Cottagecore Vintage Decor Aesthetic: How to Create it

Do you love that look of country home design that just makes you feel comfortable? Let’s talk about the Cottagecore vintage decor aesthetic and how to create it. Trust me, it feels just like coming home!

What is cottagecore decor?

First off, let me just say that, cottagecore is NOT a new concept. However, the name “cottagecore” is a newer word you may have seen in a hashtag on Instagram. And you know how everyone loves to jump on a new social media trend? Which I totally get.

Wanting something “new” sparks our consumer-driven shopping feelings, and people begin to go crazy and spend. As a small business owner who has had storefronts in the past, of course you want people to shop. But the funny thing is about the push for “the trend”, it goes against what the cottagecore aesthetic movement is actually about.

The origins of cottagecore stem from the simple life. It is that country living vibe of vintage, with things passed down from generations. Think simpler times: crafting, living off the land, cooking at home, gardening, baking, and creating a comfy home. It is basically that American country look we all love, with a new name.

What is the difference between cottagecore and farmhouse?

The difference between the cottagecore trend and farmhouse decor depends on a few things. Mostly, what we think of ‘farmhouse’ now is a Joanna Gaines modern farmhouse aesthetic. This would include creams and tan, lots of black, with wood accents and clean lines.

Cottagecore goes more “grandma’s farmhouse”. Think floral patterns, baskets, bright colors, quilts, lots of throw pillows, and layers of decor items with vintage charm. It can even be that English country, with a touch of European nobility. Either way, it is country at its core.

You will find farmhouse tables, flowers, collections, and a simple life at its core.

Is cottagecore the same as shabby chic?

Whenever I here people use the term “shabby chic”, I want to give credit where it’s due. Although many use this as a descriptive term, Rachel Ashwell started the brand “Shabby Chic” back in the late 80s.

She literally created that style where people have used that term to describe her aesthetic. Over the decades, her style is indicative of that romantic cottage with white and light pastels, comfy everything, florals, and peely chippy vintage.

Years ago, we did a private label paint line for her in her soft pastels. (side note: she is a lovely person) We currently have many similar colors in our current Bungalow 47 Furniture Paint line.

As far as home decor goes, cottagecore style has more earthy greens, natural materials, and textures than a classic shabby chic room. Rachel’s style always paired simple lines with some curvy French Marie Antoinette influences (or at least Sofia Coppola’s version of it). But you will find floral prints, and pretty layers in both styles.

How do I make my room look more cottagecore?

When you think of the cottagecore vintage decor aesthetic and how to create it, it is easier than you think. There are definitely things you can do to create a cottagecore room without a lot of changing and shopping. Most humble items at the core of this home design style may already be in your home.

Do you have Grandma’s dresser, old quilts, or a rocking chair? Think of signs of a self-reliant lifestyle, like a classic American farm. Old books, skeins of yarn, collections, antique furniture and items that give that lived-in feel.

If you have home decor that is hiding away, that would go with enjoying a cup of tea on the front porch, then you could be on your way to cottagecore’s design elements.

Elements of cottagecore home decor

The elements are this design style are very familiar and comfortable. Here are some things you will find in the cottagecore aesthetic:

• fabric prints – gingham patterns, floral motifs, quilt patterns, and simple prints
• vintage details – nostalgic touches, family heirlooms, wood boxes, old dishes, quilts, and the patina of everything vintage
• DIY decor – not in the new way we see “rooms done in a weekend” but more of that classic look that evolved and happened over time
• vintage furniture – old painted peely chippy pieces, rustic wooden furniture, and items with patina
• baskets – baskets for every home keeping task, including a vintage wicker foraging basket for the secret garden you’re bound to have
• outdoor connection – open drapes with ample natural light, light breezes from open windows, a dutch door, and the connection with outdoor living
• hidden technology – cottagecore is unplugged, so technology is hidden where it exists
• wood floors and layered rugs – worn wood and rugs layered for that comfy look

The feeling of a cottagecore lifestyle

Think to how things would be if we had simpler lives. We would probably all be unplugged, tending to our full garden, and making bread in our cottagecore kitchen.

You might find ingredient jars on your floating shelf, next to indoor plants.  Dried bouquets would adorn the bedside table, while each living room would boast cozy nooks.

Cottagecore is a pared-down lifestyle focused on living in a place of comfort, enjoying the rural life, and sewing our own clothes. We may not all be doing that now, but we have had tidbits of this in our past lives, for sure. Well, those of us who remember life without a microwave would.

And it is still not too late to retain the feelings. I still love a stack of books at my bedside, a small herb garden, and ironstone piled on the kitchen sideboard. We can bring back that lovin’ feeling!

Incorporate the simple life feelings of cottagecore lifestyle into your life, even if you don’t go full tilt on all the details. Bake something from scratch and create a non-fussy display.

Adding the cottagecore mood to your daily life

Rather than redecorating your space, there is an affordable way to get the vibe in your life. Here are some tips to add back a simpler life:

• don’t wait for special occasions – enjoy it now. Burn that candle, use Grandma’s china, and bust out the tablecloths. The simple life is about enjoying each day and using what you have (like the dining room).
• cozy up your living space – add squishy pillows, textural throws, and lamp lighting to create a glow at night. Curl up with a good book.
• head to the thrift store – this is the easiest way to add patina to your space. Buy glass jars, baskets, and botanical prints to create a gallery wall collected over time.
• focus on a natural color palette – green and blue are natures neutrals. Add these to your wood tones, and floral prints.
• start a garden – an easy and fun way to have your own garden in a smaller space is with a container garden. That’s enough area to plant herbs and tomato plants, and enjoy the bounty.
• take it slow – take time to live the simple life. Turn off the TV, set down the phone, and read a book or do a craft. 
• display food – apples in a bowls, fresh eggs from the chickens, and sliced bread on the cutting board are inviting and indicative of the cottagecore life.

Take the time to do something old-fashioned and simple: frolic through a meadow, get immersed in country life, hone some homesteading skills, and plant a garden.

Cottagecore vintage decor aesthetic: how to create it

If you’ve been curious about incorporating the cottagecore vintage decor aesthetic into you home, now is the time to try it out. I think in today’s world, we can all use a little simplicity and back to basics. That is probably why this design style has become so popular lately.

The best part is that it is a timeless look that isn’t a trend, even though the “new name” for it may be. It is all about adding personal style and creating layers of looks in a room.

Follow along with me as I gather and share more ideas for creating a home that is a true reflection of you. 

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