Cottagecore is an interior decor theme that harnesses the rural and traditional elements of country cottage life. The term originally emerged on social media platforms, particularly Pinterest and Instagram, and has since gained popularity for its nostalgic and comforting interior ideals.
Cottagecore interiors often romanticise the idea of countryside existence, even when placed in the most urban of townhouses, and the colour palettes and furniture styles used will often be associated with pastoral landscapes, quaint cottages, and pretty English gardens. It’s a perfect interior trend for those who perhaps live in the city but yearn for a closer connection to nature, the countryside and a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy life.
How do you cottagecore a room?
The key to achieving a cottagecore feel is creating a space that feels cosy, quaint and connected to nature. Here are some key pieces of advice for decorating a home with a cottagecore vibe:
- Opt for an earthy, neutral or pastel colour palette.
- Focus on natural and sustainable materials and furnishings such as wood and wicker.
- Create a cosy and comforting space with plenty of depth, texture and layered fabrics.
- Incorporate elements of pattern such as florals and vintage print.
- Embrace handmade and bespoke pieces made by local craftsmen and artists.
Emphasise the florals
Floral patterns are a key staple of cottagecore. The more delicate, vintage-inspired floral designs, the better. Consider using floral wallpaper, bedding or curtains to bring in the natural beauty of flowers, or for a more subtle approach try floral cushions, wall prints or rugs as accent pieces.
Credit:@thegreyhousestories
Battlefield
R205B
Decorate with earthy pastel shades
The cottagecore colour palette is delicate, soft, and inspired by nature. You can even play around with a mix of soft pastel highlight shades such as pale lemons, blush pinks and delicate mauves, and combine them with base tones of earthy green, cream, beige, and soft grey. Light blues, creamy whites and warm browns can also help to create a soothing and natural ambience too.
Credit:@larule_at_home
Tea Party
R264E
Hunt out vintage and antique pieces
Vintage and antique standalone pieces have much more of a romantic and whimsical feel than modern furniture and built-in units. Visit local thrift stores, antique markets and vintage boutiques to hand pick items such as chairs, console tables, vintage mirrors and ornate pendant lights. Remember, if you find a piece you love, but the colour is not right, you can always upcycle it to give it a completely new personality.
Credit: @ourmonktonheathfieldhome
Modern Grey
R205F
Hone in on elements of the outdoors and wildlife
Nature-inspired decor can help bring your cottagecore home to life. Search for fabric prints featuring your favourite wildlife animals or pick out the colours and textures from trees or plants found in your local area. You can also help to bring nature inside using potted herbs, wild flower arrangements or botanical prints on walls or upholstery. Displaying a collection of homemade pressed flowers in vintage frames can add a charming touch to your bedroom walls or bedside tables.
Credit:@ashburnham_house
Juniper Mist
R270E
Embrace the warmth of rustic natural oak
Natural oak is a material that is at the heart of cottagecore decor. The distinct grain patterns and warm tones of oak create a sense of authenticity and rustic charm, giving a cosy and inviting atmosphere to your home. Your kitchen is the natural space to introduce oak into your home, with the options of oak flooring, kitchen surfaces, dining tables and chairs. Wicker and rattan are also wonderful, natural materials that blend well with oak for soft furnishings and accessories.
Credit:@hintonlodgecottage
Brushed Cotton
R82A
Incorporate handmade or DIY elements into your room decor
There’s something so romantic and personal about displaying a piece of artwork or artistry in your home that has been 100% created by yourself or a family member. Try to incorporate handmade or DIY elements into your cottagecore room decor via paintings, embroidery or macrame wall hangings, which showcase your creative side as well as making your space completely individual and unique.
Credit:@emhow1
Sienna Sky
X52R112E
Create a cosy and rustic bedroom atmosphere
Your cottagecore bedroom should retain an element of rustic nostalgia while fostering a warm and nurturing environment to relax and sleep. Be sure to incorporate elements such as wooden furniture, vintage decor, floral patterns and soft textiles to set the tone and opt for soft, dim lighting to perfect the cosy atmosphere. Consider using fairy lights, bedside lamps with fabric lampshades or candle lanterns to achieve a gentle, inviting glow.
Credit:@emmaandthegirls_
Hope Springs Eternal
W7e
Create an escape from fast-paced living
Cottagecore provides an escape from the modern, fast-paced world, landing into a whimsical and dreamy retreat where time slows down and quality of life is put first. It can often include elements of fantasy, folklore, fairy tales, and a sense of magic, which you can bring to life using gallery walls, sculptures, display books and little bowls filled with either shells or crystals. Create a cosy corner in your lounge for reading or relaxing by placing a comfortable armchair or a vintage-inspired chaise lounge with soft cushions and a throw blanket. Place a small side table nearby to hold books, candles and a cup of tea.
Credit:@melaniejadedesign
Blue Jade
X96R180A
Get a fire burning
Nothing fosters a sense of comfort and cosiness like a log burning fire. Cottagecore promotes a slower pace of life and a return to traditional activities like reading, knitting or playing board games - all of which are made so much more atmospheric with a roaring fire by your side. The flickering flames, the glowing embers and the scent of burning wood creates a soothing environment to enhance the aesthetics of a room and serve as a focal point of gathering and togetherness.
Credit: @thewrighthouserenovation
Modern Grey
R205F
Curate your vintage bathroom
A freestanding bath is a cottagecore bathroom design essential. Freestanding copper baths are a popular choice, but you could also look to upcycle a vintage bath in a colour shade of your choice. Look for clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks and vintage-inspired vanities. And, when it comes to choosing hardware for taps, showerheads, and loo roll holders, opt for antique finishes such as bronze, brushed nickel or polished brass. To complete your nostalgic bathroom theme, decorate the walls with vintage frames, prints and reclaimed signs as a nod to past times.
Credit:@housemouse_farmhouse
Sweet Genius
X7R34C
Continue the theme into your outdoor space
You can extend the personality of your country cottage themed interior into your courtyard or garden too, even if your space is very limited. Paint your rustic garden room or potting shed with pretty pastel shades and invest in antique garden furniture made from wood, bamboo or wicker, decorated with vintage floral cushions and throws. When it comes to cottage-style plants and flowers, roses have a distinct nostalgic aesthetic and fragrance that you would expect to see in the quaintest of British countryside cottages. Similarly, sweet peas, lavender, foxgloves and poppies all carry the same traditional appeal.
Credit: @fiftyfourlane
Wild Mustard Seed
R119D
Colour match your cottagecore decor
Feeling inspired by a recent trip to the British countryside?
Simply upload images of your favourite flowers, leaves or pebbles to our Photo Uploader tool, select the colours you love and we can recreate them into your own personalised paint shades to decorate your cottagecore home!
Need help choosing the right paint or colour?
Use Virtual Assistant
