The Cottagecore aesthetic has taken the world of interiors by storm, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia, comfort, and rustic charm. Rooted in a love for the simple and whimsical, this trend is about creating a home that feels both lived-in and deeply personal. One of the easiest ways to bring this look to life is through your choice of furniture and colour palette.
The beauty of the Cottagecore look is that you don’t need to have a period property to embrace it. Every home, even a new build, can incorporate elements of this enchanting, cottage-inspired style. By echoing classic and traditional home features and creating a cosy, homely space, we take a look at how you bring a touch of country cottage charm to your home.
1. Embrace earthy tones
Eloise sofa | Newton bookcase | Halo coffee table | Halo side table | Richmond desk | Yazmin rug
Given the intrinsic rural setting of English country cottages, a great way to recreate the look is by using natural, warm, and earthy tones. Think dusky pinks, russet browns, wheat yellows, and gorgeous natural greens. Decorating with earthy colours in the home not only brings a sense of ease and calm but also creates a feeling of homely contentment. We love the warm and inviting embrace of this colour-hugging pink living room, which evokes comfort and cosiness with a feminine touch.
Brindle double wardrobe | @edwardian_home_renovation
If you find these colours a tad too rich, opt for lighter shades of greige (grey and beige) and add pops of colour to layer and brighten the space.
2. Mix and match wood furniture
Richmond desk | Kingham chair | Eloise sofa
There’s certainly nothing pristine or overly coordinated about the cottagecore look. It’s all about mixing and matching by blending different styles of wood furniture, such as painted pieces combined with natural oak accents. Many of us who have collected a variety of pieces over the years may have already embraced the joy of eclectic furniture.
The sense of cohesion you’re looking for will come through when you add the finishing touches like this painted Richmond desk mixed with the natural wooden chair and vintage accessories.
3. Blend Old and New
Eloise sofa | Halo coffee table | Yazmin rug | Eloise armchair | Newton bookcase
Cottagecore thrives on the art of curation — blending antique finds with contemporary touches. A modern coffee table alongside a vintage-inspired rug creates both character and contrast. Stacked aged books beside contemporary artwork propped against the wall add layers of personality.
Embracing imperfection is key; well-loved ceramics, handwoven textiles, and mixed materials bring depth and warmth to the space.
4. Indulge in farmhouse silhouettes
Reflect the charm of the modern farmhouse with gorgeous, classic silhouettes. From traditional hallway units in the entranceway or boot room to beautiful country cottage kitchen dressers, weave the cottage feel into your home through the shape and style of your furniture choices.
5. Go wild with wood panelling
Panelling has soared in popularity over the past few years, becoming the go-to choice for refreshing interiors without a hefty price tag. It’s also a great option for renters looking for a temporary revamp, as it can be easily removed when moving house.
While it may seem like a new trend, panelling has been around for centuries. A blend between country cottage and manor house, panelling takes us back to the 17th century. Today, there are so many different styles to choose from, including modern twists that add a fresh touch to this timeless feature.
Learn how to add architectural character to your home including panelling ideas with experts, Skirtings R Us.
6. Live in full bloom
Burleigh bedside table | @thelightshesees
Perhaps the easiest element of the Cottagecore look that we can all take inspiration from is the use of fresh flowers. Reflect the countryside feel of the surrounding meadows with gorgeous floral delights in every corner. Fill your home with fresh, seasonal flowers and house plants across your main spaces — particularly the bedroom, kitchen-diner and living room for the greatest uplift.
7. Be bold with botanical prints
Burleigh side table | @our_wandsworth_home
Flowers aren’t limited to physical bouquets in classic country-inspired interiors. Consider wallpaper, wall art, and botanical-print fabrics for the ultimate cottage-style look. Go bold by mixing floral and foliage patterns, then soften the look with elegant, neutral furniture.
If big and bold isn’t your thing, simply add floral accents to your home through cushions, throws and paintings. We love the natural feel these blooms add to this classically styled living room.
8. Create a reading nook haven
Eloise armchair | Eloise sofa | Newton bookcase | Halo side table | Yazmin rug
A well-stocked bookcase filled with classic literature and well-loved novels adds the perfect touch of charm to any Cottagecore living room. Paired with an inviting armchair and soft lighting, it transforms into an idyllic retreat for tea-sipping and page-turning. Incorporate baskets for storing throws, a small side table like Halo for your cup of tea, and an oversized cushion for the ultimate cosy corner.
You should now be ready to embrace the country cottage dream! We’d love to see how you’ve styled this look in your own homes, so be sure to tag us on Instagram and use #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.
