There’s something so comforting about cottagecore and farmhouse decor. Both styles celebrate simplicity, natural materials, and that lived-in, cozy feeling that makes a house feel like a real home. I’ve been incorporating elements of both aesthetics into my space, and it’s created this warm, welcoming atmosphere that I absolutely love.
While cottagecore and farmhouse styles have their differences, they share a lot of common ground. Let me share some ideas for bringing these rustic, charming aesthetics into your home.
Understanding the Styles
Cottagecore is romantic and whimsical, inspired by rural life and nature. Think English countryside cottages, wildflowers, vintage floral patterns, and handmade items. It’s soft, dreamy, and nostalgic.
Farmhouse style is more rustic and practical, inspired by working farms and country homes. It features distressed wood, neutral colors, functional pieces, and a mix of old and new. It’s grounded and unpretentious.
Both styles celebrate simple living, natural materials, and creating a cozy sanctuary away from the busy modern world.
Natural Wood Elements
Wood is essential to both aesthetics and brings warmth and texture to any space.
Furniture: Look for solid wood pieces with a worn, aged look. Farmhouse dining tables, wooden benches, rustic coffee tables, and vintage dressers all work beautifully.
Exposed beams: If you have exposed ceiling beams or can add faux beams, they create instant rustic charm.
Wood accents: Wooden cutting boards displayed in the kitchen, wooden bowls, picture frames, shelving, and decorative crates or boxes.
Reclaimed wood: Projects using reclaimed wood like accent walls, shelving, or furniture pieces add authentic character.
Choose light, natural wood tones for a brighter cottagecore feel, or darker, distressed wood for traditional farmhouse style.
Vintage and Antique Finds
Both styles embrace vintage items with history and character.
Thrift and antique shops: Hunt for vintage pitchers, old books, antique mirrors, weathered frames, and ceramic pieces.
Farmhouse sink: If you’re renovating, a deep apron-front farmhouse sink is iconic.
Vintage textiles: Old quilts, embroidered linens, lace doilies, and vintage tablecloths add softness and charm.
Antique tools and objects: Old milk jugs, vintage scales, wooden ladders, and farm tools can be displayed as decor.
The imperfections and patina of vintage items add to their appeal in these styles.
Floral and Botanical Elements
Flowers and plants are central to cottagecore and farmhouse aesthetics.
Fresh flowers: Keep fresh flowers in your home whenever possible. Wildflowers in mason jars epitomize cottagecore, while simple white flowers or cotton stems suit farmhouse style.
Dried flowers: Bundles of dried lavender, eucalyptus, wheat, or wildflowers hung or displayed in vases.
Botanical prints: Frame vintage botanical illustrations or pressed flowers.
Indoor plants: Potted herbs in the kitchen, ferns in hanging baskets, or simple houseplants in terracotta pots.
Floral patterns: Use floral fabrics for curtains, throw pillows, or upholstery, especially small ditsy prints for cottagecore.
Cozy Textiles and Layers
Both styles are all about comfort and coziness through textiles.
Linen and cotton: Natural fiber fabrics in curtains, bedding, and table linens. Look for soft, lived-in textures.
Quilts and blankets: Layer quilts on beds or drape knit blankets over chairs and sofas.
Throw pillows: Mix patterns like florals, checks, stripes, and solids in cream, white, and soft colors.
Area rugs: Natural fiber rugs like jute or sisal, vintage-style rugs, or braided rag rugs.
Ruffles and lace: Cottagecore especially loves feminine details like ruffled curtains, lace trim, and eyelet fabric.
The key is creating layers that invite you to curl up and get comfortable.
Neutral Color Palettes
Both aesthetics favor soft, natural color schemes.
Base colors: White, cream, beige, soft gray, and warm taupe create a calm foundation.
Accent colors: Soft sage green, dusty blue, muted yellow, blush pink, and warm terracotta add gentle color without overwhelming.
Wood tones: Natural wood colors in various shades add warmth.
Cottagecore can incorporate more pastels and romantic colors, while farmhouse tends to stay more neutral with occasional black accents.
Open Shelving and Display
Both styles love showing off pretty, functional items.
