Ah, Cottagecore aesthetic! The doorway to an idyllic world, reminiscent of a simpler time. A world that provides solace from the buzz of modern life, a haven of tranquility where nature, simplicity, and nostalgia reign supreme.
This topic goes straight to my heart, and ties very well with the ethos here on Makenstitch. I was extra excited to write this article, so I can share with you a few pictures from my favorite place in Northern Ireland – the Folk Museum, a cottagecore village heaven.
Understanding Cottagecore
In a nutshell, Cottagecore is a celebration of simple living, nature & traditional skills.
It’s like stepping into one of those timeless literature masterpieces. Picture yourself wandering into a secret garden, surrounded by classic literature and all things cottagecore. It’s like a whole vibe, and it’s waiting for you to dive right in.
This whole aesthetic is all about longing for a simpler way of life, getting back in touch with nature, and celebrating self-sufficiency and traditional skills.
It’s an entire movement, all about keeping it real and going back to our roots.
History of Cottagecore
The charm of the Cottagecore aesthetic lies in its ability to transport us back to a simpler time. It’s like stepping into a pastoral painting, a romanticized interpretation of simple rural life, away from the hustle and bustle of the modern era.
The Cottagecore vibe is all about taking us on a trip back to the good ol’ days. The typical cottagecore imagery is like stepping into a pastoral painting, a romanticized interpretation of simple rural life, away from the hustle and bustle of the modern era.
We’re talking about a dreamy, romanticized version of western agricultural life, a serene world, the warm colors of nature, the smell of freshly baked bread, and the joy of simple living.
It totally takes me back to my childhood, and I bet it does the same for some of you too.
Cottagecore’s roots go way back to the Arts and Crafts movement, which was a response to the industrial revolution of the 19th century. The movement was about getting back to traditional skills and appreciating nature’s beauty.
Cottagecore totally channels that same vibe, keeping that old-school craftsmanship alive and celebrating the beauty of nature.
It’s a nostalgic look back to the stunning English countryside which has found popularity on several social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, and Pinterest.
The aesthetic has evolved and adapted over time. Today, it covers a broad range of elements, from fashion and interior design to hobbies and crafts.
Key Elements of Cottagecore Aesthetic
The Cottagecore aesthetic is characterized by its earthy hues, textures, and timeless pieces that just scream nostalgia and a deep connection with nature.
From the warmth of wood to the coolness of stone and the softness of linen, natural elements play a major role in both the Cottagecore aesthetic and the broader cottagecore aesthetics movement.
- Colors: earthy colors, pastels
- Handmade pieces: anything works here, from embroidered, knitted, or sewing projects
- Materials: wood, stone
- Fabrics: cozy fabrics, linens, and handmade accessories
- Patterns: nature-inspired prints and patterns
- Activities: gardening, baking, embroidery, knitting
The style also embraces traditional crafts that have been handed down through the generations. Knitting, embroidery, and gardening are at the heart of the Cottagecore movement, symbolizing a return to a simple rural lifestyle that values self-reliance and the beauty of domestic tasks.
Whether it’s the smell of freshly baked bread or the sight of a handmade quilt, the Cottagecore style is all about embracing the beauty of the simple and the handmade.
Incorporating Cottagecore into Daily Life
Stepping into the world of Cottagecore is like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to a simpler era.
From the joys of gardening to the warmth of handmade crafts and the comfort of flowy dresses, the Cottagecore lifestyle is all about embracing the simpler things life has to offer.
Here are a few ideas on how you can embrace the cottagecore lifestyle:
- baking your own bread
- growing your own vegetables
- knitting your own sweaters
- embellish your clothes with cute embroideries
It’s about slowing down, disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and finding joy in the simple acts of everyday living.
Gardening and Self-Sufficiency
In the Cottagecore world, gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life.
From planting a bed of roses to growing your own vegetables, gardening embodies the principle at the heart of the Cottagecore aesthetic.
But it’s not just about growing your own food. It’s about connecting with nature, feeling the soil between your fingers, and finding joy in watching a tiny seed grow into a blooming plant.
Whether you’ve got a huge garden or just a tiny windowsill planter, gardening is a way to bring a little bit of the Cottagecore vibe into your everyday life.
