Gear up for gingham (and floral, too!) – this trend-forward aesthetic can make your living space feel whimsical.
A name born from social media, “cottagecore” is a trendy, internet-based aesthetic inspired by a romanticized vision of rural life – one that embraces simplicity and nostalgia. It has spurred a renewed interest in activities like baking, gardening, and knitting as people reconnect with the idyllic idea of living in a breezy cottage.
And here’s the best part: You don’t need to live in a whimsical cottage to create the cottagecore style.
Check out a few simple ways to incorporate this design into multiple areas of your home:
Add cottagecore touches to your kitchen
Want to feel like you’re cooking in a quaint cottage, but still have access to your local Trader Joe’s? Transform your current kitchen with simple additions from the cottagecore aesthetic.
Forest green and sage green have become increasingly popular colors for kitchen cabinets and accents – and it helps that they pair well with natural wood and indoor plants. Plus, many people are integrating modern appliances with vintage dish wear, creating a cottage-like setting whether you’re making sourdough or just heating up leftovers.
Take it a step further by thrifting mugs, fruit bowls, teapots, and plates that look like they could have come from your grandma’s house. Display them with wooden shelves or mug racks for function and style.
Create a cozy cottage-like living room
Gallery walls are perfect for showcasing personality in your home – and can be easily changed up to try out new styles. You can thrift vintage artwork, varying in size, shape, and color – and don’t be afraid to mix and match frames. It’s a sustainable, budget-friendly way to help transform your living room and tell a story without picking up a paintbrush.
Enhance the space with quilts and throw pillows in muted tones, soft colors, and nostalgic patterns (think: florals and quilts). Soften the ambiance with floor-length curtains and showcase your favorite books and cherished knickknacks on a bookshelf. A wooden coffee table topped with fresh flowers in a decorative vase adds a touch of charm, while a timeless rug and patterned wallpaper can add extra layers of texture.
Design the cottagecore bedroom of your dreams
By incorporating simple decorative elements, you can easily revamp your bedroom into a peaceful cottage escape.
Spruce up your bed with pastel linens, a wooden or cushioned headboard, and your favorite plush pillows. Cottagecore is all about patterns – specifically stripes, gingham, and florals – so try to incorporate these in larger pieces and accents alike. You can also add baskets for storing extra blankets, indoor plants for a touch of nature, and pleated lamps for soft lighting to set a warm, relaxing mood.
Bring vintage elegance to your bathroom
You don’t need a clawfoot tub to incorporate the cottagecore aesthetic into your bathroom. Rustic faucet fixtures, patterned wallpaper, fluffy towels, antique mirrors, decorative towel hooks, and natural elements like stone and wood will give you all the cottage feels without having to do a full remodel.
Flowers and greenery help create a meadow-like escape. Tie some eucalyptus around your shower head for a calming, fresh aroma. It will look appealing and smell incredible, too.
Embracing the cottagecore aesthetic is all about infusing your home with warmth, romance, and nostalgia. So, gather your favorite vintage finds, embrace soft hues, and let your home tell a whimsical story. The essence of cottagecore is about creating a space that feels cozy, welcoming, and timeless—no countryside cottage required.
Looking for a home to turn into your cottagecore haven – or perhaps an actual cottage? Head over to remax.com and connect with a local RE/MAX agent today.
Article originally appeared on RE/MAX.com.
