[ad_1]
If you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ve likely come across images of ivy-covered cottage-style homes surrounded by wildflowers and homes filled with floral furniture and green-themed kitchens. Suddenly, your grandmother’s house feels cool again. This is the cottagecore aesthetic—also known as countrycore or farmcore—which romanticizes rural living and a harmonious connection with nature. Celebrated in pop culture, from Taylor Swift’s Folklore album to the set of Little Women, it brings nostalgia and charm into modern design.
What is the cottagecore aesthetic and why did it become popular?
Cottagecore embraces a return to simpler times, with wholesome pastimes like crafting, gardening, and baking. Many have picked up hobbies they never had time for, fueling a desire for calming, nostalgic spaces. Common cottagecore touches include mismatched furniture, floral walls, lace tablecloths, and earth tones. As Helen Boogzel, CEO of Boogzel Clothing, notes, the cottagecore dream isn’t exactly new.
“Back in the 18th century, Marie Antoinette appeared in a portrait dressed in a French version of cottagecore. She was so charmed by the image that she had a rustic village built—meadows, cottages, lakes, grottos, a dairy, gardens, vineyards, and orchards. There, she and her entourage dressed as farmers and shepherdesses. It was cottagecore cosplay, 18th-century style. Now, centuries later, cottagecore is having a moment again.”
Whether you currently live in Asheville, NC, Cape May, NJ, or Burlington, VT, you won’t have to move to the English countryside to be included in this trend. Here are six ways you can incorporate the cottagecore aesthetic into your home.
1. Experiment with color, patterns and textures
One of the best things about cottagecore is that nothing has to match completely. It’s all about creating a cozy, lived-in space by blending different colors and textures.
Utilize colors that bring coziness to your space
Choosing the right colors is key to creating a calming, cottage-inspired space. Helen Boogzel offers styling suggestions. “Choose natural colors like soft greens, warm browns, faded blues, and gentle creams; stick to materials like cotton, linen, wood, and straw; use floral bedding for a peaceful retreat; add gingham in the kitchen; include handcrafted touches like woven baskets, crocheted pieces, and handmade vases; and soften lighting with fairy lights, candles, or a warm-toned lamp.”
American Blossom Linens, based in Thomaston, GA adds, “To embrace the cottagecore aesthetic in your home, start by layering your bed with 100% Cotton Percale Bed Sheets . Choose colors in white or natural, they are breathable and naturally textured, then add vintage-inspired quilts or duvets. Soft, earthy colors like sage, ivory, and faded rose will provide a lived-in, romantic vibe.”
Weave natural texture into your home
Creating a cottagecore feel begins with what you can touch—those soft, grounded materials that bring warmth and simplicity to everyday spaces. As Amour Linen explains, “Start with natural textures and soft, earthy tones. Linen fabrics, such as semi-sheer curtains, rustic tablecloths or bedding add a cozy, timeless feel that complements this style perfectly, bringing warmth and simplicity to any room.”
Angelina Sam, founder and creative of BED LAM compliments this sentiment saying it’s less about perfection and more about tactile comfort. “To embrace the cottagecore aesthetic, focus on tactile, timeless materials that feel grounded and lived-in — like natural linen bedding, handmade ceramics, or imperfect wood accents. Layering soft textures in muted, earthy tones helps create a space that feels warm, restful, and quietly nostalgic. It’s less about perfection and more about comfort, craftsmanship, and connection to the natural world.”
That connection extends to the furniture itself. The natural textures of handcrafted pieces can anchor a space in authenticity and beauty. Canadian handcrafted furniture brand, Oak & Post offers their expertise. “Choose handcrafted furniture made from natural and reclaimed Canadian hardwoods. Custom pieces celebrate raw textures, soft finishes, and timeless design, perfect for creating that cozy, lived-in charm. Pair them with vintage-inspired decor, neutral tones, and soft layers to evoke a sense of slow, intentional living rooted in nature and craft.”
2. Bring the outdoors in with natural touches
One of the easiest ways to create a cottagecore-inspired space is by leaning into natural materials. Natural wood, in particular, plays a big role in achieving the look.
