If you wish to step into a romantic, whimsical, and simple world, surround yourself with the cottage core aesthetic.
You will find yourself immersed in the enchanting world that captures the hearts of many, offers an escape from the fast-paced modern world, and invites us to embrace a slower, more serene lifestyle.
Rooted in the imagery of idyllic cottages, blooming gardens, and charming rural life, cottage-core aesthetics celebrate the beauty of the natural world, handmade crafts, and simpler times.
Let us explore 10 easy ways to embrace the cottage core aesthetic, accompanied by pro tips to help you infuse this delightful style into your everyday life.
History of Cottage Core Aesthetic
The cottage core aesthetic has gained popularity in recent years, becoming a lifestyle movement. As people sought solace in their homes, the desire to create cozy and inviting spaces grew stronger. This led to the emergence of cottage core to transform homes into idyllic havens.
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest played a significant role in spreading the appeal of cottage core. They showcased romantic vintage clothing, picturesque gardens, and a simplified lifestyle reminiscent of the French and English countryside.
The cottage core community gained significant traction, even among celebrities like Taylor Swift, during the release of her album Folklore. This popularity gave rise to subcultures and styles, such as farm core, which focuses on rustic farm life.
Another substyle called grandma core blends the influences of cottage core with reflective elements associated with grandmothers, such as crocheted blankets and garden motifs. While the cottage core interpretation may romanticize rural living, it also promotes sustainable principles in today’s interconnected world. This aesthetic movement encourages individuals to adopt a more mindful and eco-friendly lifestyle.
What is The Cottage Core Colour Palette?
The cottage core color palette is a serene and enchanting blend of soft, earthy tones inspired by the beauty of nature. Muted shades of dusty rose, sage green, and lavender infuse spaces with a sense of tranquillity and nostalgia. Creamy whites and warm beige evoke the simplicity of rustic interiors, while touches of buttery yellow and sky blue add a whimsical touch.
These delicate and harmonious colors create a serene backdrop for the cottage core aesthetic, allowing the beauty of vintage-inspired decor, floral patterns, and natural materials to shine. Whether in a cozy reading nook or a sunlit garden, the cottage core color palette transports us to a dreamy world where time slows down, and the wonders of nature surround us.
10 Easy Ways to Create the Cottage Core Aesthetic Design Around You
You don’t need to redesign your space to embrace the apothecary aesthetic completely. Whether you are just starting or you are confident in your DIY skills, a few additions can ramp up your decor. After all, there is nothing like the joy of creating something with your own hands that adds an authentic and soulful touch to your cottage core-inspired space.
Here are 10 ways to incorporate this aesthetic into your home and life without a total design overhaul.
1. Connect with Nature: Create an Enchanting Garden Haven
Experience the charm of cottage core aesthetics by connecting with nature through a beautiful cottage garden. Designate a portion of your outdoor space or create a cozy indoor garden using potted plants, herbs, and flowers. Choose a variety of blooms in soft pastel shades, such as roses, lavender, and daisies, to capture the essence of the cottage core. These delicate blossoms will add charm and a touch of nostalgia to your surroundings. Incorporate whimsical elements like a rustic wooden bench, bird feeders, and fairy lights to create a magical ambiance where you can just relax and daydream.
Pro Tip: Research the specific plant varieties that thrive in your climate and soil conditions to ensure a flourishing garden.
2. Outdoorsy Feels: Bring in Botanical Prints and Natural Decor
Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with botanical prints and natural decor.Decorate your walls with vintage-inspired floral wallpapers or hanging framed botanical prints that showcase the delicate details of flowers and plants. Embrace the rustic charm by adding natural elements throughout your space. Opt for wicker baskets for storage, wooden furniture with a distressed finish, and woven rugs that add warmth and texture. To add to the cottage core aesthetic, display dried flowers, branches, and seashells as decorative elements, bringing a touch of whimsy and organic beauty to your surroundings. Explore flea markets or thrift stores for unique and nostalgic pieces.
Pro Tip: Remember to select items that resonate with your personal aesthetic and bring you joy. The true essence of cottage core lies in creating a space that reflects your unique interpretation of this delightful aesthetic.
3. Embrace Handmade Crafts: Knitting, Embroidery, and More
Embracing the cottage core aesthetic is incomplete without incorporating the art of handmade crafts into your everyday life. Engage in knitting, embroidery, and other craft projects that celebrate the beauty of traditional skills and add a personal touch to your surroundings. Spend cozy evenings by the fireplace, working on a soft, warm knitted blanket or creating delicate embroidered motifs on pillows or tea towels. These handmade creations infuse your space with charm and individuality and offer a sense of accomplishment and a mindful escape from the busy days of modern life. You can explore online tutorials and join craft communities to learn new techniques and exchange ideas with fellow cottage core enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Incorporate natural fibers and earthy color palettes into your craft projects to align them seamlessly with the overall cottage core aesthetic.
