Cottagecore, with its charming rural and vintage-inspired appeal, captivated social media a couple of years ago and hasn’t let go since. Defined by its nostalgia, simplicity, and warmth, this decor trend draws people in with its cozy, rustic feel. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a beautiful cottagecore-inspired space.
With spring around the corner, cottagecore is poised to grow even more popular as we look to bring the fresh essence of nature into our homes. “As the new season arrives, people want to soften their spaces and bring in that hint of nature,” explains Nick Drewe, a trend expert at Wethrift. “Expect to see an increase in floral prints, dried flowers, vintage art, and nature-themed designs.”
How to Create a Cottagecore Room on a Budget
Embracing cottagecore doesn’t mean overhauling your entire space or breaking the bank. This rustic, vintage aesthetic is easy to achieve on any budget. Here are our top tips for curating a charming cottagecore room.
1. Shop for Vintage and Secondhand Treasures
One of the easiest ways to create a cottagecore room on a budget is by browsing local markets, thrift shops, and online marketplaces. “Antique markets and platforms like Etsy and eBay are fantastic for finding unique, vintage pieces that capture the essence of cottagecore,” shares Jeanette Hudson, Sofa Expert at Online Sofa Shop. Look for furniture and decor with character—think gently worn wood, faded finishes, or quirky, one-of-a-kind finds.
2. Use Wicker Baskets for Rustic Storage
Wicker baskets are a cottagecore essential and can be used as storage or decor, instantly adding a rustic touch to any room. Hobbycraft and IKEA offer affordable options but keep an eye on thrift shops or freecycle sites like Olio for more budget-friendly finds. Stack baskets for storage, place them on shelves or tuck them under tables to achieve a cozy, cottage-inspired look.
3. Blend Old and New Elements
The beauty of cottagecore is its eclectic, mismatched charm. “You don’t need everything to match perfectly,” says Andrea Waters, Marketing Director at Portmeirion and Spode. “Mixing textures, patterns, and styles creates a visually interesting, memorable space.” For example, pair jute placemats with gingham tablecloths and add wildflower-themed tableware to create an inviting, nature-inspired table setting.
4. Embrace Dried Flowers for Long-Lasting Charm
Fresh flowers are lovely, but dried flowers bring a timeless, rustic quality to any space. “Drying flowers is a fantastic way to add texture and a hint of nostalgia,” explains Catharina Björkman, Interiors Expert at Contura. Hang flowers upside down in a cool, dry space for a week, then display them in a vase or scatter the dried heads in a glass bowl for a modern, minimalist touch.
5. Frame Wallpaper Samples for Budget-Friendly Art
Wallpaper can be costly, but you can capture the cottagecore vibe by framing a wallpaper sample or papering just one accent wall. Suzi Samaddar from furn.com suggests “opting for floral or woodland-themed samples to create unique art pieces without the expense of covering an entire wall.” This hack adds personality to your space while sticking to your budget.
6. Add Pops of Color with Sample Pots
Want to try the soft greens, blushes, and blues popular in cottagecore? Start small with a sample pot. Paint old furniture, frames, or even a small wall section. These subtle hues brighten and refresh a space, and a little paint can transform bookcases, cabinets, and drawers with minimal effort.
7. Swap Out Handles for a Vintage Look
Vintage handles are a simple way to elevate your furniture and add character. “Replacing cabinet handles with vintage or rustic styles is an easy, affordable DIY project,” suggests Rachel Binks, Stylist at Hillarys. Look for bundles of old-fashioned handles on Etsy, or eBay, or check your local hardware store for vintage-inspired designs.
8. Try DIY Crafts for a Unique Touch
Cottagecore embraces homemade touches, so unleash your inner crafter! Crocheted throws, embroidered pillows, or pressed flower frames all add unique character. If you’re feeling creative, try pressing flowers between crease-proof paper and placing them in a frame. Switch out the flowers each season for an ever-changing art display.
9. Curate an Artful Gallery Wall
Charity shops are full of framed prints, perfect for building a cozy gallery wall. Separate frames from prints, mix different frame sizes and finishes and create a cluttered, artful look. For that authentic cottagecore style, keep an eye out for fine art prints, nature scenes, and decorative frames.
FAQs About Cottagecore
Which Rooms Best Suit Cottagecore?
“Almost any room can be designed with cottagecore in mind, but living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms lend themselves to this aesthetic,” notes Marie Goodwin, Head Designer at Prestigious Textiles. Kitchens, in particular, shine with cottagecore elements like open shelving, utensil rails, and under-counter curtains, creating a cozy and functional heart of the home.
What Colors and Patterns Define Cottagecore?
“Floral prints, gingham, and countryside motifs are staples of the cottagecore style,” shares Debbie Leigh, Design Manager at ILIV. Floral patterns evoke a whimsical, romantic feel, while soft greens, blushes, and blues create a serene palette, reflecting the natural beauty that cottagecore celebrates.
Cottagecore offers an accessible, enchanting way to add warmth and charm to any room. Whether you’re adding a few vintage touches or going all-in with rustic decor, this style invites you to create a space filled with comfort, nature, and nostalgic appeal.
The post How To Create A Cottagecore Room On A Budget – 9 Inexpensive Ways To Get The Look appeared first on Design Your Dream Home.
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