But we won’t give away all the reasons why we think cottagecore bedrooms have got longevity – keep scrolling to discover the keys to this homey look, and how to copy it. Find more inspiration in our cottage decorating ideas picture gallery.
1. Coziness is key – but visual tricks help
Do you only have a small bedroom to work with? No problem. The great thing about the cottagecore trend is that it’s perfect for snug spaces. No matter how small your nook, simply add in some cozy mood lighting and lots of linens in earthy tones and you’ve hit the perfect note. Getting a bed made bespoke by a carpenter to fit a quirky alcove will make an adorable feature – just ensure you make space beneath it for useful, disguised storage. Here, the panelling of the bed frame echoes that of the panelling on the wall – the lines rising vertically create a neat visual trick of making the room look taller than it is.
2. They hit the trend for nostalgic prints
There is a definite shift towards using reinvented classics, such as country florals in our schemes in 2021, and cottagecore bedrooms are the perfect spaces to take advantage of this. Whether wall-to-wall or introduced through textiles, ‘using florals in your scheme will give you that quintessential cottage look,’ says Susie Watson (opens in new tab), founder of the eponymous homes brand, and we couldn’t agree more; romantic florals inspired by the English country garden are a mainstay of cottagecore style. ‘A more contemporary take would be to use pretty floral patterns but in muted shades and to not confine them just to the textiles,’ she says.
See: Cottagecore bathrooms – how to get the look in 5 easy steps
3. You can have a bed fit for a prince(ss)
No cottagecore bedroom is complete without a vintage-inspired bed, so it’s a chance to really indulge in something special. From wrought-iron dormitory-style and lavish four-posters to carved French wooden designs and headboards upholstered with romantic florals, a statement bed will bring that all-important focal point. For the ultimate romantic space you could even introduce a coronet (see below) – this is a great chance to add more layers, accent colors and patterns to your cottagecore bedroom, too. See: How to mix patterns in a room – an interior design masterclass
See: Cottage curtain ideas – inspiration for a pretty, cozy home
4. More is more
Is minimalism not your thing? Do you just love pretty things and struggle to curb the clutter? In cottagecore bedrooms there’s no need to hold back on the throws, cushions and frills. In fact, piling up the pillows and layering up linens in vintage-inspired fabrics is key to creating that quirky cottagecore bedroom. Mixing and matching plenty of frill-trimmed cushions with gingham linens and embroidered padded quilts, all from Projektityyny (opens in new tab), is guaranteed to bring chocolate-box charm. See: Frills and ruffles are the latest interiors trend for 2021 – and we’re on board
5. Cottagecore bedrooms are brimming with characterful features
Cottagecore bedrooms are all about celebrating those rustic and weathered surfaces, because who needs a feature wall when you have a room with beautiful original features? ‘Whether it’s exposed stone walls or beautifully worn wooden floorboards, preserving the period features that give cottages their unique charm is key to creating that cottagecore bedroom,’ says Melanie Griffiths, editor of H&G’s sister title, Period Living magazine.
See: 5 simple ways to create a cottagecore garden – embrace a wholesome country scheme
After all, there’s something quite magical about relaxing in the eaves gazing up at rustic beams. To make these features really shine, it’s worth considering a muted palette as Amber, Home Designer at Neptune (opens in new tab) Bath explains. ‘As spring is on the way, natural colors like pinks and greens, complement the light and contrast harmoniously against darker greys. Alternatively, an all-white look can go a long way in lifting the room to create a lighter space – our Grace scatter cushions (above) are perfect for adding a little texture.’
