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Cottagecore is all about taking popular, nostalgic, rural fantasy themes and incorporating them into our fast-paced, 21st -century life. Join me as I delve into the heart of cottagecore, exploring its rich history, enchanting lifestyle, and timeless appeal. From cozy home decor to rustic gardens, discover how to infuse your life with the tranquil beauty of cottagecore.
Table of Contents:
What is Cottagecore, really?
Cottagecore is a celebration of an idealized rural life, emphasizing simplicity, harmony with nature, and a sense of tranquility. Cottagecore is first and foremost a lifestyle that manifests in home décor, hobbies, personal style, and culinary. Not to be confused with its other more minimalist, masculine family member, the Farmhouse Style – the cottagecore design is more romantic, whimsical and feminine.
Cottagecore, with its vintage, nostalgic touch of rural design and lifestyle, has been around for years, but it has only recently surged in popularity as a response to the overwhelming presence of technology and the fast pace of modern life. The longing for simple living, connecting to nature, and embracing a slower pace has brought this style into the spotlight. For us vintage and nostalgia lovers, it’s a wonderful time to be alive and revel in what this style has to offer, such as the love of botanical prints, wooden antique furniture, and cozy, handmade decor.
The History of Cottagecore
It’s surprising to discover how Cottagecore is rooted in much older traditions. At its essence, cottagecore has been around for centuries, with commonalities traceable back 2300 years ago to ancient Greece, where the pastoral lifestyle was celebrated in the form of Arcadia. More relatively recent examples of this romanticization can be seen in the life of Marie Antoinette, who famously idealized rustic living by creating a faux peasant village at the Palace of Versailles, where she and her ladies-in-waiting could indulge in an idyllic version of country life.
The characteristic of the cottagecore style is the idealization of the aesthetically pleasing side of countryside living, such as cozy cottages, blooming gardens, and homemade crafts, while often ignoring the harsh realities faced by those who have lived and still live in rural areas, like grueling farm work and lack of modern conveniences. For a deeper look into the less romantic side of cottagecore, check out this article.
Throughout the centuries, the countryside has been romanticized and depicted in various works of art, movies, and books. For example, stories like “Anne of Green Gables”, and “The Secret Garden” capture the enchanting aspects of rural life that continue to inspire cottagecore enthusiasts. People are drawn to the main qualities of cottagecore—simplicity, nature, and a sense of nostalgia—and try to emulate the style to bring a sense of tranquility and charm to their lifestyle, home, and beauty routines.
A collection of cottagecore inspiration in the arts:
Films: Studio Ghibli’s Arietty, Pride & Prejudice, Tuck Everlasting.
Books: little women by Louis May Alcott, I Capture the Castle by Dodiw smith, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Artworks, “The Hay Wain” by John Constable (1817), Woman with a Parasol by Claude Monet (1875), On The Fence By Winslow Homer, (1878)
The Cottagecore Lifestyle
When we imagine the ultimate cottagecore living, we see people swimming in the stream, picking fresh fruits from the trees, dressed in flowing, linen garments that sway gently in the breeze. After a relaxing day reading by the river, they pack their pastel-colored picnic blanket and head home. There, they place the flowers they picked from the garden, and spend hours making fresh homemade baked bread.
Of course, this scene is highly romanticized, yet people skillfully take the most cherished elements of these traditions and incorporate them into modern life.
Gardening in the cottage style (and joining groups like the cottage garden society) is a popular and beloved type of practice, that includes wildlife garden, ecology system and seeds collection. Baking, similarly, serves as both a creative outlet and a means of slowing down, with the process of kneading dough and waiting for it to rise providing a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Picnics, featuring an inviting blanket and a vintage picnic basket filled with fresh juice and home-baked goods, accompanied by a good book, fulfill the cottagecore fantasy amidst good company and natural beauty.
Cottagecore fashion brings back old-fashioned clothing made from eco-friendly materials like cotton and hemp. These clothes often have pretty details like embroidery and lace. The style is all about keeping things simple and well-made, encouraging people to dress in a way that’s slower and more thoughtful, just like life in the countryside.
