A light breeze through an open window next to a cooling pie. A warm cup of tea in a delicate china cup. Dried herbs and crochet decorating the walls. These images evoke a peaceful comfort, and evoke one of the most quickly rising styles: Cottagecore. This back-to-basics aesthetic is capturing the hearts of young people everywhere, drawing a connection back to simple pleasures and the nostalgia of the rural country.

For many, this style comes as no surprise. Often during tumultuous times, there is a return to the idyllic, to comfortable aesthetics that provide relaxation and security. Cottagecore idealizes a simple and self-sufficient life, one brimming with beautiful things and the smell of freshly baked bread. It helps those seeking joy in the day-to-day add a little bit more whimsy to their process.

What is the cottagecore aesthetic?

Delicate yet hardy, just like the dried flowers cottagecore lovers place lovingly around their home, the style relies on muted (but not neutral) color palettes. You won’t find bold or neon colors gracing a cottagecore Instagram. Instead, pastels and soft earth tones are often used. Small florals, especially in linens and curtains, adorn these wistful designs, and work well when paired with other patterns like checks and stripes. These two patterns allow for a detailed design that catches the eye without making a big and bold statement.

Since cottagecore is a return to the simple, and the eco-friendly, natural options are a great bet when considering how to adopt the style. Fill your home with plants and flowers, whether alive, dried or faux stems. Show off your handmade or artisanal goods, put a cookie dish out for your Grandma’s famous cookie recipe, and bask in the comforts of home. The style is a fight against the hyperconsumption that many of the younger generations felt bombarded with growing up; it also encourages adopting the aesthetic into your lifestyle by bringing you back to the smaller things that bring you joy.

What furniture goes with cottagecore design?

Reclaimed wood and other vintage pieces do well in the cottagecore style. Many of the furniture pieces share a lot in common with the farmhouse trends of recent years, with a love of reusing and refurbishing classics. However, unlike the all-white armoires and shiplap of the farmhouse, cottagecore fans have a love of natural woods. Pull in pieces of dark hardwood with intricate carvings, or one-of-a-kind end tables with beautiful lines.

What motifs are found in cottagecore design?

Common motifs of cottagecore include mushrooms, plants and herbs, and tend to utilize really quirky design. Cottagecore aesthetic is about reveling in the beauty of the simple things, so if you’re interested in adopting it to your own home, find basic pieces that you love. Display your collection of antique spoons or mugs or postcards. Find a way to integrate your favorite crafts, your knitting, that painting you made that you were too nervous to show anyone. Balance your passions with a delicate and natural sensibility, and you’ve found your way into the perfect cottagecore home.

Whether you live in a rural countryside or an urban apartment building, cottagecore aesthetic is within your grasp. Fall in love with your home by creating an oasis that’s calming, delicate and smells just a little bit like fresh baked bread.