In an increasingly fast-paced, digital world, more people are seeking calm, comfort, and a sense of connection to nature, both in their lifestyles and their living spaces. Enter Cottagecore, the interior design trend that romanticises rural life and celebrates all things homely, nostalgic, and handcrafted. This aesthetic isn’t just about style—it’s about creating a sanctuary that feels timeless, welcoming, and grounded in nature.

Whether you're living in a countryside cottage or a city flat, you can bring a touch of Cottagecore into your home with a few intentional choices. Here's a deep dive into the world of Cottagecore interiors and how to embrace this beautifully simple aesthetic.

What is Cottagecore?

Cottagecore is a lifestyle and design movement that celebrates the charm of rural living, traditional crafts, and a return to simpler times. It evokes images of wildflower meadows, home-baked bread, vintage teacups, and sun-dappled windowsills. As an interior style, it combines rustic elements, vintage finds, and natural textures to create cosy, character-filled spaces.

It gained popularity on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, but its roots are grounded in timeless ideas—comfort, nature, and the joys of a slower pace of life.

1. Embrace Natural Materials

At the heart of Cottagecore interiors is a love for natural, organic materials. Forget glossy finishes and synthetic fabrics—this aesthetic calls for wood, linen, cotton, stone, and ceramic. These textures add warmth and authenticity to a space, grounding your home in the natural world.

Think exposed wooden beams, distressed furniture, handmade pottery, and woven baskets. Even something as simple as a rough-hewn wooden stool or a rattan chair can help bring that rustic charm into your home.

2. Vintage and Upcycled Finds

Cottagecore thrives on nostalgia, so vintage and antique items play a key role. Scour charity shops, flea markets, and car boot sales for old books, china tea sets, embroidered tablecloths, and classic furniture pieces. The more character, the better.

One of the great things about this style is that nothing needs to match perfectly. The slightly mismatched, lovingly worn look is exactly what gives Cottagecore its heart-warming appeal.

Upcycling is also a central theme. Giving new life to an old chest of drawers with some paint or re-covering an armchair with floral fabric adds personal history and sustainability to your space.

3. A Soft and Earthy Colour Palette

Cottagecore interiors are defined by a soft, natural colour scheme that reflects the countryside. Warm whites, sage greens, dusty pinks, buttery yellows, and muted blues dominate this palette. These hues are calming and create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding at home.

Walls can be painted in matte, chalky finishes to give that aged, rustic feel. If you’re feeling bold, floral or botanical wallpapers can add depth and romance, especially in bedrooms or hallways.

4. Floral and Botanical Prints

Flowers and foliage are a staple of the Cottagecore aesthetic. Floral prints, botanical sketches, and vintage-inspired patterns bring nature indoors and add to the romantic, storybook-like charm.

Choose fabrics featuring wildflowers, trailing vines, or delicate roses. These can be used on curtains, cushions, bedspreads, or table linens. A mix of old and new florals in complementary tones adds layers and texture to the space.

For wall décor, framed botanical prints, old nature encyclopaedias, or pressed flowers in glass frames make beautiful, inexpensive additions.

5. Cosy, Lived-In Comfort

Cottagecore is all about feeling at home—cosy, relaxed, and unpretentious. To achieve this, lean into soft textiles, layered textures, and inviting corners. Think of armchairs draped with knitted throws, window seats with plump cushions, and beds layered with quilts and linen sheets.

The goal is to create a space that feels warm and lived-in, not polished or perfect. Slightly worn wooden floors, creaky doors, and handmade imperfections only enhance the aesthetic.

6. Bring Nature Indoors

One of the simplest and most effective ways to channel Cottagecore is to fill your space with plants, flowers, and natural objects. A vase of freshly picked wildflowers, dried lavender bundles, or even twigs and pinecones can add beauty and texture.

Houseplants like ferns, ivy, and trailing pothos add greenery and soften any space. You could also start a kitchen herb garden on your windowsill—practical and pretty!

Open shelves in kitchens and living rooms offer the perfect place to display found objects from nature, like seashells, feathers, stones, or even homemade preserves in jars.

7. Focus on Slow Living and Handmade Details

At its core, Cottagecore is a celebration of slower, more mindful living. This translates into décor through handcrafted items, artisan wares, and homemade touches.

Display your hobbies proudly—whether that’s knitting, embroidery, baking, or painting. Hang your aprons, display your rolling pins, and let your books and journals be part of your home’s story.

Handmade candles, locally made ceramics, or even your DIY projects lend personal warmth and authenticity. In a world full of mass production, these touches stand out.

8. Create Purposeful, Peaceful Spaces

Cottagecore isn’t just about how a home looks—it’s also about how it feels. Create quiet spaces for reflection, reading, or simple pleasures like writing letters or listening to records. A reading nook by a window, a desk adorned with candles and dried flowers, or a dining table dressed for tea can become meaningful focal points.

Even in small homes or urban flats, these little pockets of peace make a big difference to your wellbeing and mindset.

9. Light, Air, and Simplicity

Cottagecore interiors often feel light and airy, with a strong connection to the outdoors. Make the most of natural light by using sheer curtains, keeping windowsills uncluttered, and using mirrors to reflect light.

Avoid anything too dark or heavy—opt instead for simple, functional furniture that tells a story and serves a purpose. Let the natural character of the room come through rather than covering it up.

Cottagecore is less about rules and more about feelings like comfort, nostalgia, tranquillity, and a connection to the natural world. You don’t need to live in a countryside cottage to embrace it. A few thoughtful changes, like a floral bedspread, a sprig of rosemary in a jar, or an upcycled wooden chai,r can make a city flat feel like a country retreat.

Whether you're going all in or just incorporating a few elements, Cottagecore interiors offer a beautiful reminder that home should be a place of comfort, creativity, and calm. In a world that's constantly moving, Cottagecore invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and create a space that truly nourishes you.