Move Over Farmhouse Decor and Say Hello to Cottagecore

Move Over Farmhouse Decor and Say Hello to Cottagecore

Whether or not you personally pay attention to or follow the latest design trends, as a homeowner it pays to stay in the know on what the popular fads are so that when it comes time to buy or sell a home, you can keep in mind what the masses are drawn to for your own resale value. Or, if eschewing trends altogether is more your speed– what trends you may want to avoid chasing. Farmhouse style in its most basic iteration has been around as long as actual farmhouses have been a thing– so for centuries. However, in recent years, 2013 to be exact, Joanna Gaines of the “Chip and Jo” HGTV “Fixer Upper,” now Magnolia empire was one of the first public personas to really emphasize what is now known as Farmhouse decor. Homes that have followed this trend were designing homes and decorating spaces with exposed wood, neutral color pallets, vintage and antique accent pieces, exposing or recreating shiplap or paneling, hanging sliding barn doors, using reclaimed wood, and showcasing kitchen items on open shelving. Not only did this look take off, due in part, to the influence of designers like Joanna Gaines, Pinterest, and big box stores like Target carrying accessibly priced items, but it seems that for many, the look has stuck around for now, going on a decade. This style lends itself to comfort and functionality no matter the age or layout of a home, so it is easy to understand its popularity. Is Farmhouse style here to stay or is there a newer trend on the horizon threatening to take its place as the up-and-coming movement in home style and decor? Is it goodbye Farmhouse and hello Cottagecore? Like Farmhouse design and decor influences, Cottagecore encompasses more than just decor. It is a home and personal style, wildly popular on Instagram, TikTok, and has even been mentioned by more seasoned and revered publications like Architectural Digest. In fact, it was Architectural Digest that mentioned Cottagecore as a “budding” trend back in 2019 and since 2020, post-pandemic, considers it a “blooming trend.” What is with all of the flowery language you might wonder? Cottagecore is defined as a more simple, sustainable way of living in your home that harkens back to agricultural life with nods to traditional English countryside style that is romantic and nostalgic. Think floral prints featured in wallpaper and window treatments. Where Farmhouse had an almost whitewashed, overly neutral palette, Cottagecore focuses on a mixture of colors and textures. Natural colors, neutral colors, and warm tones are all the rage along with displaying vintage books, dishware, natural elements like baskets, all wood furniture, and layered surfaces. Another key feature of Cottagecore is found in its attempt to hide technology elements through the use of weathered and well-used items. The key here is quiet comfort so keeping the physical clutter of tech from being out in the open is vital. Perhaps you find yourself looking to redecorate or renovate your current home or simply want to add some touches to help stage your home for a quick sale. Keep in mind that whichever design choices you make, whether Farmhouse, Cottagecore, or something more personalized and not currently trending but truly what you love, having your home show well can be achieved in many ways. Home design trends can be difficult to keep up with as they are changing more quickly over time than they ever have before. Most experts agree that as trends come and go, what should remain is your own appreciation for your home and your own personal style.