Romantic and cozy, cottagecore interiors took over the design world last year. Acting as a throwback to the ideal rural life spent in the English countryside, this rising trend may feel like a flash in the pan, but its use of vintage decor and airy accents is sure to stick around for years to come. Freshen up your space with these nostalgic home touches.
START OUTSIDE
Picture quaint cottages often featured in period pieces — or more recently in “The Holiday.” These humble abodes often feature lush gardens filled with a bounty of florals and greenery. Elevate your exterior by investing in cottagecore-inspired plants. Whether you start small by lining the pathway to your home with a few rose bushes or build an ivy-covered picket fence garden in your backyard, these lively additions will bring a new energy to your space. Plus, if you tend to your garden well, your interior is sure to benefit from its bounty of fresh flowers, perfect for adding color to any decorative space.
CURATED KITCHENS
Cottagecore pieces blossom when they play off each other, but that doesn’t mean they need to match. The design trend at its best resembles a carefully curated space, showcasing items passed down from generation to generation. Take a small step toward this aesthetic with your dishes. Open shelves and hooks of antique coffee mugs and tea cups enhance the room’s visual interest while also adding to its functionality. Instead of showcasing one set of sleek dishes in your glass-front cabinets, mix and match various thrifted designs with different colors and textures. To go all in on the trend, replace your matching dining set with six unique wooden chairs to sit around your kitchen table, each bringing their own personality to the party. Complete the vibe by installing a hanging pan rack over your kitchen island.
VINTAGE FINDS
Add cottagecore elements throughout your home with various fabrics and furniture purchases. Big-ticket items, like a velvet dusty green couch or floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, create new focal points for your living room, while smaller accent pieces, like transparent floral curtains and gilded vintage mirrors, provide subtle nods to the trend. But you don’t need to spend a lot to accomplish the look. Repurpose things around your home, like turning glass milk bottles into vases or creating a gallery wall out of old frames, to show cottagecore mastery. This trend loves a maximalist moment, so don’t be afraid to go bold.