Inspo Fridays: Cottagecore

July 23, 2021

One of 2021’s summer interior trends is cottagecore - aka “granny chic.” CountryLiving describes it as a “romantic interpretation of rural life.” Pretty darn spot on! It incorporates feminine colours, floral patterns, and a whole lot of greenery. If you’re not aware, this design style has picked up quite the following on TikTok - people can’t get enough of all things mushroom-related!

Let’s Eat!

With a cottagecore kitchen, be prepared to be in the mood to bake whimsical pies and cakes at all times. I mean C’MON - how could you not with such a dreamy setting?! Open shelving is a cottagecore kitchen staple, see @ourcottageonthelane ‘s kitchen for the right idea. This style of shelving is perfect for showing off your mismatched dishware & antique glassware! (For dishware inspo, see the plates laid out for Sophie’s wedding in Mamma Mia!)

Patterned tile with soft tile like seen here in this photo by @hugsandhearts_ is an option, or opt for the ever so classic white subway like in Alison’s kitchen at @lifeatnumberten. For cottagecore-esque tile ideas I have to recommend our entire Renzo tile collection, Urbano Pure or Aria Ice subway tile, and the queen herself: Tetris Florita Blanco. All options would fit right at home in your cozy kitchen!

Secret (Indoor) Garden

Bring the outside in! Floral prints are an absolute must. Kandas at @thetedescofarm added a flowery rug to her feminine bedroom, a soft print for a mostly white space. For cottagecore bedrooms, you can incorporate a pastel print with your bedding, or try white/off-white with some texture for a visual aspect.

This wallpaper design by @littlegreenepaintcompany ties in the green from the plants, glass jar, and velvet chair in the space seen here. Wallpaper, permanent or peel & stick, is a great way to add colour to your space, consider it for your next DIY home project!

Picking Your Palette

You’ve got options when deciding on a paint colour for your cottagecore home. Try a fun colour like yellow - see how well it works in Sara at @simplysoutherncottage ‘s cottage-y home? Soft pinks, blues, and greens are also great options. If coloured walls aren’t your thing, try white and let your accent colour choices do the talking.

From our Refuge recycled paint collection check out Citrine, Angelite, Rhodonite, Moonstone, and Quartzite. They all have the potential to bring your cottagecore dreams to life!

Collector's Delight

Do you collect anything? Coins, pressed flowers, buttons, stamps? Put them on display! Fill your frames with your treasures or line them up on your shelves. Create a curated look with a common theme like the mushrooms seen on @honeylunehivery ‘s wall, or revel in the joyful chaos of a mish-mashed assortment. If you’re shopping for items to adorn your shelves, hit up your local thrift store, antique shop, or an estate sale. Places like those are goldmines for brass figurines, milk glass, vintage vases, and old picture frames. @thewalmsleyhomestead ‘s shelf is the perfect example! A vase, a (quirky) candle, a few plants, and some sentimental items are all you need.

I hope these tips have helped you understand that you don’t need to live in the English countryside to achieve a cottagecore aesthetic in your home! Let me know if you plan on incorporating any of these interior ideas into your home. I’d love some inspo for my own space!