Since March 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit us hard in the UK, we have all led simpler lives. Therefore, it will come as no surprise that our décor preferences have started to reflect this paired-back way of life.
‘Cottagecore’ interiors have been around for a few years now and have gradually become more on-trend over the last 18 months, but they saw a surge in popularity at the end of 2020 when a survey of Google Trend data revealed it to be the fastest-growing interior trend for 2021. Don’t just take our word for it, Google Trends can prove it!
Want to learn more about this style and how you can adopt it in your home? Then read on and check out our cottagecore interior ideas.
What is ‘Cottagecore’?
Cottagecore is a lifestyle-inspired interior trend that embraces simplicity and encourages people to enjoy the comfort of their own homes.
Daisy Oakley, Author of Cottagecore: Inspirational Ideas, Crafts and Recipes for Wholesome Country Living, recently told Homes and Gardens:
'It is a trend that allows all – regardless of gender, age, race or sexuality – to indulge in traditional visuals reminiscent of a simpler time.
'Born of a desire to return to a slower way of living, it is a movement that revels in the romance of rural life and celebrates a pastoral fantasy.'
Need help visualising cottagecore interiors? Then think about a traditional cottage in the countryside, with a modern twist. Imagine wildflowers, natural materials, and true craftsmanship mixed with the luxuries and convenience of 21st-century life. It’s charming, whimsical and inviting.
Cottagecore Ideas for Your Home: How to Get the Look
Get Cladding!
Nothing screams cottagecore more than wood panelling; plus, it can look pretty chic! Whatever style and colour you opt for, we love how it can add interest to a boring plain wall, acting as an alternative to wallpaper.
When it comes to interior wall panelling design ideas, look no further than Instagram and Pinterest. The trend is everywhere on these platforms these days.
Here are a few of our favourites:
@at_the_graces embraced cottagecore by using their traditional wooden beams to be the centrepiece of their room, allowing the Woodbury bed to complement it with neutral colouring.
@allabout_thehome opted for a similar height with their Balmoral grey velvet bed, but in a bolder colour green.
@54renovation however panelled their entire wall to elongate the space and make a real feature in this neutral room.
Whether you choose shiplap cladding, wainscotting or go for a more Jacobean grid-style creation, we’re sure you’ll nail the cottagecore look with these bedroom wall panel ideas.
Go Floral
Bringing a sense of the outside in and reflecting the nature around us is also a core part of cottagecore. That means choosing soft furnishings that use organic materials or have floral or leaf prints. Delicate floral pattern duvets look fab in cottagecore bedrooms, as do rich cotton and textured bed throws.
To nail this trend, try to stick to pale or muted hues, such as whites, creams, greens, pinks and blues. These colours should match those you see out of your window.
Freshen Up
If you think floral prints are a little too feminine for your taste, then why not take the idea of literally bringing the outside in? When out on a walk or spending time in the garden, collect an array of wildflowers and display them proudly in your home.
They’ll not only bring a touch of colour to your cottagecore home but should leave it smelling lush too.
Mix Up Old and New
At the end of the day, you want your home to have traditional elements and feel warm and inviting, but not old fashioned or frumpy. So, our final tip for getting this look is to mix things up a bit. There’re no rules; just do what feels right and makes your abode cosy.
We like the idea of combining some classic colours and home accessories with a luxurious new TV bed for lie-ins or an oversized mirror to reflect plenty of light. That way you can have all the creature comforts, without your home feeling stark or unlived in.
For some top tips on how to do this yourself, make sure to check out our blogs:
- In With The Old: How to Give a Modern Home Some Soul
- Our Tips for Creating Traditional Bedrooms with a Modern Twist
And, if TV beds sound like your kind of indulgence, we’ve got you covered here at Happy Beds.
