Cottagecore Design
The term “cottagecore design” has risen by 100% since November 2025, with the term “cottagecore” itself now getting nearly 10,000 searches (9,900), according to Traditional Beams.
Cottagecore refers to an aesthetic that romanticises simple, rural and sustainable living, popularised on platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok, and embraces a cosy and pastoral lifestyle.
However, while the trend is on its way up, many Brits are looking for ways to incorporate “cottagecore” into their own homes. Interior expert, Katie Malik, interior designer who established her own studio in 2014 , discusses five ways to bring the trend to your own home, without going overboard on costs.
Start with the one ‘hero’ material – don’t mix!
“Cottagecore is about adding warmth and texture to your home, but a big mistake people do is trying to combine a lot of materials all at once; wood, rattan, florals, stone and so on.
Pick one material that you love and build your living room around it. For most homes, that’s usually wood, looking at things like shelves, a wooden table and beams above the fireplace. Once you’ve picked your hero material, you can keep everything else fairly simple.”
Add character with timber – but keep it believable!
“Nothing screams cottagecore and comfort than exposed timber, but it needs to suit the room and aesthetic.
Go for lighter tones, softer finishes and the right scale. If you have a newer home, beams can be a subtle way to add character, rather than trying to pretend that it’s a quaint, old cottage.”
Use ‘soft layering’ to make it cosy without spending a lot of £££!
“Cottagecore isn’t about spending a lot and buying expensive furniture, but it’s more about how the space feels. Soft furnishings are the quickest and cheapest way to add cottagecore to your home.
Some examples might be to incorporate a textured throw, a simple wool rug for the floor, cushions in muted and neutral tones. These are some basic ideas to incorporate cosyness and cottagecore.”
Swap harsh lighting for low-level lights
“If you want to start simple and build it up, start with the lighting. Cottagecore should be warm and gentle, but most homes in the UK are lit bright, a bit like a supermarket.
Swap some of your bulbs for warmer bulbs, so they’re not bright white. If you’re someone that uses the ‘big light’ in the living room, invest in a table lamp or reading light, so the room is a bit dimmer too. Honestly, the lighting makes all the difference!”
Bring in vintage touches, but don’t go overboard
“You don’t need to fully redecorate your home to incorporate ‘cottagecore’. A few vintage-style pieces here and there will completely change the aesthetic of the room, making it feel more lived-in and authentic.
Some examples of types of furniture to incorporate may include vintage prints, ceramics, a second-hand mirror or even a cute little wooden stool. Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for cheap bits like this!”
Katie adds:
“Ultimately, cottagecore is about slowing down and being more intentional with your space. Sustainable mindset is really at the heart of what makes cottagecore feel so authentic and meaningful. You’re not just decorating, you’re creating a home that reflects a gentler, more thoughtful way of living.”
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