Get cosy in time for autumn
You might not be familiar with the term just yet but CottageCore is fast becoming the look of 2020, says SAMANTHA MASSEY
EVERY few years, an interiors trend comes along that truly cements its place in mainstream society. In the early noughties homeowners were urged to chuck out their chintz, get rid of anything remotely unnecessary and embrace minimalism, while in 2016 we all stocked up on candles, blankets and cushions aplenty as Hygge – the Danish word for cosiness – became the lifestyle trend of the decade.
However, in a year that has left many searching for stability and calm, a new aesthetic has evolved and become a real force to be reckoned with in the interiors world: CottageCore.
#CottageCore first appeared on social media at the start of the year, but it’s a hashtag that truly came into its own as the world went into lockdown.
At its core is a desire for homegrown comfort and contentment: a bouquet of handpicked flowers from the garden, freshly-baked banana bread and a hankering to get back to nature.
Crossing over into interiors, CottageCore is all about embracing natural materials, muted colours and functional clutter.
It’s reflected in the recently announced Dulux Colour of the Year 2021, Brave Ground, a versatile earthy beige that complements a wealth of other hues.
CottageCore is about making your home your safe place, a sanctuary from the outside world.
And if that’s what you’re after right now, here’s some inspiration to help bring the CottageCore aesthetic into your home.
KITCHEN TWEAKS
THE kitchen is often the heart of the home so it’s a great place to start with some practical, yet stylish, changes.
If you’re short on storage space, invest in chunky wooden shelving to hold your favourite dinner service, your baking essentials and a perhaps a vase of flowers (which may, or may not be freshly picked from the garden – no one need know if they were bought at the supermarket).
Shop around for shelving which looks suitably distressed and is peppered with imperfections to add authenticity.
Another simple, yet hugely impactful change, is your splashback.
Consider replacing the tiles behind your hob. Tiles in muted tones with subtle patterns and ‘unfinished’ edges work beautifully with this aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to team pattern with plain and choose a tile that has lasting appeal.
Look for easy-to-maintain porcelain or ceramic tiles which will give the look of a centuries old farmhouse, but will have all the benefits of a modern tile.
TRADITION
SUSTAINABILITY, handmade crafts and mindfulness are all key aspects of the CottageCore vibe so now is a great time to have a go at creating your own accessories.
Try embroidery, knitting, macrame or even painting your own masterpiece. If you’re a complete newbie, there are plenty of ready-made kits to help build your confidence.
And if you try and fail, there’s no
harm in cheating. Lockdown has seen a surge in home-crafters taking the plunge and start selling their handmade wares online.
Check out sites like Etsy or Folsky or even local Facebook groups for unique handmade beauties.
THE WHOLE HOG
IF you are sold on the CottageCore look and want to make some wholesale changes, new flooring and a change of wall colour will serve as
the perfect blank palette on which you can begin to build your finished look.
It’s a big decision and one not to take lightly, but if you go with a versatile neutral hue, it will transcend seasonal trends and look great for years to come.
As mentioned, Dulux’s recently announced Colour of the Year, Brave Ground, is a solid choice for a neutral background that will complement plenty of shades, from caramel and light brown, to bolder blues and deep greens.
Flooring wise, why not consider wooden flooring? There are options to suit all budgets, from solid wooden flooring to engineered and even laminate – which has come on a long way since its early incarnations.
Plus, you can add warmth and texture with a huge rug, to bring the whole look together.