Cottagecore Interior Design Basics
Cottagecore home decor embodies a rustic and cozy aesthetic, deeply rooted in the charm of rural life and nature. Cottagecore emphasizes the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan, which bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to the space.
Vintage elements play a significant role, adding layers of nostalgia and character through antique furniture, retro kitchenware, and classic decorative pieces. The palette typically includes soft, earthy tones and delicate floral patterns that give the sense of simplicity and tranquility of the countryside.
By bringing in elements like fresh cut flowers, indoor plants, and handmade crafts, cottagecore creates a whimsical, serene environment that feels both timeless and inviting. What makes this style so appealing is how it transforms modern living spaces into charming, idyllic retreats, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the simple comforts of rural life.
The Importance of The Garden in Cottagecore
The garden plays an essential role in the cottagecore lifestyle and aesthetic. This kind of landscape has curving pathways with abundant flowerbeds, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere. A picket fence often borders the garden, with plants spilling over the edges, giving it a natural, slightly wild look.
In addition to plants, cottagecore gardens often include features like birdhouses, rustic benches, and small ponds or fountains, which add to the charm and tranquility. Herbs and vegetables are commonly grown alongside flowers, promoting a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle.
These elements together create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. This garden ambiance extends also into the home, with numerous houseplants and artworks or posters adorned with botanical motifs.
Color Palettes and Moodboards
In the world of cottagecore, color palettes play an important role in capturing the aesthetic’s nostalgic and pastoral essence. These palettes typically feature soft, muted tones that evoke the tranquility and simplicity of rural life.
For instance, the first palette showcases soothing pastels with shades like mint green (C4F0E8) and peach (FFC1B1), reminiscent of blooming gardens and vintage linens.
The second palette includes gentle, earthy hues such as muted sage (D1D4CD) and warm beige (F8D6AC), which echo the natural elements and cozy interiors of countryside cottages.
Both palettes perfectly capture the gentle and serene spirit of cottagecore, enhancing the overall ambiance with their harmonious and nature-inspired tones.
Cottagecore Starter Kit
To infuse this aesthetic into your own space and taking the first steps in the style, I’ve curated a collage of products that embody the cottagecore vibe. This “Cottagecore Starter Kit” includes:
Botanical Posters, Distressed Wood Shelf, Picnic Basket, Napkin Bird Print, Cotton Patchwork Quilt, Copper Watering Can, Organic Herb Seeds
For another boost of inspiration, check out my Pinterest Board “Cottagecore Insipiration”.
Introducing Cottagecore into Your Life
- Opt for Natural Colors and Pastels:
- Draw inspiration from nature’s palette, with hues reminiscent of forest scenes, butterflies, and flowers.
- Soft pastel tones add a touch of romance and serenity to your cottagecore aesthetic.
- Embrace Vintage Love:
- Incorporate distressed wood and worn items to infuse warmth and love into your decor.
- Embrace the charm of furniture and articles that have been used and loved over time.
- Emphasize Hobbies:
- Slow down and indulge in cozy hobbies that bring joy, such as baking, knitting, crochet, embroidery, crafting, and gardening.
- Let your hobbies influence your decor by showcasing gardening tools or hanging cooking articles as charming decorations.
- Embrace Plant Life:
- Bring nature indoors with fresh cut flowers, house plants, or a tiny herb garden.
- Integrate botanical elements into decorative items like posters, cushions, and wallpapers.
- Integrate Wallpaper:
- Enhance the cozy ambiance with wallpaper featuring botanical motifs, quaint patterns, or vintage-inspired designs.
- Use wallpaper to add depth and character to your space, creating a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
In a world that rushes forward, cottagecore offers a peaceful retreat into simplicity and nature. It’s not just a style; it’s a way of life—a reminder to slow down, savor moments, and find joy in the everyday. As you embrace cottagecore, discover the beauty of rustic and vintage beauty, enjoy nature more, and let it reflect in you home!
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