When we think of Cottagecore, it’s easy to picture a dreamy countryside life: sprawling gardens, cozy cottages, chickens clucking in the yard. But here’s the thing—most of us don’t live that life. We live in apartments, condos, or busy city neighborhoods. We juggle demanding jobs, long commutes, and the endless hustle of urban living. 

For a while, I thought Cottagecore wasn’t for me either. I mean, where was I going to grow my vegetable garden—on my fire escape? But as I started exploring the philosophy behind Cottagecore, I realized it’s not about where you live. It’s about how you live. 

You don’t need acres of land or endless free time to embrace the Cottagecore lifestyle. You just need a willingness to slow down, savor the present, and incorporate small, intentional changes into your daily routine. If you’re a busy professional or an urban dweller like me, here’s how you can bring a little Cottagecore magic into your life—no matter where you live. 

Start With What You’ve Got 

The first thing I had to accept is this: I wasn’t going to wake up one day with a sprawling farmhouse and a willow tree in the backyard (at least not yet). For now, my reality was a one-bedroom apartment with zero outdoor space and a schedule that didn’t exactly scream “leisurely afternoons.” 

So, I started small. Instead of dreaming about what I didn’t have, I focused on what I could do. I added a few potted plants to my windowsill. I swapped my harsh LED lightbulbs for softer, warmer ones. I decluttered my space a little at a time, creating a cozier, more intentional vibe in my home. 

It’s funny how these small changes snowball. Before I knew it, my apartment felt less like a place to crash after work and more like a sanctuary. And that’s exactly the point of Cottagecore—it’s not about where you are, but how you feel. 

Create Micro-Moments of Peace 

One of the biggest myths about Cottagecore is that it requires hours of free time. Sure, I’d love to spend an entire Sunday baking pies and arranging wildflowers, but let’s be real—that rarely happens. Instead, I’ve learned to look for “micro-moments” throughout my day. 

Here’s what that can look like: 

• Morning rituals: Instead of rushing out the door with a to-go coffee, I started waking up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy my coffee in an actual mug. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, just because it feels extra cozy. 
• Lunchtime resets: During my lunch break, I try to step outside—even if it’s just for five minutes. I find a quiet spot (or as quiet as it gets in the city) and let myself breathe. No phone, no emails—just me and the fresh air. 
• Evening wind-downs: Before bed, I light a candle or turn on fairy lights, make a cup of herbal tea, and read something that isn’t work-related. It’s a small act, but it helps me transition from the chaos of the day to a more peaceful state of mind. 

These moments don’t take much time, but they make a big difference. It’s about finding ways to bring slowness and mindfulness into your routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. 

Bring Nature Indoors 

If you don’t have access to a garden, don’t worry—you can still incorporate nature into your life. Plants are the easiest way to do this, and trust me, you don’t need to be a plant expert to get started. 

I started with a single pothos plant (they’re basically indestructible, by the way). Now, I have a small collection of low-maintenance plants that thrive in my tiny apartment. Here are a few tips for urban plant parents: 

• Start small. Don’t overwhelm yourself by buying 10 plants at once. Stick to one or two and see how you do. 
• Choose easy plants. Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are great for beginners. They’re forgiving and don’t require a ton of sunlight. 
• Get creative with space. If you’re short on surface area, try hanging planters, wall-mounted shelves, or even a small vertical garden. 

If plants aren’t your thing, you can still bring nature indoors in other ways. Fresh flowers, dried bouquets, natural wood accents, or even a nature-inspired scent (hello, lavender essential oil) can transform your space. 

Simplify Your Cooking 

One of my favorite parts of Cottagecore is the emphasis on cooking simple, homemade meals. But let’s be honest—after a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where “lazy Cottagecore” comes in. 

Instead of complicated recipes, I focus on meals that are easy, comforting, and use fresh ingredients. Think roasted vegetables, hearty soups, or pasta with a simple garlic and olive oil sauce. I also started baking bread occasionally—not the super fancy kind, but an easy no-knead recipe that requires minimal effort. 

Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore. Put on some calming music, pour yourself a glass of wine (or tea), and make it an experience. Even something as simple as slicing fresh fruit and arranging it on a plate can feel indulgent if you let it. 

Disconnect to Reconnect 

I’ll admit, this one’s tough for me. As someone who’s glued to my phone for work and social media, unplugging feels almost impossible. But I’ve learned that even small breaks from technology can be incredibly refreshing. 

Here’s what works for me: 

• Tech-free mornings. I try not to check my phone for at least 30 minutes after waking up. Instead, I focus on enjoying my coffee, journaling, or just staring out the window (yes, that counts as productive). 
• Social media limits. I set boundaries for myself, like no scrolling during meals or before bed. 
• Screen-free hobbies. Whether it’s reading, crafting, or experimenting with a new recipe, I try to spend at least part of my evening doing something that doesn’t involve a screen. 

These breaks help me feel more present and less overwhelmed. And honestly, the world feels a little less chaotic when you’re not constantly bombarded with notifications. 

Embrace the Beauty of “Good Enough” 

Here’s the thing about Cottagecore: it’s not about perfection. You don’t need the Pinterest-perfect aesthetic or a meticulously curated lifestyle to feel its benefits. 

For me, it’s been about letting go of the pressure to do everything “right.” My plants aren’t always thriving, my bread doesn’t always rise, and some days I’m too tired to do anything remotely Cottagecore. And that’s okay. 

The beauty of this lifestyle is that it meets you where you are. Even the smallest effort—a single candle, a quiet moment, a cup of tea—can be enough. 

Final Thoughts 

Cottagecore isn’t just for people with rustic cottages and endless free time. It’s a mindset—a way of finding peace and beauty in the chaos of daily life. For busy urban dwellers and professionals, it’s about creating small, meaningful moments that bring joy and calm to your routine. 

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, start small. Add a plant to your windowsill. Take your coffee in a real mug. Light a candle and let yourself breathe. 

You don’t need a countryside escape to live intentionally. You just need a willingness to slow down, savor the present, and embrace the magic of your everyday life. 

Because the truth is, Cottagecore isn’t about where you live. It’s about how you feel. And even in the busiest of cities, you can find a little slice of calm. 

Let’s make this work—one cozy, tiny step at a time.