Understanding the Cottagecore Aesthetic
Cottagecore is more than just an aesthetic—it's a lifestyle movement that romanticizes rural living, traditional skills, and a simpler way of life. With over 110,000 monthly searches and growing, cottagecore has evolved from a niche internet subculture to a mainstream lifestyle trend.
The Origins and Evolution of Cottagecore
The term "cottagecore" first emerged on Tumblr in 2018, combining "cottage" with the "-core" suffix used to denote aesthetic movements. However, its roots trace back much further:
- Literary influences: Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, and Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Artistic movements: Pre-Raphaelite art and Arts and Crafts movement
- Cultural nostalgia: Yearning for pre-industrial simplicity
- Modern catalysts: Pandemic-driven desire for escape and self-sufficiency
Core Values and Philosophy
1. Romanticization of Rural Life
Cottagecore idealizes countryside living, focusing on:
- Small cottage homes surrounded by nature
- Gardens overflowing with flowers and vegetables
- Animals as companions and livestock
- Seasonal living and natural rhythms
2. Traditional Skills and Crafts
The aesthetic celebrates handmade and homegrown:
- Domestic arts: Baking, preserving, and cooking from scratch
- Fiber crafts: Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and weaving
- Gardening: Growing food and flowers
- Foraging: Mushroom hunting and wildcrafting
3. Sustainability and Mindful Living
- Reducing consumption and waste
- Choosing quality over quantity
- Supporting local and handmade goods
- Connecting with nature and seasons
Visual Elements of Cottagecore
Color Palette
The cottagecore color scheme draws from nature:
- Earthy neutrals: Cream, beige, brown, and rust
- Soft pastels: Blush pink, sage green, butter yellow
- Deep naturals: Forest green, burgundy, navy
Patterns and Textures
- Florals (especially small, vintage-style prints)
- Gingham and checkered patterns
- Embroidery and lace details
- Natural textures: linen, wool, cotton
Key Motifs and Symbols
- Wildflowers and garden blooms
- Mushrooms and toadstools
- Farm animals (especially chickens and sheep)
- Tea sets and vintage dishware
- Books and handwritten letters
Cottagecore Fashion Elements
The cottagecore wardrobe emphasizes comfort and romance:
- Silhouettes: Flowing, loose-fitting, and modest
- Key pieces: Prairie dresses, aprons, cardigans, straw hats
- Materials: Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool
- Details: Puffed sleeves, ruffles, embroidery
Home and Living Spaces
Interior Design
- Vintage and antique furniture
- Open shelving displaying ceramics and preserves
- Dried flowers and fresh bouquets
- Handmade quilts and textiles
- Cast iron cookware and copper pots
Outdoor Spaces
- Cottage gardens with mixed flowers and vegetables
- Picket fences and arbors
- Outdoor dining areas
- Chicken coops and beehives
Activities and Hobbies
Kitchen and Food
- Baking bread and pastries from scratch
- Making jams and preserves
- Brewing herbal teas
- Picnics and outdoor dining
Creative Pursuits
- Nature journaling and pressed flower art
- Writing letters and poetry
- Playing acoustic instruments
- Reading classic literature
Nature Activities
- Gardening and composting
- Nature walks and hiking
- Bird watching
- Stargazing
Cottagecore in the Digital Age
Social Media Presence
Cottagecore thrives on various platforms:
- Instagram: #cottagecore has millions of posts
- TikTok: Cottagecore content creators share daily routines
- Pinterest: Mood boards and inspiration galleries
- YouTube: "Day in my life" vlogs and tutorials
Digital Communities
- Online forums for sharing recipes and crafts
- Virtual book clubs reading pastoral literature
- Seed and plant exchanges
- Skill-sharing workshops
Criticisms and Considerations
While celebrating cottagecore, it's important to acknowledge:
- Romanticization: Rural life involves hard work often glossed over
- Accessibility: Not everyone can afford the cottage lifestyle
- Diversity: Working to make the movement more inclusive
- Sustainability: Balancing aesthetic consumption with environmental values
How to Embrace Cottagecore in Modern Life
Small Steps for Beginners
- Start a small herb garden (even on a windowsill)
- Learn one traditional craft like knitting or bread-making
- Incorporate natural materials into your wardrobe
- Create a cozy reading nook
- Practice mindful, seasonal living
Urban Cottagecore
City dwellers can embrace cottagecore through:
- Balcony gardens and indoor plants
- Farmers market shopping
- Vintage and thrift store hunting
- Weekend nature escapes
- Home cooking and baking
The Future of Cottagecore
As cottagecore continues to evolve, we're seeing:
- Greater emphasis on genuine sustainability
- Fusion with other aesthetics (dark cottagecore, cottagegore)
- More inclusive representation
- Real-world applications in sustainable living movements
Cottagecore offers an escape from modern pressures and a return to simpler pleasures. Whether you fully embrace the lifestyle or simply incorporate elements that resonate with you, cottagecore reminds us to slow down, create with our hands, and find beauty in the everyday.