What Is Cottagecore?
A style of interior that has risen in popularity over the past few years, cottagecore is all about embracing rural lifestyle, getting in touch with nature, and taking a step back from technology. The prefix of cottage which describes a country house and the suffix of core which relates to the 80’s hardcore punk music scene combines to form a whole new style. Think floral dresses with ruffles, handmade crafts made from rustic, natural materials, and rural countryside scenery. Cottagecore epitomises the ideology of being at one with nature and living a sustainable lifestyle, with a love for the traditional, nostalgic English countryside. It also includes a wide range of activities such as baking, knitting, and gardening, but here we’re just focusing on the interior side of things.
How Did Cottagecore Come About?
Peering its splendid head back in 2017 and then fully rising to popularity two years later in 2019, cottagecore has really taken off since and gives no signs of slowing down. Social media played a big part in its rise to prevalence filling the feeds of TikTok, Tumblr, and Instagram. Taking off during a period where Greta Thunberg was becoming a popular figure all over the world, the extinction rebellion movement found global momentum, and there was a change in parliament whilst Brexit was in full swing. This drove many away from the city life and even a step back from technology, longing for a blissful, cosy aesthetic that is protective to the environment. In part, cottagecore is a fight against capitalism and the overwhelming pace of urban living, with the opportunity to step back and focus on your wellbeing to live a tranquil, meaningful life.
Cosy Colours
Before you start tearing your room apart and redecorating, it is important that you choose a colour palette for your room. Whilst it isn’t uncommon for the cottagecore aesthetic to use numerous coordinating colours, deciding on one to start with and set the foundation for the room is a wonderful idea. Throughout your room you should aim to include earthy, pale tones such as breezy blues, muted sage greens, and beige. You can even use a simplistic white base, with this acting as purely the starting point for your room. Ultimately it comes down to what appeals to you and helps you feel peaceful. Complimenting your main colour shouldn’t be difficult as it is likely to be neutral one, so have fun with it, include things you like, and don’t steer away from vibrantly coloured patterned items.
Toasty Textures
Cottagecore interiors encourage a cosy and inviting atmosphere and there’s nowhere where this is more relevant than your bedroom. Include neutral, earthy colours, a thick duvet, and plenty of layers on your bed, with floral prints and minimalistic patterns looking excellent. Getting beddingthat matches with the rest of the room is ideal, with extra pillows to go on your bed for when it’s made up, giving your space added beauty. Throws are a magnificent way of keeping snug during the evenings, helping you fall into a serene state quickly and peacefully. Another way you can provide texture to your room away from your bed is with a rug. Opting for a vintage design can really elevate the traditional aesthetic you’re aiming for whilst being a pleasant surface to walk or rest on.
Handmade Haven
Implementing handmade items into your space is quintessential when forming a cottagecore aesthetic. Using natural materials is crucial, with cotton, yarn, and rattan all working magnificently. You can make these yourself or pick them up for inexpensive prices, forming an elegant, desirable space that you’ll feel at home in. From ornaments and side tables to macramé’s and photo frames, there is a wide range of handmade options to fill your home with that will bring a traditional, cosy feel to your home.
Embrace Nature
It is important when fashioning a cottage core bedroom to include elements from the outdoors, creating a charming appearance that you and your partner are sure to love. Nature by itself is incredibly relaxing and good for your wellbeing, so adding it to your room is an excellent idea. How you incorporate this is up to you and what works best for your space, but with an abundance of options that all look magnificent, you can’t really go wrong. Spread a range of attractive potted plants throughout your room and you will have an interesting space that can improve your mood, putting you in a calm state of mind. Having your greenery inside a natural looking plant pot allows you to nail the cottagecore vibe. You can also add trailing vines to your bedroom, draping over your headboard or windowsill for a more romantic appearance. Plants are an excellent way of bringing life to your space and can positively contribute to your mood with both real and faux foliage being excellent additions to your bedroom.
Delightful Décor
Integrating flowers into your bedroom doesn’t have to just be purely through the physical form, but through patterns and prints. One of the most popular and striking ways of doing this is with the introduction of floral wallpaper. A magnificent way of bringing the cottage garden vibe into your bedroom, this catches the eye and brings a warming elegance. Waking up to a colourful, flower-filled wall is an excellent way of getting you in an alert, positive mindset. There are numerous other ways of including this style within your bedroom such as cushions and bedding, your lightingfixtures and with framed prints.
Nothing Quite Like a Nook
Many will argue that you can’t fully achieve a cottagecore interior without the inclusion of some reading nooks. Ideal for book lovers and those who like to get away from the busy everyday life, nooks are an excellent way of escaping in cosy comfort. A clever way of utilising an unused area in your bedroom, this space doesn’t have to be a big one, but it does need to be cosy. Fill it with seat pads, cushions, and throws to ensure you are comfortable and snug. You should also consider the lighting that your nook will have and pick up a desk lamp that emits a soft hue if it requires. String lights also work brilliantly, helping you see what you’re doing whilst adding a rural charm to your space. Grab yourself a hot drink, your favourite book and escape in your bedroom nook.
How To Achieve a Cottagecore Bedroom
If the aim for your bedroom is for it to be a cosy space that you love to spend time and relax in, then choosing to decorate it in a cottagecore style is ideal. With a keen focus on natural imperfections, tagging onto this trend isn’t something that will be a massively expensive but will improve your morale. It’s a style that’s risen in adoration over the past few years with no sign of going away and we can see why. It’s no surprise that this trend rose to prominence during a time where we were enclosed to the confines of our four walls, longing for the blissful outdoors, steering away from negative, hyperbolic media coverage. Choosing this design for your bedroom allows you to rest and recuperate in ultimate peace, comfortable in the knowledge that you’re surrounded by natural beauty. There are plenty of cottagecore bedroom ideas all over the internet, with Pinterest a wonderful way of getting visual ideas. Ensure that you feel calm and tranquil in your bedroom with a focus on traditional style, natural elements, and neutral colours being key.