07 Dec What is cottagecore?
What is cottagecore and how does it translate into home style? What elements can you incorporate into a renovation?
Cottagecore is an increasingly emerging lifestyle that celebrates nostalgia, nature and home with an old-school rural European and vintage aesthetic. Cottagecore is actually a reference to rural cottages, particularly those in the traditional English countryside style. But we see it’s influence all over the suburbs, and certainly not just in smaller sized homes that cottages typically connote. Versus the farmhouse style, cottagecore leans more towards romantic, warm and whimsical versus practical and hardworking. It could be perceived as an evolution of modern farmhouse; it incorporates many of the same principles, but also embraces a delicate, quaint sensibility.
This aesthetic could be a reaction to how we experienced our homes in the pandemic and the resulting desire for a warm, welcoming space. Cottagecore is all about comfort with its embrace of the slow pace and uncomplicated lifestyle that is associated with the beauty and simplicity of country living. It’s also about embracing personal nurturing at home by making time for hobbies and interests. With escapism and simplicity important themes in today’s world, we’re predicting that the cottagecore aesthetic will be sticking around for a while.
While cottagecore spans a range of styles from antique and vintage to more modern (by merging it simple lines and incorporating neutrals), there are certain ways to bring it to life in any home:
1. Natural materials such a stone and wood in interiors and exteriors
Focus on natural materials over manmade. Think real wood, exposed brick, and loads of stone – in the kitchen, family room or the bathroom. Reclaimed wood accents and exposed wood beams are perfect architectural elements, and trims such as white beadboard and wood paneling will complete the cottagecore look.
2. Finishes That Will Patina
You’ll notice almost every inspo image you see of a cottagecore home looks like its been well-lived-in for decades, if not centuries—and that’s entirely purposeful. Along with the principle that nothing is too precious with cottagecore, nothing is too new, either. This style relies on living finishes that with patina over time, so when selecting countertops or fixtures, make sure to select items such as natural stone countertops, stained wood floors, unlacquered brass fixtures, and other elements that will look just as stunning in twenty years as they do the day they’re installed; it’s all about graceful aging!
3. Elegant architectural details and strategic windows
Archways, purposeful niches, nooks and wood built-ins are hallmarks of this style. Windows should be carefully planned to bring in lots of natural light and highlight landscape and any gardens.
4. Color palettes ranging from moody to neutral, taking inspiration from nature
Choose natural neutrals such as taupes, whites, grays, creams and browns and then fold in bold accents you may come upon in a country garden — lilac and pink, violet and blue, and lots of highly pigmented greens. The movement takes much of its inspiration from nature, meaning warm neutrals and soft greens will be your main staples. When in doubt, choose colors that can be best described as “muddy,” with an understated, toned down quality.
5. A focus on the hearth or fireplace
Warmth is key when it comes to this style, so fireplaces are key. If you really want to embrace this aesthetic, turn your focus to wood-burning stoves.
6. Paying homage to hobbies
Cottagecore is a lifestyle at heart, and indulging in hobbies is key. This translates into making space in your home for what makes you happy — whether its a reading nook, backyard shed, activity area, craft room or sunroom. It may even mean dedicated open shelving to house a hobby or collection.