Why Cottagecore is the New Trend for a Cozy and Simple Life

We are a quarter of the way into the 21st century and just as the world feels more fractured and more online than ever before, here is some welcome news: put the kettle on, teapots are the new whimsy.

Cottagecore, popularised by celebrities like David Beckham, Harry Styles, and Taylor Swift, reflects a longing for simpler times and a desirability of domesticity. This trend has sparked a rise in demand for dado rails, ottomans, butter dishes, tablecloths, and stacks of firewood.

According to a survey, millennials are embracing cottagecore beyond aesthetics, returning to culinary basics and learning traditional skills, such as cooking from scratch and baking. The survey conducted by B&Q among 2000 individuals aged 29 to 44 reveals that this generation desires to enjoy their homemade Victoria sponge on an eco-friendly lace doily, while still relying on modern conveniences like air fryers, USB plugs, and milk frothers.

Tori Summers, B&Q’s kitchen showrooms director, states, “The resurgence of the retro farmhouse aesthetic reflects a desire for comfort and timeless design in our homes.” The kitchen, often the central place for socialising, should reflect personalities and be welcoming to guests.

The New York Times has explored the concept of cottagecore in relation to other aesthetics such as grandmacore, faeriecore, farmcore, and goblincore, all of which express a desire to escape the current world.

This trend represents an obvious backlash to hustle culture, offering a soothing escape through the enjoyment of life’s mundane tasks. Kai Chow, a creative director, notes that people want to be closer to nature, making bringing the outdoors indoors a significant trend in interior design.

Interestingly, the trend is transcending generations; the Edinburgh University Students’ Association even created a cottagecore guide for new students, featuring a Craft and Sewing Society taster session and a tea quiz, likely served with charming teapots.