Cottagecore: a new take on a classic aesthetic

Cottagecore keeps popping up in my Instagram and Pinterest feeds and all I can say is……..man, those algorithms are goooooood.

When I was a young girl, my mother introduced me to the Anne of Green Gables miniseries by Kevin Sullivan. I fell in love with the beauty of Prince Edward Island, the quaint one-room schoolhouse, the careful preparation for company, and of course, the red-headed Anne with an E who loved to read, just like me.

But even more than all of that, I fell in love with the feeling. Something in the cozy, simple living put an ache in my heart and a hunger for similar stories. As a mother and homemaker, that ache has translated into canning, fermenting, quilting, gardening, and homesteading. All of those practices are aspects of the world of “Cottagecore.”

So, how can you incorporate Cottagecore into your home? Cottagecore really is just as much a lifestyle as it is a decor style, and as you incorporate simple living into your daily rhythms, the lifestyle will naturally become part of your decor. All of those beautifully canned foods in their vintage mason jars have to go somewhere! As you gather eggs, you’ll need a wicker basket to store them in. You’ll discover that a linen apron and mucking boots are necessary aspects of your daily wardrobe. You’ll find that the mason jar collection is handy for holding flowers or even weeds picked by chubby little hands.

If you’re ready to go all in, here are some design elements that will bring Cottagecore to life in your home.

Art
No matter your home’s current style, a few beautiful, classic prints can lend an air of coziness. Did you know that there are thousands of classic pieces of art that are public domain, free for download? Head to https://www.nga.gov/open-access-images.html to find pieces that speak to you. My current favorite artist is Camille Pissarro.

Mismatched Everything
Chairs, china, fabric, pictures frames……… these mismatched pieces look as if they could tell a story, ending in a spontaneous thrift store purchase that brought them into your home. This look can seem messy, but for the Cottagecore home, it’s maximalism at its finest.

Bring the Outdoors In
Think houseplants, wildflower bouquets, pastoral art prints, floral wallpaper and textiles, soft hues of blue and green……….nature has a calming effect and bringing that vibe inside can be balm to the soul.

Truly, Cottagecore is nothing new. It’s slowing down, choosing to lean into daily rhythms instead of drowning in the monotony, and honoring your home for the safe, nurturing place that it is. Have fun implementing this “new” style into your space!