Sulman Baber Gil of Carpentrya agrees, noting, “With over 20 years of hands-on carpentry experience, I’ve found that the cottagecore aesthetic is best achieved through natural wood elements like exposed beams, shiplap walls, and handcrafted shelving. These timeless features add warmth, character, and a sense of nostalgia that truly captures the essence of countryside living.” These textures help blur the line between indoors and out, grounding your space in warmth and simplicity.
Forage natural elements for organic decor
Bring the outdoors in by foraging natural elements that add charm and character to your space. Lifestyle blog, Cottage Core Holly captures it perfectly. “Bring the gentle charm of cottagecore into your home by embracing natural textures, handmade touches, and little details that spark joy. Think dried flowers, sunlit corners, trailing vines, and handmade pieces that feel like little forest treasures. We believe in creating cozy, intentional spaces where the natural world and a sense of wonder live side by side.”
Transform wood into timeless pieces
Woodworking plays a significant role in bringing the warmth and natural beauty of cottagecore into your home. Doug Hill of Grayhill Woodworking in New Jersey, shares his insight on how wood decor enhances this cozy aesthetic.
“The cottagecore aesthetic celebrates warmth, simplicity, and a connection to nature—making handcrafted wood decor the perfect addition. Artisanal pieces like live-edge serving trays, organic hollow-form vases, or rustic candle holders bring earthy texture and timeless charm to any space. As a woodworker, I love creating one-of-a-kind functional art that enhances this cozy, nostalgic vibe while supporting sustainable, natural living.”
3. Curate each room with purpose
When designing a home with a cottage style in mind, it’s important to be intentional about the pieces you choose. Every element, from the furniture to the decor, should contribute to a space that feels calm, welcoming, and nostalgic. Ed Sit, founder of Modern Turtle based in Portland, OR offers insightful advice.
“A few well-placed accents, like a floral-patterned pillow, a soft woven blanket, or a speckled ceramic mug, can instantly make a home feel more grounded and inviting. Cottagecore is less about rigid style and more about the feeling a space evokes. Think soft, natural, and nostalgic, where every piece adds to the overall sense of warmth and comfort.”
Create a kitchen you’ll always want to be in
When designing a cottagecore-inspired kitchen, natural materials and handmade accents are key. Kitchen Essentials shares how to create that inviting, rustic atmosphere.
“Bring cottagecore into your kitchen by embracing natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramics, and opt for vintage-inspired accessories with soft, earthy tones. Open shelving with curated dishware, linen textiles, and handcrafted kitchen tools add warmth and charm.”
Design a welcoming dining room
The dining room is the heart of gathering, and adding elements that evoke warmth and character is key to achieving the cottage look. Clay Adams, president of Rustic Trades Furniture, shares how the right piece can bring a welcoming, grounded feel to your home.
“A custom table brings the cozy charm of cottagecore home, with natural wood grain that adds warmth and reflects the aesthetic’s deep connection to nature. Rustic Trades’ Weston and Emerson Trestle tables add timeless character with their classic shapes and sturdy craftsmanship. Made from solid American White Oak and featuring a rough sawn top texture, these legacy designs have a hand-touched, lived-in feel. Finished with a soft, matte Cotton White, the table feels light, relaxed, and effortlessly casual, perfect for creating a space that feels welcoming, grounded, and beautifully simple.”
Turn your bedroom into a storybook retreat
Your bedroom should feel like a quiet escape—somewhere soft, serene, and full of charm. Choosing the right textiles and thoughtful details makes all the difference, especially when aiming for a cozy cottage vibe. Katerina Rothman, founder of Beflax Linen based in Denver, CO, shares her insight.
“Linen is the ultimate staple for achieving a cottagecore aesthetic. It’s timeless, elegant, and rich in texture. Embrace this style by leaning into natural materials and simplicity—think stonewashed linen bedding in soft earthy tones or kitchen linens on your dining table. Heirloom-inspired pieces and organic fabrics create a romantic, calming feel. A linen duvet in muted tones brings that lived-in charm to your bedroom and is easy to style with vintage accents or layered neutrals.”
4. Take advantage of handmade items
Embrace your individuality by incorporating handmade items with unique patterns and textures into your space. These one-of-a-kind pieces will add a warmth and personality that mass-produced items simply can’t match.
