Alright, so you’ve seen those dreamy photos on Instagram or Pinterest. You know the ones I’m talking about—soft sunlight streaming through a forest, a basket full of freshly picked flowers, someone in a flowy dress baking bread in a rustic kitchen. If you’re like me, you’ve probably thought, “Wow, that looks peaceful… but also, is this a thing?” Spoiler: yes, it’s a thing. It’s called cottagecore, and it’s not just an aesthetic—it’s a whole vibe.

I first stumbled into the world of cottagecore when I was doomscrolling one night (because who doesn’t), and I came across a photo of someone knitting by candlelight in what looked like a 19th-century cottage. My first thought was, “That looks cozy.” My second thought was, “But how do they charge their phone in there?” Fast forward a few months, and here I am, fully obsessed with this idea of slowing down, connecting with nature, and romanticizing the simple life.

Now, if you’re new to cottagecore and wondering where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you. This isn’t about uprooting your whole life or moving to the countryside (though, if you can, props to you). It’s about embracing little changes that bring some of that dreamy, rustic charm into your everyday life. Here’s the lowdown, from one newbie to another.

What Is Cottagecore, Really?

So, cottagecore is this aesthetic-slash-lifestyle that’s all about celebrating a slower, simpler way of living. Think of it as the opposite of hustle culture. It’s inspired by old-timey rural life—gardening, baking, sewing, foraging, all that good stuff—but with a modern twist. Like, you can still use Wi-Fi.

At its core (pun intended), it’s about finding joy in the little things: a warm loaf of bread you made from scratch, a walk in the woods, or even just sipping tea while wrapped in a cozy blanket. It’s kind of like pressing pause on the chaos of modern life and choosing to focus on what makes you feel peaceful and grounded.

Why Cottagecore Has Blown Up

I think cottagecore resonates with so many people because, let’s face it, life can be a lot. Between work stress, endless notifications, and the general madness of the world, it’s easy to feel burned out. Cottagecore offers an escape—a way to slow down and romanticize the mundane.

During the pandemic, when we were all stuck at home, a lot of people started baking bread, growing plants, or picking up hobbies like knitting. Cottagecore was suddenly everywhere because it gave people a way to feel productive but also calm. Even now, when life’s a little more “normal,” that desire to slow down hasn’t gone away.

How to Bring Cottagecore into Your Life

If this sounds like something you want to dip your toes into, here are some practical ways to get started. No, you don’t need to buy a thatched cottage or churn butter by hand (unless you really want to). Cottagecore is all about small, intentional changes. Let’s break it down.

1. Start with Simple Activities

Cottagecore is all about enjoying the process, not rushing to the finish line. Here are a few beginner-friendly activities to try:

• Baking Bread: I know, I know—everyone became a sourdough expert during lockdown. But honestly? There’s something magical about making bread from scratch. It doesn’t have to be perfect. My first loaf looked like a lumpy rock, but it tasted amazing.
• Gardening: You don’t need a backyard for this. Start with a windowsill herb garden (shoutout to my last blog) or a couple of potted plants. Watching something grow under your care is weirdly fulfilling.
• Crafting: Learn a hands-on skill like embroidery, knitting, or even candle-making. I tried embroidery once, and while my stitches were… let’s call them “abstract,” the process was super relaxing.
• Foraging: Okay, I haven’t done this yet because I’m terrified of accidentally eating something poisonous, but if you live near nature, this can be a fun, eco-friendly activity. Just, you know, do your research first.

2. Embrace Cozy Decor

Your space doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread to feel cottagecore. It’s more about creating a vibe than buying a ton of new stuff. Here are some easy tweaks:

• Add soft, natural textures like wool blankets, linen curtains, or a jute rug.
• Display books, plants, or handmade items—things that feel personal and cozy.
• Use warm lighting. String lights or candles can instantly make a room feel magical. (Just don’t leave candles unattended. We’re going for cozy, not chaos.)

Pro Tip: Thrift stores are your best friend. They’re full of vintage treasures that fit the cottagecore aesthetic without breaking the bank.

3. Bring Nature Inside

This one’s a biggie. Cottagecore is all about connecting with the natural world. You don’t have to live near a forest or a meadow to get started, though.

• Go for a walk in a park. Take your time. Notice the trees, the birds, the way the air smells.
• Bring nature inside. Fresh flowers, dried herbs, or even a jar of pinecones can add a little rustic charm to your space.
• Start a nature journal. Jot down what you see, sketch a leaf, or press a flower between the pages.

4. Learn to Romanticize Your Life

This one’s more of a mindset shift. Cottagecore is about finding beauty in the everyday, even the boring stuff. Brew your morning coffee like it’s an art form. Light a candle while you read. Put on some soft music while you fold laundry.

I’m not saying life will magically turn into a fairytale, but these little moments can make a big difference.

5. Don’t Stress About “Doing It Right”

Here’s the thing: cottagecore isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a life that feels good to you. My first attempt at baking bread? Burnt. My first garden? Half the plants died because I forgot to water them. But you know what? That’s part of the charm.

Your cottagecore journey doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board. It can be messy, imperfect, and uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

Cottagecore isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s a way of slowing down and appreciating the little things in life. Whether you’re baking bread, growing a plant, or just sitting by a window with a good book, it’s about creating moments of peace in a chaotic world.

So, if you’re feeling drawn to this dreamy lifestyle, go for it. Start small. Try one thing. See how it feels. Who knows? Maybe that loaf of bread or those thrifted curtains will be the start of something that brings you a little extra joy.

And hey, if nothing else, you’ll have a killer Instagram photo to show for it.