What is cottagecore? The brand new trend sweeping social media this summer

Five tips on how to get the look at home

Forget Hygge and Lagom, cottagecore is the new trend bouncing around social media this summer. So we've rounded up a few cottagecore ideas to help you get the look in your own home.

Related: From green paint to velvet sofas - the top 10 home interior trends taking over Instagram

Before you sigh 'not another word', this new aesthetic could be the antidote we all need after the last six months. The new lifestyle trend emerged during lockdown as many of us rediscovered the comforts of home and embraced nature, whether that was gardening or baking bread.

Many Brits have become so taken with the idea of a country lifestyle, that Rightmove has seen a surge in the number of home hunters looking to relocate to villages.

What is cottagecore?

Simply put, cottagecore it is a trend that embraces simplicity and is about enjoying the comfort of being at home. This translates into a home aesthetic that has a cosy country feel.

It is all about being in tune with nature, and romanticising an agrarian lifestyle. Type 'cottagecore' into Instagram and you'll be met with over 500,000 posts of luscious gardens, cosy living rooms and a few floaty dresses.

small cottage set in woods with a green door and thatched roof

(Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes)

'The newly emerged cottagecore trend is a modern spin on the classic rustic countryside style,' explains Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager at LochAnna Kitchens. 'The trend pulls on classic and traditional influences, which is why we anticipate that the trend will be around for a while.'

If you are tempted by this new aesthetic trend,  here are a few cottagcore ideas to help you get the look in your home.

Cottagecore ideas

1. Stick to neutral and muted colours

cosy looking bedroom in cottage with neutral colours

(Image credit: Future Plc/Adam Carter)

'Simple elements such as neutral colours, muted tones and robust carpentry are sure-fire ways to bring the cottagecore look into our home,' says Sinead.

You can introduce a few pops of colour such as in this bedroom with a dusky pink blanket, and hints of navy blue. However, keep the shades subtle to create a peaceful country feel.

2. Opt for wood finishes

cottage hallway with rustic interior with flowers in vase on windowsill

(Image credit: Future Plc/Adam Carter)

This trend is all about getting embracing nature, making wooden furniture and home accessories a must. Think wooden stools, benches and surfaces.

If you don't want to shell out money on new wooden fixtures why not embrace the full cottagecore experience and make something yourself. You don't need to be a master carpenter. Why not try your hand at making a window seat or a coat rack, all you need is a few wooden pallets.

3. Create a reading corner

cottage living room with floral curtains and double doors leading to garden

(Image credit: Future Plc/Dan Duchars)

A reading nook is a must for this aesthetic. Opt for a comfy armchair in a space flooded with natural light. Stick to neutral shades such as beige and peaceful greens that will echo the outside space.

4. Embrace the cluttered look

kitchen in cottage with open shelving

(Image credit: Future Plc/Dan Duchars)

This is not a trend for minimalists. However, the clutter must be carefully curated.

Artfully pile up a stack of dog-eared books on the living room shelves. Or display crockery and cooking supplies on open shelves in the kitchen. But remember, your space should feel cosy, not messy.

5. Add colour to your garden

cottage gardens that are well maintained with a small chicken like bird walking on the grass

(Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes)

According to this trend, the only part of your home that should be bursting with colour is the garden. Create a modern cottage garden effect with Roses, Poppies, Foxglove, Cornflower and Helenium.

Related: Paula Sutton at Hill House Vintage shows us how to create the perfect country look

Will you be trying out this new trend?

Rebecca Knight
Deputy Editor, Digital

Rebecca Knight has been the Deputy Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2022. She graduated with a Masters degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London in 2018, before starting her journalism career as a staff writer on women's weekly magazines. She fell into the world of homes and interiors after joining the Ideal Home website team in 2019 as a Digital Writer. In 2020 she moved into position of Homes News Editor working across Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc and Ideal Home covering everything from the latest viral cleaning hack to the next big interior trend.