Cottagecore is by definition an internet-driven lifestyle trend espousing the gratification of a return to a simpler, humbler time. It is by far not a new trend. This theme has been revisited often throughout history.
Why Cottagecore Now?
A Brief History
This is actually a centuries-old concept. For example, the Sicilian-born poet Theocritus’ poetry reflected the desire of Ancient Greeks for relief from the dirty, polluted life in Athens of the day. His pastoral poems, the Idllys, were intended for the upper class and evoked images of a slower, peaceful life in nature far from their reality.
Society often turns to what is perceived as an idyllic past in times of turmoil. The appeal of a bucolic life, simple and connected to nature, is understandable when the pace of life can feel frenetic and loud.
Recent History
Cottagecore saw a resurgence in 2010 in the media, although some would argue the 1960’s Hippie Movement embodied many elements. It shows up again in 2017 and 2018 and then the cottagecore aesthetic slides into the background but doesn’t completely disappear. 2020 to the present has seen the lifestyle trend becoming more prevalent. The connection to historical external events that, anecdotally anyway, seem to spur a renewed interest in this lifestyle is easily found.
The Essence of Cottagecore
At its core is the ideal of a simpler self-sufficient life closely connected to nature. The surge in all types of media about gardening, baking, food preservation and animal husbandry tells the story. There is an abundance of information about urban “farming”, including raising chickens. Handcrafts, such as sewing, weaving and all types of needlework are popular again. This is the cottagecore lifestyle.
Cottagecore and Interior Design
What does this mean for interior design?
Conventionally accepted elements of cottagecore are:
- Plants and botanical and floral prints on walls, in frames, on furniture.
- Hobbies are part of the décor. Baking supplies displayed in canning jars, knitting or crocheting in baskets, etc.
- Vintage furniture, especially wood.
- Natural colors, e.g., soft whites, sky blue, and green.
- Blurred line between outdoors and indoors. Lighter window treatments.
- Coziness.
- Whimsically mismatched prints on throw pillows, upholstered pieces, dishes, etc.
- Vintage, thrifting, handcrafted items.
The Many Iterations of Cottagecore
Interestingly, unlike most other interior design styles, cottage core has several diverse subgenres. Examples are fairy cottagecore, vintage cottage core, light cottage core, cottagegore, dark cottage core (or goth cottage core) and minimalist cottage core. On their own or mixed together, creating a cottagecore aesthetic that is uniquely your own is the essence of this interior design and lifestyle aesthetic. More information on this topic can be found in a link at the end of this article.
Whether you’re ready to immerse yourself in cottagecore or just stay on the fringe, there really is something for everyone. Cottagecore shares values of other design trends that are also transcended trend status to become lifestyle statements. Blending the inside/outside lines, biophilic design, wabi-sabi – embracing imperfection to reuse and repurpose, and choosing more sustainable lifestyle choices are examples.
To Answer: Interior Design or Lifestyle?
Is cottagecore interior design or lifestyle? The answer is . . . yes. For some it’s about style, for some it’s the lifestyle, and for some it is both – the live it and live in it.
Lastly, and almost ironically, cottagecore – a rejection of modern, fast-paced constantly connected life – has been largely driven by social media. Pinterest and Instagram are rife with pinned posts and images. As such, it seems that many experience cottage core not as a lifestyle or an interior design style, but simply scroll the pages as a relaxing escape from the everyday.
Cottagecore Debuted 2,300 Years Ago
Types of Cottagecore Aesthetic: Which One Are You?
What is Cottagecore? A Simple Guide
