What is ‘Cottagecore’ and why is this interior design trend so ‘HOT’?

What is 'Cottagecore' and Why is this Interior Design Trend so Hot?

Locations agents know how staging and interior design can make a huge difference when marketing a home or condo. From selling quickly to getting the best possible price, interior design that showcases the right trends for a home is key.

One of the biggest trends in the 2020 interior design world is 'Cottagecore' and, yes, you can blame Taylor Swift.

What is 'Cottagecore'?

Ok, we are totally joking about Taylor Swift. She is an amazing artist/songwriter/entertainer and all-round cool person. We LOVE her new album “Folklore” that was just released this year, and that ties into the whole Cottagecore craze!

 Let’s define the Cottagecore look. In a nutshell, the Cottagecore trend is everything that is part of a fairy-tale life in a cottage. When it comes to interior design, think floral prints and plants, a lot of plants. Knitting and baking, along with traditional skills and at-home crafts. These are all activities that have become hugely popular during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020.

Enter Taylor Swift, who having already sold over 50 million albums and 150 million singles worldwide, released her eighth studio album Folklore in July. As one the best-selling music artist of all time, the album and its lead single, "Cardigan," quickly made Swift the first artist to have an album and a single debut at number one on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 simultaneously. The album and music videos show the pop star shedding her trademark lipsticked glamour for a new look that romanticizes the rural ‘Cottagecore’ lifestyle.

Again, think sourdough bread, open grass fields with fresh flowers, homegrown produce, baking pies and rustic cottages. Check out Taylor Swift Music video right here!

If you have scrolled through social media during the pandemic lockdown, you have probably seen the hashtag #cottagecore, as people who are stuck at home are embracing this lifestyle trend that is all about comfort and coziness to create a relaxing environment…like a cottage. These trends have now transferred to the real estate market and have become hugely popular and desirable for real estate buyers now. Mahalo, Tay Tay!

How to incorporate 'Cottagecore' into your home or listing

No matter how big or small your space is, this dreamy, countryside look is totally achievable.

Paint

One of the first things we think about when we consider home improvements is painting! Soft, whimsical colors such as lavender, baby pink or beige are ideal if you want to add a fresh touch of romance to any room. Your feature color will set the tone for the space, so choose wisely! If you are not a fan of whites or creams, go for a “greige” or even a warm biscuit to add some spice to the space.

Vintage Items

Ok, vintage does not mean OLD, but a lot of items around the house or garage can be used to create this look. Cottagecore is really about showcasing practicality. So, use wooden crates to store and display your shoes or slippers. Make sure to place some plants or vintage items on top for added depth of character.

DIY Items

Cottagecore is all about showcasing DIY projects that you do at home (which a lot of people are doing in 2020). It’s also all about autumn vibes (think Starbucks Pumpkin Spice lattes and cozy throws).

Here are some great examples of some easy do-it-yourself projects you can do at home, from the DIY Man himself Bob Villa!

Think ceramic teapots and plates, along with rustic tablecloths for the dinner table. Old books and nostalgia items are back in style again, so clear out your storage locker.

Cottagecore combines the practical elements of rural life with a dreamy, inviting ambience. There are plenty of articles and social media posts on how to capture this look (search #cottagecore to get inspired). There is no wrong way to make your home or listing a bit dreamier, so put on some music, find that old vase and get to going! To learn more about this design style, listen to National Public Radio’s quick dive into Cottagecore in this radio interview.