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Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Cottagecore

Cottagecore, a decorating aesthetic that gained widespread popularity around summer 2020, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, embodies a pastoral, relaxed, and charming lifestyle. This style, deeply rooted in the appreciation of British countryside interiors, draws inspiration from whimsical and collected spaces reminiscent of Beatrix Potter stories or Nantucket cottages. It emphasizes slow living, repurposing items, and engaging in traditional country pursuits such as gardening. Unlike the sleekness of modern farmhouse, cottagecore is characterized by a cozier, more collected feel, often compared to an afternoon mug of tea served from a vintage teapot. The core of the cottagecore aesthetic is a blend of classic country utilitarianism with a touch of whimsy. Key elements include patchwork quilts, primitive wooden furniture with delightful patinas, and handwoven baskets, all of which reflect a resourceful country life. The article outlines six tenets to integrate this style into a home, starting with storybook exteriors. Architectural designer Heather French suggests that cottage exteriors should exude a cozy, rustic, whimsical, and worn-in feel, influenced by classic British cottage architecture. This involves using weathered woods, limestone washes, and local masonry, along with steep rooflines and ornate-yet-folksy trim like gingerbread detailing. Cedar shake or similar wood shingles are recommended for roofs in America, and landscaping is crucial, aiming for a look where the house appears nestled within a thriving garden, complete with climbing flowers. Inside, cottagecore celebrates timeworn architectural quirks rather than hiding them. Low or sloped ceilings, warmly worn floors, and exposed wood beams add character. While these features are often present in older homes, they can be introduced into new builds through elements like wood beams for instant patina, beadboard for historic texture, or painted wood floors with a classic checkerboard pattern, intentionally sanded for a pre-worn look. Layered interiors are also a hallmark, featuring happy patterns, frilly edges, and a mix of colors. Interior designer Marynn Udvarhelyi describes this as evoking the comforting feeling of a grandparent's home, but with a modern twist. Textiles such as ditsy florals paired with gingham or ticking stripes, along with heirloom quilts, are essential. Paint choices often include warm white tones, soft earthy pinks, or terracottas, balanced with patinated furniture and faded oil paintings. The aesthetic values patina over perfection. Audrey Gelman, founder of The Six Bells, highlights the importance of antiques like spongeware ceramics, Shaker baskets, and primitive decor to give interiors soul and an acquired-over-time appearance. Embracing a mix of eras and styles creates this curated look. Gardens in the cottagecore style are wild and whimsical, inspired by traditional British gardens. Senior Food & Garden Editor Chris Michel advises using old-fashioned, nostalgic plants such as tea or climbing roses, foxgloves, hollyhocks, lavender bushes, and sweet peas on trellises. These are often combined with subsistence plantings like vegetables or small fruit trees, with space for a cafe table to enjoy the garden. Invasive plants like English ivy and wisteria should generally be avoided, though American wisteria is a native, less aggressive alternative. Ultimately, cottagecore decorating is about personal comfort and filling a space with cherished items, without rigid adherence to perfect cohesion. It's an invitation to create a home that feels happy and cozy, reflecting individual style and a connection to nature. #Cottagecore #HomeDesign #DecoratingIdeas #InteriorDesign #CountryLiving #VintageDecor #Gardening #ArchitecturalStyle #SustainableLiving #Cottagecore #HomeDesign #DecoratingIdeas #InteriorDesign #CountryLiving #VintageDecor #Gardening #ArchitecturalStyle #SustainableLiving
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24 cottagecore décor ideas for a modern take on country style | loveproperty.com
24 cottagecore décor ideas for a modern take on country style | loveproperty.com
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