If you aren’t already hip to the cottagecore movement, then now’s the time to smarten up. With a mixture of nostalgia and the desire to create a more comforting home environment, the cottagecore aesthetic emphasizes a return to simpler times and celebrates traditional crafts and skills such as pottery, gardening, and baking.
Marked by romantic florals, vintage botanicals, and rustic hues, cottagecore decor supplies ample amounts of country cottage charm with a dash of boho and farmhouse chic. It’s no surprise then that the cottagecore trend is making major waves in the fashion and design world as we continue to hunker down at home.
And with the cold weather season quickly approaching, there’s no better time than now to integrate some cottagecore decor accents into your home. From plush, cozy bed coverings to sparkling string lights and more, here’s how to transition to cottagecore at home just in time for fall.
Employ lots of cozy bedding
Cottagecore is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and no place should feel cozier than your bedroom. To usher some fall-friendly cottagecore vibes into your bedroom, integrate a neutral chunky knit blanket, a plush down (or down alternative) comforter, and a few vintage floral print pillows into your bedding scheme to ensure you stay snug (and-on trend) while you sleep. If you prefer a more commanding bedding display, employ a colorful duvet cover with a dreamy botanical print that will keep you toasty while supplying a dash of cottagecore drama.
Carve out a reading nook (or two)
Nothing screams “cottagecore” like a cozy reading nook, and luckily, building one at home is a breeze. Whether in a bedroom corner or living room window seat, reading nooks are small designated spaces devoted solely to kicking back and relaxing.
Transform an underutilized living room corner into a bonafide reading nook by pairing a comfy chair, along with a petite side table to set a lamp (and a steaming hot mug of hot cocoa). Or, if you’re in a pinch, pile up a handful of comfy floor cushions (or oversized pillows) near a wall sconce or floor lamp, so you can curl up with a good book at any hour.
Start an indoor garden
Cottagecore is all about celebrating nature and the great outdoors, and fall is the perfect time to start a cold-weather-proof indoor garden. Grow herbs, edible plants and small vegetables indoors all season long with a goofproof smart LED grow light system. Or, for a tech-free indoor garden setup, consider starting an herb garden on a south-facing windowsill or with self-adhesive planters in a window.
Not much of a gardener? No worries. Houseplants are an equally gorgeous way to bring some greenery into your home and they provide plenty of benefits, too. Along with naturally purifying the air in your home, studies show that decorating with them can reduce anxiety and help boost your mood.
Lots of sparkling string lights
Ambient lighting is key to creating a warm and welcoming space any time of year, and there’s no lighting more cottagecore-friendly than glittery, glistening string lights. For a small-space savvy alternative to traditional bedside lighting, hang a few strands of sparkly fairy lights above your bed for a dreamy, boho-inspired display. Looking for a string light scheme with a little more pizzazz? Cover your bedroom or living room ceiling with a web of loose string lights to cast a warm, twinkling glow in your home.
Be prepared to bake
Make no mistake about it: The kitchen is the heart and hub of any home, but especially a cottagecore-style one. Bring a hint of cottagey flair into your kitchen with a vintage-inspired flour sack tea towel that features an earthy botanical print. Or, throw on a sprightly floral apron, for a stylish and cottagecore-friendly way to protect your clothing will you cook and/or bake.
Speaking of baking, if you’re a true fan of the cottagecore movement, then chances are you’ll be doing a lot of it this fall. Have some fun while you bake by using a whimsical loaf pan or pie mold, so you can serve and enjoy delicious, cottagecore-style bread, pastries, and desserts all season long.
Integrate earth-toned décor elements
Whether it’s sunbaked paint color, like burnt orange or deep brown, or sand-colored shaggy rug, layering your home with a mix of earth-toned décor elements is an easy way to infuse some comforting, cottagecore charm into your home. For an easy DIY project that won’t cost an arm and a leg, paint your kitchen cabinets, an outdated dresser, or the wall behind your bed, in a peppy yet earthy shade like rosy peach or sage green. For a more subdued earth-toned display, throw down a neutral faux fur rug or hang a pair of sheer linen curtains to mix and match different textures, hues, and fabrics in the same room without overwhelming the space.
Plan a few DIY home decor projects
You can always count on a decorative do-it-yourself project to evoke the sentiment of cottagecore (and keep you entertained) at home. For a good-looking craft idea that relies on cottagecore-savvy skills like gardening and foraging, DIY your very own pressed flower art using dried wildflowers and foliage you hand-pluck from your backyard. For a more functional DIY project, upgrade an outdated stool or side table by decoupaging the top with mod podge and images from an old plant or flower book. Or, if needlework is your thing, considering crocheting or embroidering a floral blanket or throw pillow that you can snuggle up when it gets cold outside.
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