Kitchen shelving: Open shelves displaying dishes, glassware, and everyday items create an accessible, lived-in feeling.
Plate walls: Hang a collection of vintage plates or pretty dishes on the wall.
Collections displayed: Show off ironstone pitchers, vintage bottles, pottery, or any collection you love.
Glass-front cabinets: If you have them, use them to display your prettiest dishes and glassware.
The idea is that functional items can be beautiful, so why hide them away?
Farmhouse Table and Dining Areas
The dining table is often the heart of farmhouse and cottagecore homes.
Large wooden table: A substantial farmhouse table with room for gathering is ideal. Distressed or rustic finishes add character.
Mismatched chairs: Mixing different wooden chairs around the table creates an collected-over-time feel.
Simple table settings: White dishes, linen napkins, simple glassware, and fresh flowers create a welcoming table.
Bench seating: Add a wooden bench on one side of the table for casual, family-style dining.
Cottage Kitchen Elements
The kitchen is a great place to embrace these aesthetics.
Butcher block counters: Warm wood countertops fit both styles perfectly.
Vintage appliances: If possible, choose appliances in retro styles or colors like cream or soft mint.
Apron-front sink: The classic farmhouse sink is both beautiful and practical.
Open shelving: Display dishes, glassware, and pretty kitchen items.
Vintage kitchen tools: Wooden spoons, rolling pins, and copper pots can hang on walls or sit in crocks on the counter.
Glass canisters: Store dry goods in clear glass jars for a pretty, functional display.
Cozy Bedroom Retreat
Create a restful bedroom with these elements.
Iron or wooden bed frame: Simple, traditional bed frames in white iron or natural wood.
Layered bedding: White or cream base with quilts, knit blankets, and plenty of pillows.
Bedside tables: Vintage nightstands or simple wooden tables.
Soft lighting: Table lamps with fabric shades, string lights, or candles.
Floral bedding: For cottagecore, floral duvet covers or pillowcases add romance.
Natural materials: Woven baskets for storage, linen curtains, and wood accents throughout.
Living Room Comfort
Make your living area inviting and comfortable.
Comfortable seating: Slipcovered sofas in white or cream, or vintage upholstered furniture.
Coffee table: A rustic wooden coffee table, vintage trunk, or simple wooden bench.
Cozy throws: Drape knit or quilted throws over furniture.
Fireplace focus: If you have a fireplace, make it the room’s focal point with a simple wooden mantel.
Natural accents: Woven baskets, wooden bowls, and ceramic vases add texture.
Garden-Inspired Details
Bring the garden inside with these touches.
Windowsill herbs: Grow herbs in small pots on kitchen windowsills.
Garden tools as decor: Vintage watering cans, baskets, or small garden tools can be decorative.
Seed packets: Frame vintage seed packets or display them in small baskets.
Vegetable displays: In season, display fresh produce in bowls or baskets as decor.
Handmade and DIY Elements
Both aesthetics appreciate handcrafted items.
Handmade pottery: Display ceramic pieces, especially in neutral tones or soft glazes.
Knit or crochet items: Handmade blankets, cushion covers, or wall hangings.
Preserved foods: If you make jams or pickles, display them in pretty jars.
Crafted items: Anything you’ve made yourself—embroidery, pressed flower art, or painted signs.
The handmade quality adds authenticity and personal meaning.
Simple Window Treatments
Windows should let in plenty of natural light while maintaining softness.
Simple curtains: White or cream linen or cotton curtains, often just panels without heavy treatments.
Cafe curtains: Short curtains covering just the bottom half of windows, especially in kitchens.
Minimal hardware: Simple wooden or metal rods rather than elaborate fixtures.
Natural light: Embrace natural light and keep treatments light and airy.
Bringing It All Together
You don’t need to choose strictly cottagecore or farmhouse—many people blend elements of both. The key is creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and connected to simpler times and natural beauty.
Start with what you have. Paint furniture in soft colors, add some vintage finds, bring in natural elements, and layer cozy textiles. These styles are about creating a feeling rather than buying specific pieces.
Focus on natural materials, comfort, and items with character or history. Create a space that invites you to slow down, enjoy simple pleasures, and feel truly at home.