Cottagecore is The New Shabby Chic

For decades, we’ve loved the perfectly imperfect aesthetic of shabby chic. The term was coined in the early 1980s by a British designer who was describing an eclectic mix of vintage decor featuring soft colors and faded finishes. The elements of shabby chic remain today as the ever-evolving trends keep the familiar home styles fresh and new.

Thanks to the popularity of DIY projects, urban farming, vintage florals, and an all-around interest in sustainable living, the style has gained an all-new following, an updated look, and a new “brand” name: Cottagecore.  

What is Cottagecore?

At the heart of the Cottagecore aesthetic is the emphasis on an idyllic, comfortable, rural lifestyle, like that of the fictional English countryside cottage from centuries past. It is grounded in simplicity and nostalgia, part of a cultural quest for sustainability and a return to nature without leaving the society we call home. Cottagecore represents an escape, from the demands of technology, the noise of social media and traffic jams, and the bustle and stress of the corporate world. 

In this modern incarnation of shabby chic, the appeal of Cottagecore is often the freedom of an uncluttered, easy life. There’s equal parts self-reliance and social conscientiousness as the style encourages finding things worn or well-loved and recycling them in new ways. A return to candlelight and cozy hearth fireplaces, with convenient electric wall sconces and chandeliers to rely on when life gets too busy to get away. 

Elements of the outdoors are brought into the home. At times feminine and dainty alongside rough and unpolished, the Cottagecore aesthetic utilizes pale colors like yellows, greens, and blushing pinks, to bright whites and darker shades of blue or brown. Use wistful colors, natural light, or even dirty, rusty aged metals or woods in the decor. 

Softness is added with the help of threadbare linens, heirloom quilts, and crocheted doilies. A wide sample of textures are incorporated into everyday household items and furniture, replicating the variety of smooth leaves, soft petals, and uneven layers of grass and trees. 

Borrowing elements from French Country, Victorian, and Shabby Chic interior design, Cottagecore manages to be frilly without being fussy. Also known as “countrycore or “farmcore,” Cottagecore is still the quaint and romantic shabby chic design that has endured for decades. 

Keys to the Cottage

When executed well, the Cottagecore style will look inviting and effortless. It can, however, easily wander into the wrong territory and wind up looking overly precious, cluttered, and haphazard. But fear not — this charming aesthetic is easily attainable by the most novice DIY decorator.

Follow these simple guidelines to become an expert at all things shabby chic in your cottage. 

Farmhouse Kitchen Appeal

An apron front sink is a must-have for the Cottagecore Kitchen. You can find these in the traditional cast-iron with a bright white enamel or go for a more unique sink with a brushed bronze. Remove the doors from the cupboard below the sink, or swap out the countertops for a console sink, and hang light curtains to hide the storage space. A bridge faucet or two-handle faucet fixtures add a look of character. 

Add in larger standalone pieces such as an old-fashioned running-board side table, or a display pantry cabinet for the finer dishes. Kitchen islands, freestanding ranges and range hoods, and cooker ovens are a great way to bring flexibility to the room layout and lend themselves easily to this decor. Shaker cabinets and open shelving work for this classic look as well.

Cottagecore Lighting

Simple light fixtures can set the prominent tone of a space. Incorporate vintage-inspired lighting and lamps to create a restful Cottagecore bedroom or dining room. The style can be found in chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces with a romantic air. The key is to find that familiar lantern profile, or a light fixture that suggests glowing candlelight amplified by reflective glass.

Recycled flea-market finds aren’t the only option, however, as the aesthetic blends easily with modern lighting options. Look for the Cottagecore chic in new lamps with metal frames or trims, or sconces with white-washed wood, or that have stone or ceramic details. While crystal and glass baubles are part of the look, try to avoid shiny finishes in favor of matte metals and weathered wood.

Antique Hardware 

The details in a room such as a kitchen or bathroom can add the right amount of flavor to emphasize the style. Doorknobs and cabinet pulls with a vintage or antique look will complement Cottagecore decor. Choose pieces with intricate scrollwork and etched or hand-painted effects. Entry hardware, cabinetry, engraved-edge switch plates, and handlesets all present perfect opportunities to add small but significant Cottagecore statement.

Well-Worn Floors

Nothing says cottagecore chic in the house like wood flooring, especially if the kitchen opens onto a dining area or utility room. Stone flooring, or ceramic or porcelain tiles are more practical – but there is a warmth and elegance that is only achievable with wood. Luckily, the look is easily achieved with wood-look tile, engineered wood flooring, or luxury vinyl plank flooring rather than hardwood – it also copes better with changes in temperature and humidity. 

Pretty Powder Rooms

Pedestal sinks, clawfoot tubs, and bridge faucets bring romantic, country charm to Cottagecore bathrooms. Find cotton hand towels with colorful stitching or delicate lace. Hang a vintage chandelier over a bathtub. Consider antique-look sconces to flank a gilded vanity mirror. The finishing touch is rose gold or brushed brass hardware on the vanity cupboards to add warmth and a reflective, sun-like glow to the simple space. 

Floral-Friendly Cottagecore Color Palette

Cottagecore decorating brings home a very colorful aesthetic. It can change with the seasons, from spring greens and summer yellows to fall time oranges and browns. 

Choose floral patterns with wallpaper, textiles, and decor wherever possible in your cottage. Greenery can liven up a naturally neutral palette if florals won’t work in a space as well. Take your favorite color from the world outside and find wall decor, rugs, blankets, and pillows to accent wood-frame furniture. The goal is to feel cozy in your self-sustaining home.

Make It Yours

With the emphasis on simplicity and nature, it’s easy to think that the Cottagecore aesthetic might be plain and generic, but that low-stress design doesn’t mean boring. Just as shabby chic has given way to the relaxing Cottagecore charm, the style has already expanded out to include the edgier variation Dark Cottagecore on one end of the spectrum and the whimsical Fairycore on the other. 

Cottagecore decorating is about finding that style that lets you escape at home while living in the Now. That could mean that your feeling of natural means a home filled with wildflowers and cream lace trim, fairy wings and gemstone teacups, or dark forest boughs and a moss garden.