Hobbies and Crafts
Just like gardening, hobbies and crafts are the backbone of the whole Cottagecore vibe.
It’s all about finding those things you’re passionate about and diving headfirst into them. Think about painting, knitting, woodworking, pottery, or embroidery – whatever makes you happy. Hobbies and crafts always bring that extra dose of joy and fulfillment.
Here on Makenstitch, you can find lots of easy free projects you can try and create beautiful and practical items like:
Hobbies and crafts also play an important role in the aesthetic. When you can create and make things with your own hands, it’s like tapping into this awesome superpower. You become more self-reliant, able to do cool stuff on your own.
It’s like a whole new level of empowerment.
Cottagecore Fashion and Accessories
When it comes to fashion, Cottagecore is all about flowy dresses, floral patterns, and handmade items.
The style incorporates elements from Victorian fashion, such as lace details and puff sleeves, with a heavy emphasis on vintage and handmade pieces.
But more than just a style, Cottagecore fashion is an expression of the cottage lifestyle’s values and principles.
It’s about embracing simplicity, handmade items, and celebrating the beauty of nature. Here are a few items to include in your cottagecore wardrobe:
- hand-knit sweaters
- vintage floral dresses
- leather shoes
Cottagecore for the Home
While not all of us are living in a cottage in the middle of the forest (although I wish!!), this doesn’t mean we can’t bring the Cottagecore vibe into our home.
The key here is playing with nature-inspired colors and materials. From warm neutrals to soft greens, your color palette should reflect the colors of the natural world.
Remember, Cottagecore emphasizes simplicity and nature.
Whether it’s a rustic wood table, a vintage floral print, or a handmade quilt, every item in your home can tell a story and reflect the Cottagecore ethos of simplicity, tradition, and nature.
Selecting Nature-Inspired Colors and Materials
Earthy colors and textures are the essence of the Cottagecore aesthetic.
From the warm tones of wood to the cool touch of stone, natural materials bring a sense of authenticity and warmth to the Cottagecore style.
These elements are often complemented by soft greens and delicate pastels, echoing the colors of the natural world.
Flowers and plants also play a major role in the Cottagecore aesthetic.
Whether it’s a hand-embroidered cushion cover or a vintage floral print dress, botanical elements bring a touch of the outdoors into the Cottagecore home, creating a welcoming space that celebrates the beauty of nature.
Essential materials for a Cottagecore home:
- wood
- stone
- linen
These natural materials bring a sense of authenticity and warmth to your space, creating a home that feels personal, authentic, and in tune with nature.
Whether it’s a rustic wood table, a stone fireplace, or a linen bed, these elements are the building blocks of a Cottagecore-inspired home.
Incorporating Vintage and Handmade Items
Vintage and handmade items are another key element of a Cottagecore-inspired space. These items add a sense of nostalgia and connection to tradition, creating a space that feels personal and authentic.
I love checking my local vintage shop, chilling out while searching for cool stuff. It’s cheap and relaxing. And you gotta check out car boot sales too! I’ve found some seriously awesome cottagecore goodies there.
These items not only add character and charm to your space, but they also reflect the Cottagecore ethos of simplicity, tradition, and nature. After all, what’s more Cottagecore than a vintage floral print or a handmade quilt?
In a world full of fast fashion and mass-produced items, Cottagecore is like a breath of fresh air. Picture vintage furniture, reclaimed wood, and those awesome botanical prints. Each piece has its own unique story to share.
It’s all about creating a home that feels totally you, with a personal touch, authentic vibes, and loads of character.
Exploring Cottagecore Styles
There’s so much more to Cottagecore than meets the eye! From subgenres like Ocean Cottagecore, giving you those beachy vibes, and Southwest Cottagecore, with that rustic charm, it’s like a whole new world of aesthetics to explore.
While the basic principles of Cottagecore are more or less the same, each subgenre brings out different sides of the Cottagecore aesthetic.
There are so many awesome flavors of Cottagecore out there! There’s Bloomcore, all about beautiful botanicals. Then there’s Honeycore, with its sweet and charming vibes. And don’t forget about Vaporcottage, with that cool retro-futuristic twist.
Each subgenre gives you a chance to make Cottagecore your own. You can rock your personal style while still keeping it real with simplicity, nature, and tradition.
