cOne of the many things fueling the recent re-advent of cottagecore decor is the oversaturation of all things digital. People carry mini computers in their pockets that can do everything from telling the time to directions to how-to videos. Lives are caught up in the digital. So it’s no surprise that many people want to escape the digital age and get away to a more simplistic lifestyle that includes rustic living, creating a deep sense of nostalgia for what was, a cozy and warm surrounding, as well as homemade products and art.
A Response to Hustle Culture
Our current culture isn’t just about the digital age, but hustle culture, which is defined as constant productivity, long work hours, and the pressures to be connected in every way possible. Hustle to get here, hustle to get there. Hustle to work. Hustle at work. Hustle home. Hustle through dinner. Hustle through everything.
“Life can feel like a grind, and the way we decorate our homes and make them feel comfortable can be an escape from that. Cottagecore is the ultimate escape. Because it feels so nostalgic and comforting. It emphasizes taking things slow, small moments, and doing things with care,” explains Ariel from Recollections.
Cottagecore is all about the homemade, the muted colors, the natural, and the humble living outside of the chaos.
A Rejection of the Digital Aesthetic
Although there’s no full escape from the digital age, many people don’t want to constantly be surrounded by it and have to interact with it on a daily or hourly basis. This leads to the desire for a more vintage lifestyle with soft and calm elements.
Today’s modern city aesthetics include a lot of grays and very little in terms of form, but rather function. Cottagecore decor is a call back to form and function both in view. Floral wallpaper, puffy furniture, homemade artwork, mismatched textures and patterns all are a protest to modern aesthetics.
The Influence of Pop Culture
Of course, pop culture has everything to do with the re-advent of this design style. Many are returning to period dramas that harken to a simpler, more cozy lifestyle. Think of the popularity of films and books like Pride & Prejudice.
Instagram and TikTok have also increased popularity, with celebrities and influencers showing off their cottagecore getaways.
The Return of Vintage Trends
Every generation looks back and reapplies old aesthetics and lifestyles. The modern generation, for a variety of reasons, is looking for an escape of sorts, even if it’s just in the design style of a home’s interior.
When times of uncertainty hit, people look back to find comfort. Cottagecore is the ultimate aesthetic that achieves this feel.
Aesthetic and Lifestyle
Cottagecore on the surface is a decor style, but it goes to the heart of something else entirely. The core of it is a desire and a longing for something simpler and easier. Something that makes sense. A warm and cozy home that surrounds the person and shelters them from the chaos outside.
For those looking to bring a touch of this charm into their homes, exploring cottagecore decor is the perfect place to start.