Hand woven rugs and artwork
Handwoven rugs are an easy way to bring warmth and texture into your space, and they’re not just for floors. A well-placed rug can anchor a room with rustic charm, whether it’s large and statement-making or a small accent that ties everything together. The tactile quality of these pieces instantly makes a space feel more lived-in and inviting.
But handwoven pieces aren’t limited to rugs. Woven wall art adds dimension and personality, offering a rich alternative to traditional framed prints. Whether you discover them at a flea market or commission something special from a local maker, these one-of-a-kind creations lend authenticity and timeless character—hallmarks of a cozy, cottage-inspired interior.
Bring natural warmth with custom wood pieces
Adding custom wood furniture to your home is a timeless way to embrace the cottagecore aesthetic. Kevin Branagan of Branagan Custom, a hand tool woodworker based in Ottawa, ON, shares his take.
“Solid wood furniture brings the natural warmth that’s essential for the cottage aesthetic in the home. The more hand-made and less polished the better. A farmhouse coffee table, a shaker style wall shelf, or a vintage Irish Gibson chair would be perfect accents to provide an authentic countryside feel.”
Homemade knitted textiles
Add a personal touch to your space by crafting your own decor, like hand-knit blankets or embroidered linens, or by supporting artisans who create handmade pieces with care and intention. Annika Scheer of Rosemary & Pines Fiber Arts captures the heart of this approach:“Bring the charm of cottagecore into your home with cozy, handmade details that celebrate simplicity and nature. From hand-knit blankets and embroidered linens to dried flowers and vintage treasures, each element adds a layer of warmth and authenticity. Embracing slow, intentional decorating with handmade pieces creates a space that feels both nostalgic and deeply personal.”
5. Let the walls talk
Create a statement wall with floral or nature-inspired wallpaper, which can be easily removed if you decide to change your style later. Pair this with nature-inspired prints or vintage-style wall art to add warmth and texture, making your space feel inviting, nostalgic, and uniquely yours.
Elevate your space with wallpaper
Enhance any room with wallpaper to add personality and charm. Ayara Home emphasizes how color and pattern can transform a space.
“One of the easiest ways to add instant charm to your home is with pattern and color. Picture walking into your home office with color-drenched walls (and ceiling), then passing a cozy little reading nook wrapped in vintage-inspired wallpaper. That’s the essence of cottagecore—creating simple, welcoming spaces that make you want to slow down and stay awhile.”
Add wall art that brings characters
Choosing well-thought-out art pieces will bring your cottagecore aesthetic to the next level. Kara Hunter, e-commerce and marketing assistant at Mala Art Co., shares how the color in the artwork you choose can play a key role in capturing the cottagecore feeling.
“Cottagecore is a romanticised take on country life, often characterised by natural and pastel-toned colour schemes that add a delicate sweetness to a space. Seamlessly captured through wall art, embracing soft shades like pastel pink, powder blue, sage green and buttery yellow are staples of a cottagecore colour palette. These muted hues don’t just create a calming and relaxing atmosphere; they truly come to life when bathed in natural sunlight, filling a room with warmth and positivity.”
6. Make your home smell like a real cottage
You don’t have to start with a big project to bring in the cottagecore feel. Incorporating cozy- scented candles is a great first step to achieving cottagecore in your home. Wicked Flicker Candle Co. in New Jersey captures the cozy essence perfectly.
“A soft spa-like fragrance with notes of white tea and airy florals, this Cottagecore candle is all about living your best Hobbit-era. A weighted blanket in a jar, made for mellow Sundays with a chunky book and not leaving the house.”
Embrace the cottagecore lifestyle
Cottagecore is more than just a style, it’s a celebration of simple living, nature, and a slower pace. By embracing its rustic charm, you can create a space that feels like a peaceful retreat from the outside world. Think cozy, earthy tones, vintage pieces, and the beauty of handmade or natural elements. It’s about surrounding yourself with things that evoke warmth, comfort, and a sense of nostalgia. When you bring these touches into your home, you’ll not only create a cozy haven but also invite a lifestyle that prioritizes the little joys in life.
[ad_2]
Source link