- Bloomcore Aesthetic – Bloomcore and Honeycore are two subgenres of Cottagecore that put a unique spin on the aesthetic. Bloomcore, as the name suggests, celebrates the beauty of botanical elements, with vibrant colors and unique textures that truly celebrate nature’s beauty. From lush gardens to floral prints, Bloomcore is a celebration of all things botanical.
- Honeycore Aesthetic – focuses on the sweet side of the Cottagecore aesthetic. This subgenre puts a spotlight on beekeeping and the production of honey, with gold, yellow, and amber shades reflecting the warm and sweet nature of this subgenre.
- Vaporcottage – Vaporcottage combines the nostalgic charm of Cottagecore with the retro-futuristic vibes of vaporwave, creating a surreal and nostalgic aesthetic that’s truly one of a kind.
- Southwest Cottagecore – blends the traditional Cottagecore aesthetic with influences from the American Southwest. Think warm earth tones, rustic decor, and desert landscapes, all combined with the simplicity and nature-focused ethos of the Cottagecore lifestyle.
You can read more about other subgenres or aesthetics here:
The Role of Social Media
Social media had a huge role in launching the Cottagecore aesthetic into the stratosphere of popular trends.
We’re talking platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok turning into our digital “cottage” where all Cottagecore content comes alive.
Here are a few Instagram cottagecore-y accounts that inspire me – Meg Loeks, Sophie Gardner, and Ellen Tyn.
Addressing Critiques of Cottagecore
Like any aesthetic out there, Cottagecore has its fair share of critics. Some folks argue that it romanticizes rural life, not really acknowledging the challenges and struggles people faced back then, like dealing with basic stuff like sanitation and hard work.
Then you got others pointing out that it sometimes gives off conservative vibes and idealizes colonial aesthetics. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea and there are legit concerns about negative aspects of it.
What’s more important is to have open conversations and be aware of these different perspectives.
Personally, I don’t take any aesthetic too seriously. I’m not out there trying to turn my place into some Insta-perfect masterpiece. But you know what’s cool? This whole Cottagecore vibe, brings me back to my childhood, to those sweet memories with my grandparents. It’s like a sweet trip down memory lane, and that’s what matters most to me.
We don’t live in a cottage, but I still love my space and try to bring nature in with every occasion. We often go on forest walks, love learning new crafts and I bake as often as I can.
If this is Cottagecore or not, it doesn’t even matter. It makes me and my daughter happy!
Summary
Cottagecore is like a breath of fresh air. It’s all about that nostalgic vibe, celebrating simplicity, nature, and tradition.
It’s like a little escape from the craziness of modern times. Whether we’re getting our hands dirty in the garden, diving into new crafts, or just simplifying our lifestyles, Cottagecore reminds us to slow down and find beauty in the little things.
It’s all about taking a moment to appreciate the everyday magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cottagecore is all about embracing that chill countryside vibe. It’s about getting back to basics with skills like baking up some tasty treats, getting your hands dirty in the garden, and even sewing up some cool stuff. This whole aesthetic is like a nudge to live a more meaningful life, one that’s connected to nature and the simple things that bring us joy.
The cozy country vibes of Cottagecore are still going strong. This aesthetic is still popular in both fashion and home interiors, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. It’s like a timeless trend that’s gonna keep on rollin’ into 2023 and way beyond.
A cottagecore personality is like the epitome of rustic simplicity. They’re all about that yearning for the good ol’ days, sustainability, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. So if you’re into that laid-back, nostalgic vibe, you might just be a cottagecore kind of person.
Grandmacore is all about that cozy, nostalgic lifestyle that takes inspiration from the things our awesome grandparents used to do. We’re talking gardening, knitting, and baking fresh bread. It’s like a blast from the past, the ultimate nostalgic throwback.
More Articles You’ll Love
- 19 Cottagecore Styles and Subgenres
- Cottagecore 101: Beginner’s Guide to Cottagecore Style
- Exploring the Dark Academia Aesthetic
- 25 Enchanting Cottagecore Dresses for a Dreamy Look
Do you enjoy cottagecore projects? Come over to our Facebook Group and tell us all about it!
SAVE THIS FOR LATER? ADD THIS ARTICLE TO YOUR FAVOURITE PINTEREST BOARD
Leave a Reply