Did you know the hashtag #cottagecore has billions of views on Tiktok since 2020?
Cottagecore is an aesthetic and lifestyle centered around nature, simplicity, and coziness. At its heart, cottagecore is about slowing down and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. And it’s about creating a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels like they belong.
It’s no wonder this aesthetic has taken off in recent years, as more and more people are looking to disconnect from the fast-paced world and connect with Mother Earth.
While it might seem like something only Instagram influencers can achieve, cottagecore living is actually within reach for all of us. If you’re drawn to cottage home design and want some fairytale magic in your life, read on to learn more about designing the perfect cottage home.
What does a Cottagecore home look like?
Whether building a luxury cottage or scaling down to a simple country home, cottagecore design is about creating a warm and inviting space. Here are some cottagecore design elements to consider:
- Exposed beams and stone walls
- Stone or brick fireplaces
- Lots of windows to let in natural light
- Cozy nooks and reading spots
- Rustic wood furniture
- Simple, cottage-style decor
- A focus on nature and the outdoors
Building a Cottagecore Home
Here are some excellent cottage-style home ideas to ensure your cottage plans are everything you’ve ever wanted.
The classic cottage homes have light or pastel-colored vinyl siding. It gives them a light, airy feel. The exterior often has a shingled roofline that slopes down at the sides, giving it a charming, fairytale look.
When it comes to cottagecore home plans, think simple and cozy. Avoid anything too fussy or formal. Cottages are all about comfort, so plan your space accordingly.
Consider building an open floor plan to maximize your cottage’s small footprint. An open-concept living room and kitchen are perfect for cottage living. It allows you to entertain and socialize while enjoying a cottage’s cozy feel.
Cottage-style homes often have hardwood floors. But if you don’t have hardwood floors, you can achieve the same look with wood-look laminate flooring.
Be sure to include plenty of windows and French doors to let in natural light and fresh air. Cottagecore living is about reconnecting with nature, so make the most of your cottage’s location.
If you’re lucky enough to have a water view, take advantage of it with large windows or a porch or deck overlooking the water.
A Fence With a Gate
Who doesn’t love a charming picket fence with a gate? Paint your fence a light color that goes well with your house’s exterior. Plant climbing roses or ivy to make it even more special.
Nature-Inspired Paths and Patios
Create a patio or path with natural materials like stone or brick. A moss-covered stone path to your cottage door will give your guests a fairytale feeling.
The stone pathway can lead guests to an outdoor seating area with a comfortable sofa or bench. You might even consider setting up a simple swing if you have a suitable tree nearby.
Grow a Garden
One of the best things about cottage life is that it encourages you to slow down and appreciate simple things. And what could be simpler than a beautiful garden?
You don’t have to have a perfectly manicured lawn. Plant flowers that look nice if you let them grow a little wild. If you don’t have space for a garden, you can always add some potted plants to your porch or patio.
Windows
Large, multi-paned windows let in natural light and connect you to the outdoors. So fill your living room with lots of windows! If you don’t have enough windows, you can add some skylights to let in even more light.
Add window boxes, gingerbread trim, and shutters to your cottage windows for an extra layer of charm.
Emphasize the Entryway
Cottage homes are warm and welcoming, so give your entryway special attention. Consider adding a trellis, lattice pan, or arbor to your entrance to create the storybook setting.
Your front door should be welcoming and inviting. Paint it an accent color that complements your siding. A brass knocker or wrought iron door handle will make it extra special.
You can make your porch warm and inviting with potted plants, rocking chairs, and an outdoor rug. Add a few pillows for extra comfort.
A Warm and Welcoming Kitchen
The kitchen is usually the heart of the cottage. So make it a cozy, inviting space with lots of cabinets and counter space.
Cottage-style kitchens often have a country feel. So choose cabinets in a light wood finish, like pine or maple. And add some simple hardware, like knobs and pulls made of wrought iron or brass.
Rough-hewed wood cabinets and open shelving give the space a rustic feel. Look for appliances and hardware that complement the cottage’s existing design.
A cottage kitchen wouldn’t be complete without a farmhouse sink. This large, deep sink is perfect for washing big pots and pans.
