Lavender Fields: how to decorate in cottage style

If you've long been a lover of cottage-inspired decor, you may have heard the term "cottagecore" pop up lately and wonder, "Huh? What does that mean?"

Around March 2020 when the pandemic began, everyone took to their homes and began baking bread to keep busy. People who'd never really been into the homebody life really got into it (and those of us who'd always loved this homey, cozy, cottage-y lifestyle were happy to keep on keeping on). With the rise of work from home, and the need to stay at home, the Cottagecore aesthetic took off.

What does Cottagecore Mean?

Cottagecore essentially means the same thing a cottage-inspired lifestyle has always meant, just with a new, Gen-Z inspired name to it.

Think a cozy home, surrounded by nature or gardens, filled with antique furniture and vintage linens. You spend your days reading books, drinking tea, and baking. You wear pretty smocked dresses and grandma-chic cardigans. If you're thinking, "Wait, this is cool now? This is what I've always done," - Congrats! You're officially a trendsetter ;)

What is Cottagecore style decor?

Cottagecore style decor leans to the romantic, shabby-chic side. Think a small cottage with rustic touches, white paint on the walls, wood floors covered in cotton rugs, antique furniture, floral fabrics, and flowers from the garden everywhere you look.

How do you decorate a room in Cottagecore style?

There are a number of ways to incorporate Cottagecore decor into your existing space. If your home is already coastal, farmhouse, French country, or a combination of those, you can incorporate a cottagecore feel naturally into your home.

All white bedding (especially with a touch of something feminine, like our best-selling ruffled sheet set)

Bring the outside in - fill your home with flowers from the garden or farmer's market. Plants are a year-round way to bring in nature. If it's off-season, our faux hydrangeas are another perfect way to incorporate natural elements.

Botanical prints in fabrics, wallpaper, or artwork

Vintage furniture or decor, like mirrors, vintage suitcases from an estate sale or thrift store, or vintage books. If you want to find vintage-inspired furniture, check out our furniture collection.

Don't be afraid of patterns - gingham, toile, ticking stripe, and chintz are all popular.

Cover the walls in artwork - we love art painted on wood, like our beautiful art by painter Debi Coules. It gives that natural, Cottagecore vibe.

Roses 50 cents by Debi Coules

What is Cottagecore fashion?

Cottagecore fashion is generally cozy, comfy, and easy to wear. It's usually made of natural fibers (think linen, cotton, and wool). Smocked dresses in the summer are popular, and add a cozy sweater and tights when it gets chilly.

Remember the Laura Ashley dresses that used to be so popular back in the day? This is an updated version of that for the new generation.

Where to Find Cottagecore Bedding

Cottagecore bedding is usually either all-white or has pretty botanicals and flowers on it. We usually love Pine Cone Hill, Designer's Guild, or Taylor Linens.