

Use multiple layers: Layering curtains can add depth and interest to a room. Try layering a sheer curtain over a solid one, or using a valance on top.

Incorporate florals: Floral patterns are a popular design element in cottagecore decor. Consider curtains with a floral print to add a touch of sweetness to your space.

Use ruffles or lace: Ruffles and lace are popular elements in cottagecore decor, and can add a touch of romance to a room.

Hang them high: Hanging curtains high and wide, above the window frame, can make the room appear taller and more spacious.

Exterior Design Cottagecore Tips

1) Make a garden

A garden can be a great way to incorporate the Cottagecore aesthetic into your outdoor space. Here are a few suggestions to create a Cottagecore garden:

Use natural materials: Incorporate natural materials such as stones, wood, and brick into your garden design.

Incorporate flowers and herbs: A cottagecore garden typically includes a variety of flowers, herbs, and shrubs. Consider planting a mix of annuals and perennials for year-round color.

Create a potager: Potager gardens are a traditional French style of vegetable gardening. They often include a mix of vegetables, herbs and flowers, arranged in an ornamental way.

Use rustic elements: Incorporate rustic elements such as a wooden trellis, a wooden arbor, or a rustic birdhouse to add a touch of character to your garden.

Add water feature: A small pond or a fountain can add a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere to your garden.

Add seating area: Incorporate seating area in your garden where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Incorporate a greenhouse or a shed: A greenhouse or a shed can be a great addition to your cottagecore garden, providing a charming and functional space for gardening tools and plants.

Incorporate wildflowers: Incorporating wildflowers into your garden is a great way to add a natural, unruly touch to your garden.

2) Use Shutters

Shutters are a great way to add both style and function to a home. Here are a few suggestions on how to use shutters to create a Cottagecore aesthetic:

Use natural materials: Use wooden shutters made from natural materials such as cedar or pine for a rustic look.

Opt for a classic style: Consider traditional, louvered shutters, which are a classic cottagecore style.

Paint or stain them: Use a natural-looking paint or stain on your shutters to create a cohesive look with the rest of your home's exterior.

Incorporate a shutter dog: Shutter dogs, also known as shutter holdbacks, are a functional and decorative element that can be added to wooden shutters.

Use functional shutters: functional shutters can be opened and closed to control light and privacy, adding a functional touch to the aesthetic.

Mix and match: Mix and match shutter styles, like paneled shutters with louvered shutters to add interest and depth to your home's exterior.

Use shutters on windows: Using shutters on windows can give your home a charming, traditional look, while also providing an added layer of privacy and security.

Use shutters on doors: Using shutters on doors can also be a great way to add cottagecore charm to your home's exterior.

3) Add Cobblestone Walls and Walkways

Cobblestone walls and walkways can be a great way to add a rustic, cottagecore aesthetic to your home's exterior. Here are a few suggestions on how to use cobblestone walls and walkways to create this look:

Use natural materials: Use natural cobblestone or fieldstone to create a rustic look.

Incorporate curves: Incorporate curved lines in your cobblestone walls and walkways to create a softer, more organic look.

Use different sizes of stones: Use a mix of different sizes of stones to create a more natural, random look.

Incorporate moss: Allow moss to grow between the stones to add an extra touch of natural charm to your cobblestone walkway.

Use a dry-stacked method: A dry-stacked method is an easy way to create a rustic look for your cobblestone walls and walkways, as the stones are stacked without mortar.

Incorporate natural plants : Incorporate natural plants like wildflowers, grasses, or creeping thyme between the cobblestones to add a touch of natural beauty.

Use the cobblestone walkway to lead to the main entrance : Use the cobblestone walkway to lead visitors to the main entrance of your home, to create a charming, welcoming pathway.

Use cobblestone walls to create a raised garden bed or a retaining wall: Use cobblestone walls to create a raised garden bed or a retaining wall, it can add a functional and aesthetic touch to your outdoor space.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article on Cottagecore helpful. Make sure to browse our collection of Cottagecore furniture for all of your design needs.