4. Dress the Part: Flowing Dresses and Vintage-Inspired Attire
Elevate your personal style by adding cottage core elements to your wardrobe. Embrace the romance and femininity of cottage core by opting for flowing dresses in floral prints, soft pastel shades, or delicate lace. Choose lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen to evoke a sense of breezy elegance. Complement your outfits with vintage-inspired accessories such as wide-brimmed straw hats, lace-up boots, and dainty jewelry adorned with nature-inspired motifs. Layering is important if you want to create a warm and cozy look associated with the cottage core. Don’t hesitate to add a chunky knit cardigan or an oversized sweater for added warmth and comfort during cooler months. When seeking the perfect pieces for your cottage core wardrobe, explore local thrift stores, vintage boutiques, or online shops specializing in curated vintage finds. These treasure troves often hold unique and one-of-a-kind items that capture the nostalgia and charm of cottage core.
Pro Tip: Have fun experimenting with different combinations and styles. Let your flair shine through as you curate a wardrobe that reflects your interpretation of the whimsical and nostalgic cottage core aesthetic.
5. Rustic Tablescapes: Farmhouse-Inspired Dining
Take your dining experience to a whole new level of charm and nostalgia by curating rustic tablescapes that capture the essence of cottage core. Embrace the farmhouse aesthetic by incorporating vintage china, mismatched teacups, and heirloom silverware, creating an eclectic and whimsical atmosphere. Lay a floral-patterned tablecloth, or use a lace runner as a backdrop for your charming table setting. To add a homemade touch, arrange freshly picked flowers in vintage vases or repurpose glass jars as rustic centerpieces. The combination of delicate blooms and vintage vessels will infuse your dining space with natural beauty and a sense of handmade elegance.
Pro TipTake your cottage core dining experience outdoors by hosting a delightful picnic or a sophisticated tea party. Add the natural beauty of al fresco dining by spreading a chequered blanket on the grass or setting up a vintage-inspired tea set under the shade of a tree.
6. Delightful Tea Rituals: Savour the Serenity
Embrace the art of slowing down and savoring the moment by incorporating delightful tea rituals into your daily routine. Set up a small table or tray with a lace tablecloth and decorate it with fresh flowers or a vintage teapot. Dim the lights or light some scented candles to create a soothing atmosphere. Brew a pot of herbal tea using loose-leaf blends of chamomile, lavender, or rose petals. Serve it in dainty teacups, along with some freshly baked scones or delicate finger sandwiches. As you enjoy your hot cup of tea, you can turn any day into one full of peace and calm vibes. Aren’t these the little pleasures in life?
Pro Tip: Take the time to unplug and fully immerse yourself at that moment, appreciating the serene experience of enjoying a cup of tea.
7. Cozy Reading Nooks: Unwind with Classic Literature
Create a cozy reading nook to escape into the pages of timeless literature. Select a comfortable armchair or daybed layered with soft cushions and a chunky knit blanket. Surround yourself with shelves filled with vintage books showcasing classic literature, poetry, and fairy tales. Place a small side table within reach to hold your favorite mug of tea or a hot cup of cocoa. Lose yourself in the words and stories of your favorite authors and feel the time slowing down!
Pro Tip: Embrace the gentle crackle of a wood-burning fireplace or add soft, ambient lighting to enhance the cozy and inviting atmosphere.
8. Preserving Memories: Vintage Scrapbooking
Preserve your cherished memories in a whimsical and nostalgic way through vintage scrapbooking. Collect photographs, handwritten notes, and small mementos that hold sentimental value. Use decorative papers, floral embellishments, and calligraphy to create beautiful, handcrafted pages that capture the essence of the cottage core aesthetic. As you flip through your scrapbook, let those heartfelt treasures you collected take you back to those special moments in time.
Pro Tip: Incorporate pressed flowers, lace trims, or snippets of vintage fabric to add texture and visual interest to your scrapbook pages.
9. Foraging Adventures: Discover Nature’s Treasures
Embark on foraging adventures to discover the hidden treasures of the natural world. Explore nearby forests, meadows, or even your backyard to find wildflowers, pinecones, feathers, and other natural elements. Use these finds to create charming displays, decorate your living space, or incorporate them into your crafts.
Pro Tip: Educate yourself about local flora and fauna to ensure you travel responsibly and sustainably, respecting your environment.
10. Slow Living: Cultivate Mindfulness and Gratitude
The essence of cottage core lies in embracing a slower, more mindful way of life. Take time to disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of nature, crafting, and quiet reflection. Grab a journal, and make it a habit to express gratitude by writing down the things that bring you joy every day. It could be something as simple as appreciating the beauty of a flower or feeling the warmth of a homemade meal. Embrace the present moment and allow yourself to appreciate the small, often overlooked wonders surrounding you.
Pro Tip: Create a routine that includes moments of stillness, such as meditation, nature walks, or writing in a gratitude journal.
Conclusion
Embracing the cottage core aesthetic offers us a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
By including elements of nature, nostalgia, and handmade crafts into our daily routines, we can create a peaceful and happy life, reminding us of simpler times.
Whether tending to a vibrant cottage garden, crafting beautiful handmade pieces, or enjoying a cozy reading nook, cottage core invites us to slow down and celebrate the joy found in life’s simplest pleasures.
So, are you ready to explore this charming world of cottage core style? Experience the magic and let it open your eyes to the beauty around you every day.Do tell us which of these cottage core aesthetic ideas inspired you the most.
