What is Cottagecore?

By Ashley Zimmermann, Creative Content Director for @designREMODEL

Whimsical and nostalgic are the perfect adjectives to describe the new interior design, fashion, and lifestyle trend known as ‘cottagecore.’ I first discovered the existence of this trend on TikTok sometime in 2021, showcased in short videos painting a dreamy, semi-medieval experience with women wearing gowns that could be straight out of a historical fiction film or series reminiscent of Bridgerton or even farther back in time. InStyle describes the trend as follows:

“Cottagecore … isn't exclusive to 2021. The soft, ethereal aesthetic saw a resurgence back in 2020 when the world was in the thick of the coronavirus pandemic. As society searched for different outlets of escapism, this whimsical, period-inspired way of dressing rose in popularity, offering up a slice of simplicity we'd been too busy to realize we needed pre-Covid.”

Cottagecore emerged as a fashion trend but has since translated into an entire interior design trend akin to modern farmhouse or Scandinavian. Merriam-Webster defines ‘cottage’ as:

1. the dwelling of a farm laborer or small farmer

2. a usually small frame one-family house

3. a small detached dwelling unit at an institution

4. a usually small house for vacation use

When I hear ‘cottage’ and ‘cottagecore,’ I think of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty living out her youth with her fairy godmothers, baking cakes and singing to the forest creatures, barefooted and gathering berries. The term inspires fantasy, comfort, whimsy, and simple country living.

It is easy to see how this aesthetic translates to interior design. Country-inspired living has been popular for a few decades now. Its popularity boomed circa 2013 when Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper emerged onto the HGTV scene and introduced us to their modern farmhouse interpretation. However, Hunker tells us the farmhouse style has been around for centuries, hailing back to the real thing. Hunker says, “Farmhouse style wasn't originally a conscious design choice by decorators; rather it was invented out of practicality,” with farmers and their families using the materials they had available.

This simplicity and focus on hearth and family define today's farmhouse and modern farmhouse styles. I think cottagecore is an extension and evolution of farmhouse styles, winding farther back in time and incorporating subtle fantasy elements. Molly Hatch says to Architectural Digest, “For me, cottagecore is about coziness at home … Key aesthetic components are bringing natural elements indoors as decorative elements—dried flowers, fresh flowers, houseplants—along with a natural color palette with neutrals and warm tones.”

There are many easy and affordable ways to incorporate the cottagecore aesthetic into your home. Consider giving your living room or dining room a facelift with a coat of paint. AD tells us that Sherwin- Williams 2022 Color of the Year Evergreen Fog is a perfect paint shade to incorporate into modern trends like cottagecore and farmhouse style. Sarah of She Holds Dearly suggests “romantic, muted colors” like “watery blues and butter yellows.” She also proposes becoming acquainted (or reacquainted) with wallpaper, as this vintage trend is coming back into style. Other suggestions include floor-to-ceiling plants, rustic wooden furniture, vintage or antique books, and experimenting with textiles and layers. Sarah approvingly notes that the cottagecore design aesthetic is “nothing too fussy,” and many design items could reasonably be thrifted. Jacqueline of Dantier and Balogh Design Studio recommends leaning into the English countryside theme and reiterates the reclaimed wood and secondhand furniture idea. She also suggests using hanging copper pots, blue china plates, spices in apothecary jars, nature-themed designs and patterns, Tiffany lamps, and antique metal candleholders as simple design ideas.

To wrap things up, perhaps you are wondering where the ‘core’ term comes from? In this context, ‘core’ functions as a suffix to explain the genre of something, i.e., a genre of music or an aesthetic. Think hardcore music, for example. ‘Core'-based aesthetics were huge during the era of Tumblr (circa 2014) and are currently experiencing a huge resurgence in fashion. Take my word for it, or review Refinery29’s article to learn more about “Cottagecore to Goblincore.” (It is a rabbit hole. Just take my word for it.) TikTok is largely responsible for picking up where Tumblr left off, creating avenues for sharing hobbies, design ideas, lifestyle vlogs, etc., both cottagecore-themed and otherwise.

Have you incorporated any of these design elements into your home decor or remodel project? Leave a comment below! 

References: 

https://atdesignremodel.com/blog/more-2022-colors-sherwin-dwilliams-evergreen-fog - More 2022 Colors: Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cottagecore-trend-quarantine-diy_l_5ecd875ec5b6e3f6739dbdfc - What Is Cottagecore? Meet The Biggest Trend During Quarantine.

https://www.instyle.com/fashion/clothing/how-to-wear-cottagecore-trend - How to Wear Cottagecore In 2021, Because the Whimsical Aesthetic Isn't Going Anywhere

https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/a33575557/cottagecore/ - Cottagecore: understanding the cottagecore aesthetic and 2020's biggest trend

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cottage - Definition of cottage

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/sherwin-williams-names-evergreen-fog-its-2022-color-of-the-year - Sherwin-Williams Names Evergreen Fog Its 2022 Color of the Year

https://www.thespruce.com/classic-farmhouse-style-2213409 - What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?

https://www.hgtv.com/shows/fixer-upper - Fixer Upper

https://www.hunker.com/13720841/farmhouse-style-origins - Wondering How Farmhouse Style Came to Be? Here's a Quick Overview

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/03/10353481/core-aesthetic-fashion-trends-tiktok - From Cottagecore To Goblincore — What’s Your TikTok Fashion Aesthetic?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0d714XfnhA - All About the NEW Cottagecore Design Style

https://sheholdsdearly.com/ 

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/5/7/21247938/tumblr-aesthetic-2014-nostalgia-tiktok-indie-pop - Stuck in 2020, pretending it’s 2014

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/what-exactly-is-cottagecore - What Exactly Is Cottagecore and How Did It Get So Popular?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ItiOFfnzWI - How to give your home cottagecore vibes