Cottagecore Decor 101: Affordable ways to get the look

POSTED IN:Decor, Tips and Ideas

Incorporating vintage and found styles, Cottagecore is a fresh take on a decor style we’ve seen before. It’s reminiscent of 90’s shabby chic, eclectic styles of the 1960’s, and even Marie Antoinette’s Hameau de la Reine (inspired by the naturalism movement of the time) all inspires the Cottagecore aesthetic. It’s more than a passing trend, it’s an example of a well-loved style that is often reborn for each generation!

One of the great things about the Cottagecore home aesthetic is how accessible and affordable it can be. The decor is generally eclectic and has a found, vintage, or antique look to it, which means it’s a great style to thrift and buy second-hand! If you’re looking to cultivate a more Cottagecore style in your home, this is a quick guide to how to add it to your home without spending a fortune.

Patterns & Textures

So much of getting that Cottagecore feeling in your home comes down to pattern mixing! Especially when it comes to textiles. By textiles I mean almost anything that utilizes fabric in your home – that means pillows, blankets, curtains, furniture, tablecloths, and more. While many modern styles look to match or balance patterns, the Cottagecore style thrives most on mixing and matching multiple different patterns throughout your space.

Source: @sweetshadylane

Source: @itsmargoroth

The same can be said about textures. Cottagecore spaces tend to feel very homey, like they’ve been lived in a long time. Often there’s a mix of different types of textures throughout the space such as a cozy over-stuffed couch paired with a well-worn handmade quilt. Don’t be afraid to layer on plenty of pattern and texture throughout your space. The more the merrier when it comes to getting the cottagecore look! Look for these patterns and textures when you’re thrifting and try layering them together:

Florals
Gingham
Toile
Quilting
Embroidery
Plaid
Ruffles
Lace

Decor with Meaning

While many quickly passing design trends are more focused on having the “in trend” decor, Cottagecore pulls most of it’s charm from an eclectic mix of found and collected treasures. For many of us it may actually remind us of the way our grandmother styled their homes. Instead of decor that was chosen simply because it went together, the Cottagecore style feels like it has been collected over decades, with many pieces having deep personal significance.

Instead of typing into a search bar for the quickest and cheapest places to order cottagecore style decor from, I would encourage you to look at your decorating as a collection that’s meant to be built over time. Choose items that speak to you, or that have personal significance. Making some yourself is also a great way to create decor that you have a deep connection to. Make it a fun game to slowly build your dream space, instead of racing to keep up with the current trends.

Some of the best Cottagecore decor can be found secondhand at thrift and antique stores. I personally love spending the afternoon with a friend digging through thrift stores and estate sales to find things that speak to me. Plus, when I do it with a friend I find that every time I see those items in my home it brings back those memories of spending the day together!

Source: Pinterest

Source: Bunny Mellon

These items are often abundant in most thrift stores, and can easily bring in a more Cottagecore feeling to your home:

Baskets – Perfect for decor, storage, or even creating a hanging basket installation.
Vintage plates – A grandmillennial classic, thrift stores are usually overflowing with beautiful old plates. Perfect for building a collection of serveware, or to use as wall decor.
Candlesticks – Brass, glass, ceramic, or silver candlesticks add an elegant, cozy touch.
Handmade Art – Framed embroidery pieces, cross stitch, paintings, or anything that looks handcrafted works well.

Wallpaper & Paint

Source : Faith Makes

When it comes to paint and wall coverings, there are plenty of options if you’re trying to get a cottagecore feel. Wallpaper is an especially great option to get the cottagecore feel. Classic vintage wallpaper prints are quick way to get right feeling. Look for florals, ginghams, and petite prints. See below for classic wallpaper prints that would all be great for getting the cottagecore feeling!

1950s Vintage Wallpaper Thomas Strahan Camden Green

Laura Ashley Gingham Pale Amethyst Purple Wallpaper

1940s Vintage Wallpaper Pink Roses on Green

When it comes to picking paint, think soft and feminine colors. You can go with almost any color family, but opting for the softer, less saturated versions will typically feel a little more Cottagecore. If you want to add some pattern, but aren’t ready to commit to wallpaper, you can always add a bit of interest by painting something fun! You can free-hand some fun flowers, or even invest in a stencil. Stencils are often quite affordable and can be reused over and over again.

Source : Clare Sullivan

If you’re a renter and can’t easily paint or add wall coverings, don’t dismay! There are plenty of ways to create the feeling without worrying about getting your deposit back. Focus more on what you’re layering on your wall and in front of it. Combat plain white walls by adding pattern and color where you can. I love the look of adding fabric to picture frame mats to incorporate more pattern with art that may be more simple.