Cosy country feeling
Cottagecore esthetic takes us into its warm embrace
Earlier this year on Instagram, David Beckham posed on the English countryside while wearing a cardigan and flat cap, walking stick in hand. Elsewhere, Halsey donned a prairie dress while clutching a watering can. And Taylor Swift? Art promoting her indie-folk album Folklore shows her in woods and in meadows, snug in thick sweaters or floating along in ethereal frocks.
The common denominator here is cottagecore, a cosy esthetic that's understandably been growing in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic. According to NPR, between March and April of this year, the hashtag #cottagecore jumped 153 per cent on Tumblr. Tiktok and Pinterest likewise saw a dramatic boost in the tag. It's spilled into interior decor, too.
“With many of us retreating to our homes this year and discovering our passion for the art of bread-making or propagating plants, knitting or sewing, a new esthetic has emerged: the cottagecore trend, which celebrates anything artisanal, shining a light on handmade crafts and reassuring traditions,” Wayfair's resident
style adviser, Nadia Mccowan Hill, told livingetc.com. “The look draws inspiration from the countryside — think lush botanical motifs, flouncy florals and natural materials such as wool and linen.”
How else to embrace the cottagecore look in your home? Here are some tips:
1.
Go vintage. Cottagecore is all about sentimentality and a romanticized version of country living. Consider including antique pottery, old plates, figurines and instruments. But make sure they're in good condition and neatly arranged, or the overall effect will be more shabby than chic.
2.
Garden, indoors and out. If that's too overwhelming or space is an issue, focus on a few herbs or plants. Some flowers leading up a path to your door will also give visitors a warm welcome.
3.
Make prints charming. Checks, stripes, flowers, animals and even small drawings of homes themselves are all patterns that will evoke grandma's house. Wallpaper, linens and drapes were made for them.
4.
Get a farmhouse table. Few things are as cosy as gathering around the kitchen table, sharing a meal with family and friends. Mismatched chairs from thrift stores and flea markets will add a quirky twist.
5.
Go all in. If you're sure you want to make cottagecore a permanent part of your home, think about investing in bigger design elements. Get that enamelled range in the kitchen, and set it off with a butlers' sink and a Sheila Maid to airdry your clothes. In the bathroom, splurge on a claw foot tub.