Cottagecore, a design movement inspired by idyllic rural life, has taken the design world by storm. A celebration of simplicity, comfort, and a connection to nature, the style is an appealing choice for designers seeking to create warm and inviting spaces for clients who crave a simpler slice of life.
Cottagecore blends traditional aesthetics with a modern sensibility, incorporating elements such as floral patterns, rustic materials, antiques, and homey textures. Let’s explore how you can embrace this trending style by selecting art, furniture, and styling that embodies its cozy essence.
The Foundations of Cottagecore
At its heart, cottagecore channels a sentimental vision of rural living grounded in nostalgia and domestic simplicity, an all-too-precious respite from today’s fast-paced chaos. A style known for avoiding overly sophisticated designs, cottagecore focuses instead on practical and decorative pieces that promote pause.
Furniture crafted from sturdy indigenous woods like walnut, oak, and pine that is, above all else, “comfy” is a hallmark of this style. Seek out functional yet decorative items, such as Windsor chairs, linen presses, and blanket chests, to evoke that cozy, lived-in feeling. The rich patina of these time-tested materials will bring a sense of history and intimacy to the space, key elements of cottagecore’s charm.
Art Inspired By Nature
Art plays a pivotal role in defining a cottagecore interior. The style favors pieces that reflect a connection to nature, rural life, and the simplicity of bygone eras. To truly evoke the cottagecore vibe, we recommend still life, botanical illustrations, and impressionist landscapes, particularly works that capture the realism of the 19th century or the En Plein Air painting movement.
Some specific ideas for integrating art into cottagecore interiors:
- Pastoral paintings of rolling hills, farm animals, or blooming gardens create a direct link to the rural life cottagecore romanticizes.
- Framed illustrations of plants or flowers can add a fresh, natural element to walls.
- Pairing vintage oil paintings with modern photography can introduce contrast while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
- Framing sentimental pieces, such as vintage wallpaper, pages from old books, or collected memorabilia, can personalize the space.
- Contemporary photography that captures rural themes with soft focuses and muted tones offer a modern twist on the trend, honoring the roots of cottagecore while refreshing its traditional leanings.
Timeless Style
Incorporating art and furniture into a cohesive cottagecore design requires thoughtful placement and layering to achieve a polished yet relaxed aesthetic. Let your design school principles guide the way here. Mixing and matching textures and styles, such as pairing antique oil paintings with sculptural modern pieces, creates eclectic visual layers that bridge traditional and contemporary elements. The contrast between the rough texture of a hand-woven rug and the smooth, polished surface of a modern coffee table, for example, adds tactile depth and visual interest. Explore materiality and use of color and pattern to create rich layers of sensory experience that call on classic principles of design.
Nonchalantly arranged gallery walls pack a curated but casual charm into spaces like narrow hallways, bathrooms, or areas above kitchen counters. Art itself can also serve functional purposes, displayed on bookshelves, leaned against a credenza, or integrated into tabletop vignettes to enhance versatility and breathe personality to the space. For wall art, neutral tones with occasional vibrant pops of color help maintain cottagecore’s calm aesthetic. And never forget to focus on the negative space to ensure each piece stands out and contributes to the room’s overall harmony.
Sourcing Cottagecore Gems
Finding the right pieces to achieve a cottagecore look can be an adventure. Online platforms such as 1stDibs, Chairish, and Artsy offer curated collections of vintage and contemporary art that align with the aesthetic. Local auction houses, estate sales, and smaller art fairs around major events are treasure troves for discovering unique items and art as well. The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville (January 31–February 2, 2025) is a Southern tradition that combines antiques with gardening inspiration, making it a prime destination for cottagecore enthusiasts in the south this winter. In-person sourcing at wholesale shows like Atlanta Market (January 14–20, 2025, and July 15–21, 2025), Las Vegas Market (January 26–30, 2025, and July 27–31, 2025) and even the international Maison&Objet (September 2025) allows designers to connect with artisans and suppliers directly, providing access to limited-edition or handcrafted items that bring an authentic touch to a space. For more events that offer possible sourcing or inspiration for your next big project, check out our top interior design events for 2025.
Cottagecore is more than a trend—it’s a celebration of a lifestyle rooted in warmth, beauty, and authenticity. By focusing on durable furniture pieces, evocative art, and thoughtful styling, you can bring this enchanting aesthetic to life in your next project no matter the design. Whether or not you take inspiration from the trend, cottagecore invites us all to slow down and savor the charm of simpler times… How will you incorporate this cottagecore charm into your next project?
