Cottagecore is trending on Tiktok and Instagram, but this aesthetic is more than a design fad, according to interior designer and HGTV star Francesca Grace, it’s a lifestyle. “Cottagecore is a way of life based on a sense of comfort, self-reliance and retaining one’s most beloved pieces. There is a strong English rural influence that I die for. When it comes to cottagecore, there is no there is neither good nor bad in my book.

Although Grace lives in Los Angeles, which is far from any country setting, the designer doesn’t just live in a cottagecore-style home, she truly embraces that lifestyle. quiet way of life. Running a business takes a lot of attention to detail and time,” she says. “At the end of the working day, I love being able to step out of my garden and feel like I’m living in the countryside surrounded by my chickens, my dog ​​and my cat. I also like to display all of my vintage and antique finds throughout my home. My collection continues to grow, creating a fluid rotation of pieces that I am passionate about.

Still, cottagecore isn’t about becoming someone else, but rather a very intentional way of being, says interior designer and HGTV star Breegan Jane: “It’s not about cosplay or to transform into someone from another era. It’s truly embracing the decision to intentionally invite tranquility and sustainability into many areas of your daily life.

The cottagecore craze can also be seen as a reaction to the modern farmhouse trend, which is finally beginning to fall out of favor after years of popularity. The problem with the modern farmhouse is that it has become extraordinarily inauthentic. After all, how many modern farmhouses are actually on farms? Most people with linen canvas walls and “Live, Laugh, Love” signs don’t wake the first dairy cows. Yet when it comes to cottagecore, true enthusiasts are more likely to embrace certain elements of the lifestyle, whether it’s growing plants or spending weekends exploring flea markets for antique ginger jars.

Cottagecore is built on authenticity. “Especially since March 2020, people want a bucolic, peaceful home with calm vibes, earthy tones and a garden. How many people do you know with a Covid boosted garden? says Los Angeles real estate agent Lori Harris. “Everyone became a farmer two years ago, and they want their home to match their new interests in the same way. The bright whites and neon signs are out (hopefully for good) and people are increasingly seeking refuge in their homes.

Here are some helpful tips and ideas for incorporating the cottagecore aesthetic into any home.

Adopt the vintage

One of the easiest ways to create a cottagecore vibe is to add vintage pieces. It is better to go for genuine vintage items rather than just vintage aesthetics. It’s also a greener choice, says interior designer Kirsten Blazek. “We like being able to bring old furniture to life, rather than buying new products.”

Using reclaimed finishes can elevate Cottagecore to another level. “Many of our designs feature repurposed existing finishes, reclaimed tiles and refinished original cabinetry,” she says.

However, if true vintage isn’t accessible due to cost or accessibility, plenty of vintage-inspired furniture and decor is available at HomeGoods in-store as well as online. “By mixing period-inspired pieces in your space, you can create a layered, vintage look often found in charming cottages. Think damask rugs, the look of aged stoneware pottery, woven baskets, arched gold mirrors and the cozy feel of embroidered blankets and throws,” says HomeGoods style expert Ursula Carmona.

Dust off those family heirlooms

An object or piece of furniture doesn’t have to be antique or vintage to be cottagecore, but embracing these old family heirlooms creates a more authentic cottagecore vibe. Lindsey Jamison of Rumor Designs tells me, “With a little more thought, add an old family heirloom or a unique piece from a local antique store to your living spaces to easily achieve the cottagecore look.”

The designer’s Cow Creek project is a great example. “We incorporated a dining table that has been in the owner’s family for generations and added kettles and teapots from the owner’s grandmother to bring this slowed-down rural look to life. The owner has stories of babies born on this table a long time ago!”

Just add plants

Plants have become a major design trend in recent years. Being a “plant parent” is a point of pride for many and natural elements like greenery are a major facet of cottagecore. “Plants and flowers can still be incorporated into any home to achieve a cottage-style aesthetic, even in a more contemporary space,” says Blazek.

“It’s important to add lots of greenery, plants, and flowers, which can be key in bringing life and softness to a more modern aesthetic that typically has harsher edges and cooler finishes.”

Choose wooden furniture and accents

If there is one material associated with cottagecore, it is wood. “Go for lots of wooden pieces like tables, headboards, and chairs,” says Jane. Look for materials like wicker, rattan, and even bamboo. You can go bold with rattan-framed sofas and large accent chairs or opt for more nuanced pieces. The Dolores 38″ X 90″ Cane Etagere Bookcase from Pottery Barn is a perfect example of a subtle element of cottagecore. With a mango wood frame and woven rattan backing, this piece has a light and airy vibe that can incorporate elements old and new.

install wallpaper

Wallpaper can instantly transform a space, especially when you go for a cottagecore look. We see it in Grace’s bedroom with a bold print of birds and flowers. It can also have a major impact in bathrooms, powder rooms and dining rooms.

Renters and do-it-yourselfers can even consider peel and stick wallpaper, which can be removed without damaging the wall. Forget-Me-Not from the recently launched Alice + Oliva collaboration with Tempaper is a perfect example of cottagecore wallpaper. The floral print is reminiscent of the English countryside and has an air of sophistication.

Use open shelving

Those transitioning to cottagecore from a modern farmhouse or contemporary look should keep their shelves open, but give them a makeover.

“Fitting out your open kitchen shelves with interesting, artistic dinnerware is an easy way to achieve the cottagecore look in a contemporary kitchen. In my own home, I chose a modern-shaped vase with an eclectic hand-painted design by a local artist to marry the two styles,” says Jamison.

Add layers and texture

Comfort is the key to cottagecore. Jamison suggests adding throw pillows, blankets, and accent chairs in living rooms and bedrooms.

Jamison tells me, “In our Behr Cabin project, we added character through layers of pillows, throws with lots of texture, and wood logs mixed with freshly painted patching to achieve the ultimate cozy cabin feel. .”

Add pops of canvas, floral prints and lace

Cottagecore is as much about the little details as it is about the lifestyle as a whole. It is therefore important to think about where these elements can be added. “Wildflower prints, canvas and even little touches of lace are quintessential cottagecore. Anything that reminds you of a rambling English countryside will do, and it’s easy to incorporate, especially in the bedroom. with floral quilt sets or in the dining room with elegant tablecloths and table settings,” says Carmona.

make it your own

While cottagecore shares some design elements with minimalism, Grace’s cottagecore home is very maximalist.

“While the cottagecore aesthetic may lean more towards a softer color palette, I think the real plot behind the new craze is how it feels to you. appropriate, whether that means being maximalist like me or keeping it more neutral,” she says.