A Design Guide to Cottage Core Aesthetic

If your heart resonates with the essence of “Country Cottage,” you likely find joy in the natural beauty of rustic materials, playful colors, and a collection of cherished textiles that tell stories of whimsy and comfort.

Cottage core interiors is known for its coziness, charm, and simplicity. While Cottage Core nods to the English countryside, no matter where your home is located, you can infuse this aesthetic into your home to provide you that cozy country home feeling. This style is actually quite simple to create on your own!

As an interior designer known for my country home aesthetic, I personally love the perfectly imperfect nature of cottage style design. After living in the country for 10 years, I perfected the art of blending old with new and bridging the gap between past and present in interiors. When done correctly, this style creates a space that feels as if it were brought together over decades of collecting…but I will teach you how to do this effortlessly immediately.

Read below to learn exactly how to create the cottage core aesthetic in your home or apartment, and get my expert interior design tips with exact paint color recommendations and links to some of my favorite products!

Discovering Your Style: Country Cottage Core

At its heart, Country Cottage style focuses on a sense of coziness and timelessness. There is tranquility in cottage core because the style is layered and the more imperfect, the better.

This style originated in a more functional way, with agriculture, artisan crafts, and nostalgia at its heart. Simplicity is key in cottage core, as is bringing the functionality of the outdoors in.

Think: harvest baskets used as magazine holders, old brass hooks for hats and totes, and layers layers layers.

As you know, I travel overseas often for our design clients and retreats, and one of my favorite places in the world is the Cotswolds – which epitomizes country cottage charm.

Spending time overseas and experiencing the beauty and timeless charm of the English countryside has introduced me to the layered approach of cottage core. And personally, blending in a little bit of Provence and the French countryside…

The textures, colors, pattern, and collected pieces come together to create an incredibly welcoming space. A perfect blend of English cottage coziness and French countryside elegance.

Hallmark Design Elements of Cottage Core:

• Playful Colors (Yellow, Pink, and Blue!)
• Floral Patterns (Quilts, Pillows, and Bedding)
• Feminine Elements (Lace, Ruffles, and Trim)
• China, Silver, and Crystal
• Vintage Pieces & Flea Market Finds

Crafting a Quirky Palette

By now you understand that Country Cottage interiors feature colors and textures that are inspired by nature and nostalgia.

To achieve this in your own home: blend in artisan products, antiques, and floral patterns. Remember, not all floral patterns are the same – focus on English-inspired idyllic prints (like Laura Ashley or Chelsea Textiles).

The color palette of a country cottage home is equally as important as the pieces within. A common stumbling block that many home decorators face is identifying a consistent paint palette.

Many people think that all-white walls will create a blank canvas to build from, but this is counterintuitive to the cottage core style. I don’t mean to be harsh, but all white walls is really a cop-out. You can do better than that, I want more for you than white walls.

Instead, utilize a variety of colors to achieve a more elevated approach to country home style. Walls in shades of soft pastels like sage green, lavender, or buttery yellow, all evoke a sense of tranquility and cheerfulness which is paramount to country style.

These hues create a backdrop that complements your collection of vintage textiles and heirloom furniture, inviting a sense of comfort and familiarity into every corner.

The Best Paint Colors for Cottage Core Interiors

If you are struggling to find the best paint palette for your home, you’re not alone! There are endless shades to choose from and it can definitely feel overwhelming. Painting your home is not only a large investment, it’s also a big commitment, and you don’t want to get it wrong!

While it can feel easier to choose a white shade for your entire home, I want to help you find confidence in a color palette that suits your personal style and adds charm to your home. It’s easier than you think to blend colors throughout your home to create a space that feels more unique to you!

I remember when I first got started in design, I didn’t understand why people cared so much about paint color. I thought, “Just pick a white, why does it really matter?”

Oh how wrong I was!

Paint colors are a huge element of interior design, and when I started to elevate my design aesthetic and became a luxury interior designer serving clients globally, I have learned so much about color theory and the specific color palettes for the various design styles.

When it comes to paint colors, the Country Cottage style looks best with a varied palette that celebrates the beauty of imperfection.

Mix and match colors that resonate with the whimsical spirit of your home, creating a space that feels uniquely yours. A beautiful base white with warm undertones acts as a grounding element, providing a timeless foundation that ties together the eclectic mix of colors and textures.

Read More: How to Select the Perfect Paint Colors for Your Home

At Boxwood Avenue, our motto is “luxury in simplicity” so it’s no wonder we gravitate towards the beauty of country cottage interiors. Embracing the beauty of simplicity, celebrating the charm of vintage finds, and creating a space that feels effortlessly inviting.

How to Source Cottage Core Furniture (From an Interior Designer):

A common mistake people make when they are designing their spaces with the intent of cottage core is buying everything new.

Instead, integrate hand crafted pieces and vintage finds for a more layered and unique look. This is easily accomplished with textiles and vintage furniture. Select heirloom pieces for your home and go from there.

I know it may be simpler to buy a matching set or furniture that is intended to “look” old, but you will be so much happier with the space if you take your time to bring together a true collection of found pieces.

This will help create a home that tells a story and is reflective of your personal style. If you’re wondering where to start here is where I shop as an interior designer looking for the best cottage core pieces:

• Etsy: I LOVE Etsy as a designer, we source so many pieces from Etsy.
• Chairish & 1st Dibs: This route is a bit more expensive, but you’ll find thousands of amazing pieces on these sites. We source about 60% of our design projects here.
• Estate Sales: Don’t sleep on estate sales! There’s nothing better than sorting through someone’s treasured pieces. Yes, there can be a lot of not-so-great, but you can also find some incredible pieces. This is a great way to access high quality furniture at a lower price point.
• Antique Markets: The perfect way to spend a weekend morning! You can always find kitchenware, artwork, and often times great rugs and textiles at antique & flea markets.
• Traveling: I always try to pick up a piece of artwork or some sort of decor piece whenever I take a trip. This brings a piece of my travels home with me and is a great way to begin a curated collection in your home.
• Artisans: Instagram is a great place to find new artisans and local makers. Ceramics, lighting, and artwork are great options for this!

@lorenzocastillofe – shot by @ricardolabougle for @theworldofinteriors

Cottagecore Bedroom Inspiration

Carlos Garcia | Unknown | Unknown | Future/Brent Darby | Martin Morrell | Mulberry House

Cottagecore Living Room Inspiration

Simple elements to add to your home that will help you achieve the cottage core aesthetic:

• Beadboard or Millwork: Beadboard specifically is a great way to add country cottage style to your space. Especially when painted a beautiful color!
• Old Books & Gilt Mirrors: Start collecting old books each time you go to the antique mall, before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful library!
• Patterned Tile: Not the cement tile you see in modern farmhouse style, rather, hand painted and floral tiles. Country Floors is a great resource for this, as is Cle tile.
• Floral Textiles: I love using Laura Ashley, Chelsea Textiles, Michael Smith, and Bennison Fabrics.

Nancy Meyers Interiors | Lindsey Badenhop | Nancy Meyers Interiors

Cottagecore Bathroom Inspiration

Unknown | Unknown | The Millhouse Scullery

Cottagecore Kitchen Inspiration

Paul Massey | Design by Alice Grace Interiors | The Fox Group | Terretts Place | The Welsh House | The Cotes Mill Shaker Showroom