What Is Cottagecore Style?

by Ann Hayward 06/26/2023

Cottagecore style has grown in popularity recently and is all over social media. The design style includes everything from home decor to fashion. Similar to shabby chic and farmhouse styles, cottagecore celebrates the comfort and charm of country life no matter where you live. If you’re interested in learning more about this fun and popular trend, here are the basic elements of cottagecore.

Comfy & Lived-In

For furniture, cottagecore is all about comfort mixed with a lived-in feel. Vintage or second-hand furniture is a popular choice, but only if it’s as comfy as it is attractive in the space. Elements you’ll find in cottagecore furniture include curved lines, soft upholstery and rich wood stains. Wood and metal surfaces that show their age with patina or imperfections from normal wear-and-tear are perfect for a cottagecore room.

Florals

In keeping with the theme of celebrating country life, floral patterns are key to the cottagecore aesthetic. This also includes using fresh or dried flowers as decor. Artwork depicting flowers, needlepoint throw pillows and delicate floral prints are essential. Mixing florals with the simple and comfortable furniture gives a cottagecore room a relaxed and natural vibe even with a mixture of colors and patterns.

Neutrals & Pastels

A key to creating the cottagecore aesthetic is the color palette. Mismatched furniture, prints and an emphasis on florals can combine to create chaos easily. However, the cottagecore style keeps neutral color palettes at the forefront to create a sense of harmony among the eclectic mixture. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, brown and woodsy green. Adding in pops of color, especially in pastels, will add vibrance and depth while keeping the foundation laid-back.

Vintage Decor

One of the basic philosophies behind the cottagecore style is the idea of collecting furnishings. This means that the more vintage decor, the better. Some of the best ways to add some vintage flair to a cottagecore room include chandeliers, fine china and decorative vases. Try hanging your favorite artwork in vintage frames with some patina to show off well-worn charm.

Is cottagecore style right for you? If you love the simplicity of the farmhouse style but want a little more detail and vintage flair, consider trying it in your space. Keep these major elements in mind and you’ll be able to make your very own version of cottagecore that works for you.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]