8 WAYS TO GET THE COTTAGECORE AESTHETIC IN YOUR HOME

If you’ve scrolled TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably come across the cottagecore trend. The cottagecore aesthetic is definitely having a moment as more people yearn for a simpler time and a return to nature.

Do you want to learn more about cottagecore and how to style your home with this sustainable look? Read on to find out what cottagecore is and how to get the cottagecore aesthetic at home.

What Is Cottagecore?

Cottagecore is an aesthetic that isn’t limited to home styles but encompasses fashion and overall lifestyle as well. Nature-driven with a focus on living simply and comfortably, the style is timeless. There is an air of wistful romance paired with self-reliance and freedom.

The cottagecore aesthetic is inspired by rural life and draws elements of its theme from country living in farms and cottages. Think cottage life on a homey farmstead in the English countryside. The trend gained popularity as an internet fashion style in the 2010s and by 2018, the term cottagecore was coined on Tumblr.

Since then, the style has only gained more followers looking to get back to nature and dress for the simple life. Cottagecore fashion consists of minimalist, functional pieces. A cottagecore dress, for example, is comfortable and looks like it would fit perfectly in pastoral life. Long prairie skirts and relaxed fit, effortless pieces make up the cottagecore fashion style.

How do you translate this look to home decor? Don’t worry, we’ll show you!

How to Design a Cottagecore Home

When designing a cottagecore home, there are specific pieces to include that evoke a feeling of warmth and rural cottage charm. This old-world design style is simple, charming, and should look homemade. Here are eight ways to transform your space and get the cottagecore aesthetic in your home.

Incorporate Natural Materials

Natural materials impart the true essence of cottagecore and provide the colors and textures your home needs. Bring nature inside by incorporating pieces made of wood, metal, leather, marble, and other materials like them. Mirrors framed with natural jute rope like this wall mirror add warmth and texture to any room.

Wicker is another material that is synonymous with cottagecore and works well in any room of the house. Place plush throws in these round wicker baskets for one part cozy and one part natural fibers.

The kitchen is a prime example of function meeting fashion within the cottagecore aesthetic. Earth-toned woven dishcloths are the perfect accessory to place throughout your kitchen for touches of nature at every glance.

Mix Old and New

Cottagecore is all about creating a "lived-in" space, so mixing antique furniture with new furniture can create that feeling. Can't find the perfect antique piece? Look for new pieces inspired by antiques like this distressed table lamp or this cottage medallion area rug.

Small touches like simple accessories can have a big impact on the overall look of your space. Impart vintage vibes by setting your table with a checkered tablecloth and ribbed placemats. Display mugs on a vintage mug stand and place small farmhouse galvanized metal candle lanterns throughout the room for an antique touch that ties everything together.

Don't Be Afraid of Color and Texture

Cottagecore blends colors and textures, so try incorporating both to nail this trend. Look for patterns inspired by nature such as floral and botanical prints as well as fabrics and accent pieces made of natural fibers and rope. A distressed country cottage chairside table looks dreamy with the depth of this vintage-inspired floral area rug.

Go For Romantic Wallpaper

Vintage wallpaper is a great option to instantly create a cottagecore atmosphere. Scared of wallpaper? Try a pastoral painting or wall art that sets the tone. Canvas wall art with scenes from a simpler time summons a sense of nostalgia. Incorporate horses into your decor with wood-framed Appaloosa wall art that has farmhouse charm.     

Add Greenery

Plants are truly one of the easiest ways to add multiple elements of cottagecore to your home. Use real and faux plants to bring nature inside along with color and texture. Nothing can make a space feel “lived-in” quite like flowers and plants. This faux floral arrangement has a vintage look with its creamy blooms and natural greens, and this faux plant in a woven basket brings nature into the room with both the plant and the natural woven basket.

Display Your Handmade Crafts

Cottagecore is all about showcasing handmade items, so now is your time to shine! Whether you dabble in needlepoint, watercolors, or macrame, by displaying your crafty creations you add a personal touch to your cottagecore look. Frame your handiwork in a distressed farmhouse picture frame to incorporate another complementary design element.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Use soft pillows and blankets in neutral shades and various textures. Add warm lighting, candles, and fragrances to create an atmosphere that feels comfortable and homey.

The weathered whitewash coloration on this buffet lamp feels rustic and familiar at the same time. These beige throw pillows are handloom woven and pair well with solid yellow throw pillows that are just the right shade and full of texture.

Set up and light taper candles on tables and allow the soft glow of their flames to flicker and cast old-time charm. Fill room your room with the comforting aroma of amber musk with reed diffusers. Diffusers offer an around-the-clock scent with minimal effort on your part.

Gather Around the Table

A large farmhouse table brings the cottagecore lifestyle to mind. Serve tea and fresh fruit in mix and match teacups like these lemon tree-inspired cups and country blue plaid mugs. Display small bites to eat on artisan boards like this wood grazing palette and set gingham cloth napkins at each place setting.

Place a wooden coffee table with a pedestal base in the center of your living or family room and see how it anchors the room with its rustic cottage appeal. Add touches of simple, nature-inspired decor such as this handmade horse sculpture or an antique finish ceramic vase.

Looking to transform your home? At Pier 1, you’ll find everything you need to create a space that allows you to live and surround yourself with the cottagecore lifestyle. From natural materials like wicker and jute to vintage-inspired decor and floral accessories, we have the right furniture and decor for your home.