San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
5 ‘cottagecore’ decor ideas that bring cozy vibes to the kitchen
If there’s one decor trend that seems wholly appropriate for the winter months, it’s “cottagecore.” Nailing cottagecore decor in your home is all about embracing the comfort and coziness of rustic, handmade designs that harken back to a slower way of living.
“It’s countryside living viewed through rose-colored spectacles and evokes the feeling of a simple life with home-baked bread, herb gardens, and freshly made lemonade,” says Jen Stark, home improvement expert and founder of Happy DIY Home.
Since many consider the kitchen the heart of the home, it’s one of the best places to live out your cottagecore fantasy. The best part? The stakes are low for achieving this aesthetic as many cottage-inspired looks cost next to nothing and can even be done by yourself if you’re the crafty type. Here are five of our favorite decor ideas from Instagram at the moment:
1. Lantern pendants
Nothing says “cottage in the woods” quite like lantern-style pendants.
“These oversize lantern pendants play an important role in defining the look and style of a kitchen — a look that’s warm, cozy, and charming,” says designer Susan Serra. “These pendants serve as a focal point that so many homeowners want right now.”
2. Cozy window nook
A window nook in the kitchen is the perfect place to unwind with your current read or knitting project, especially if that nook is conveniently located next to the coffee pot.
“Comfort is the key component of cottage style,” says designer Devin Shaffer, of Decorilla, who says she’s seen cozy nooks like the one above popping up in homes of all ages — from recently remodeled homes to new builds.
3. Woven leather bar stools
Another key aspect of cottagecore is using a variety of textures in your kitchen. Woven leather bar stools accomplish all of that and more.
“Leather is always in style, but woven leather bar stools are perfect for a cottage look,” says Serra. “The texture of both the leather itself — especially when it gets a patina — and the woven pattern being visually soft and cozy, creates a look of comfort.”
4. Double-basin farmhouse sink
No cottage kitchen would be complete without a classic farmhouse sink, and a double-basin one adds an extra element of functionality.
“Farmhouse sinks are the quintessential cozy cottage look,” says Serra. “The double-basin farmhouse sink is super functional, especially if it’s a wide sink. The farmhouse sink, a style [that’s] centuries old, has been newly discovered for its practicality and charm.”
5. Woven hanging basket
One easy and affordable DIY project that will add a touch of cottagecore to a corner of your kitchen is a hanging basket.
“What could be more ‘cozy cottage’ than using baskets made of natural materials with the added benefit of keeping countertops less cluttered?” asks Serra.
“5 ‘Cottagecore’ Decor Ideas That Bring Cozy Vibes to the Kitchen” first appeared on www.realtor.com. It has been lightly edited to remove links to outside websites.