Cottagecore kitchens are usually small, so make the most of your space with open shelving and a kitchen island. Look for antique plates and mugs to fill your shelves. Add a few cottagecore-approved appliances, like a cast-iron skillet and a retro fridge.
Stone or Wood Fireplaces
No cottage home is complete without a fireplace. If you’re lucky enough to have one in your cottage, make it the focal point of the room with a stone or wood surround. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can still create a cottagecore-approved space with a few simple design elements.
Add Some Texture
One of the most critical elements of cottagecore design is texture. Exposed brick, wood beams, and stone fireplaces are all perfect examples.
Shiplap walls are an excellent way to add texture to any room. Paint the shiplap in neutral colors, like white or cream, or go for a more rustic look with a weathered wood finish.
Decorating Your Cottage Home
Now that you’ve designed and built your cottage-style home, it’s time to start decorating.
Fill your cottage with an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories. It should feel like a well-loved home, not a showroom.
When it comes to cottage style, less is more. Avoid clutter and choose only the things you love. A cottage home should reflect your style. So have fun with it and make it your own!
There are a few key elements that cottagecore homes typically have. If you’re planning on designing your cottagecore abode, be sure to include these essential ingredients:
Nature-Inspired Decor
To capture the cottagecore aesthetic, incorporate nature into your design. Add floral fabrics, potted plants, and plenty of natural light.
Plenty of Plants
Potted plants are essential! They add a touch of greenery to any space and can help purify the air in your home.
Natural Light
Let in as much natural light as possible. Cottage homes are often tiny, so make the most of your space by letting in as much light as possible.
Neutral Colors
Cottagecore homeowners usually decorate with neutral colors like white, cream, and beige. Neutral colors create a calm atmosphere, perfect for relaxing.
Simple, Comfortable Furniture
Comfortable seating is the most important factor in cottage-style furniture. Look for sofas and chairs that are soft and inviting. And don’t forget to add a few cozy blankets and throw pillows for extra warmth and comfort.
Furnish your cottage home with plenty of wooden furniture. Chairs, tables, dressers, and even beds can all be wood. It will help create a warm and inviting space.
Mismatched Vintage or Antique Finds
Cottagecore is all about appreciating the simple things in life. And what could be simpler than vintage finds? Incorporate some antique furniture and decor into your cottage home to give it a unique look.
Flea markets and garage sales are great places to find vintage cottagecore treasures. You can also find plenty of antique furniture and decor online. Here are some examples:
- Cozy quilts
- Brass candleholders
- Heirloom silverware
- Antique books
- Wicker baskets
Cottagecore is about creating a cozy, nostalgic space that feels like a step back in time. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your furniture. Create a comfortable seating area with a mismatched sofa and chairs. Choose throw pillows based on comfort, rather than color or pattern.
Handmade Decor
Cottagecore is all about getting back to basics and doing things yourself. Handmade items give your cottage that personal touch that makes it feel like home.
Here are some ideas for handmade projects:
- Macrame Wall Hangings
- Herb Gardens
- Hand-thrown pottery
- Simple quilts
- Painted furniture
Designing your home is about creating a space that reflects your style. There are no hard and fast rules, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a look you love.
Roll Out the Rugs
Vintage rugs are a cottagecore must-have. Look for rugs made of natural fiber, like wool or jute. Choose patterns and colors that complement your cottage’s existing design.
Vintage-Inspired Lighting
To complete the aesthetic, add some vintage-inspired lighting. Choose lamps, chandeliers, and sconces with a warm, yellow light.
Add some string lights, Edison lights, oil lamps, or lanterns to your cottage for a magical touch. You can also add solar lights to your garden path or porch.
Design Your Dream Home
Designing your dream cottage home is a fun and rewarding process. If you daydream about a life surrounded by nature, with plenty of time for simple things, a cottage home is for you.
With some planning and creativity, you should better understand how to design your storybook cottage home. Just remember to focus on comfort and simplicity, and you’ll be well on your way.
MJS Designers Group can help make your dream a reality – we have experience designing homes of all sizes, shapes, and styles. Check out one of our cottage-style homes here. Visit our website or contact us today to get started!