We’re lumber experts, so of course we’re fans of interior design. Nothing completes a room better than some vintage wood and the right decor to go along with it. Today, we’re bringing two of our favorite things together—reclaimed wood and cottagecore interior design—to give you creative ideas for achieving this style in your home.
What is Cottagecore?
Cottagecore is a movement and aesthetic that goes hand-in-hand with nature. Picture the countryside, with flower fields, rolling hills, fresh fruit, and maybe a chicken here or there. This is the feeling that cottagecore evokes. There is a focus on simplicity and sustainability, with visual elements reminiscent of the English countryside.
The word “cottagecore” first appeared on the internet in 2017, but it gained popularity two years later through TikTok. Before long, social media platforms became saturated with photos and videos about this style. But that was only the beginning.
In 2020, the pandemic hit, and this aesthetic took off even more. With everyone spending all their time at home, people turned to more domestic interests like baking, gardening, knitting, and embroidery. These activities embody the cottagecore movement, which romanticizes rural living and a simple lifestyle.
Nowadays, there are over 1.8 million videos on TikTok with the hashtag cottagecore, and that number continues to grow every day. Almost anything can fall into the cottagecore aesthetic: fashion, interior design, decor, hobbies, and even your values. Some of the visual characteristics of this style include:
- Florals
- Warm, muted colors
- Vintage items
- Shades of green
- Wooden furniture
- Lots of layers and textures
- Coziness
- Femininity
- A thrifted feel
- Fairytale cottage charm
- Romantic and nostalgic elements
But where does reclaimed wood fit into cottagecore interior design? Everywhere.
Wood abounds in cottagecore decor, from floors and furniture to knick-knacks and picture frames. Cottagecore embraces an older, slower pace of life. And nothing represents that better than vintage lumber. Wood with a story and a beautifully aged patina fits in perfectly with any cottage-themed home.
Easy Cottagecore Interior Design Additions
Thankfully, turning your home into a cottagecore dream is simple. Most items are easily accessible and all it takes is a vision and an eye for design.
The first step is adding small pops of color. Don’t be afraid to move away from neutrals and incorporate shades of green, pale yellow, and light blue. This can be done with quilts, rugs, throw pillows, chairs, wall art, curtains, and so much more!
The next way you can enjoy cottagecore interior design is by adding fun accents to your home. Maybe you’re in the market for a unique live edge wood coffee table. Or maybe you have a crochet blanket you want to display. If you’re not sure where to start, pick a wall and see how you can make it stand out. Here are some ideas:
- Decorate with floral wallpaper
- Create a nature-inspired gallery wall
- Add barn wood paneling.
Another simple idea is to bring the outdoors, in. Liven up the place with bouquets, dried flowers and herbs, houseplants, and fruit baskets. Open the windows to bathe your home in golden light.
Enhance your accessories with our hand-forged iron products! Our team can make one-of-a-kind handrails, brackets, cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and other decorative elements to give your space a custom, rustic feel.
In everything you decorate, remember to embrace the patina. Cottagecore calls for items with a story, so the aged patina should be front and center. In the same vein, try to accept the messiness. Cottagecore isn’t about having a perfect, polished home. It should look and feel lived in, which might mean a little clutter.
Lastly, shop reclaimed! The best way to decorate in a cottagecore interior design style is to get thrifty. Buy things used, search for vintage pieces, and shop reclaimed wood that has a sense of history. There are treasures at every flea market if you keep your eyes peeled.
Explore Our Reclaimed Treasures
Cottagecore Meets Reclaimed Wood
Take your love of cottagecore to the next level with reclaimed wood! Known for its unique beauty and unmatched charm, a bit of vintage lumber will enhance any cottagecore-inspired home.
1. Reclaimed Wood Floors
Our first recommendation is to install reclaimed wood floors! This will bring a warm and textured look to your home, perfect for a cottagecore aesthetic where imperfections add character. You can also consider a patchwork floor, mixing different colors and wood types for a unique combination that enhances the personality of any room.
2. Wall Paneling
Not ready to install a whole new floor? Salvaged lumber is perfect for wall paneling and can instantly transform your space with rustic charm. Give your home a cottagecore-style upgrade using old barn wood to create a warm, lived-in feel. You can also try wainscoting—a type of decorative paneling that covers the lower half of a wall—to add variation to your design.
3. Ceiling Features
Your ceilings can get in on this action, too. Use oak beams to transform the simplest space into somewhere cozy and inviting. You can also install ceiling paneling and other features for a creative finishing touch. Don’t underestimate the impact of a well-designed ceiling to elevate the look and feel of your home.
4. Kitchen Surfaces
Take vintage lumber to the kitchen and upgrade your island or countertop with our live edge wood slabs. Pair the natural wood with soft, pastel hues and delicate floral decor for a truly nostalgic feel. With a few thoughtful details, you’ll have a cottage-inspired kitchen that’s both functional and full of old-world charm.
5. Statement Accessories
Next, invest in some statement accessories. Swap out your regular coffee table or bathroom sink with a live edge wood version, or redo your cabinets with a bit more character. Install a reclaimed wood bench for some extra seating, or enhance your porch with vintage beam posts. And don’t forget your bedroom—pick out a vintage headboard or bed frame for a romantic retreat.
6. Wood Shelves
Whether you prefer built-in shelves or floating ones, reclaimed wood is the perfect choice to elevate your space. The natural imperfections and unique grain patterns create a sense of history, making each shelf a one-of-a-kind feature. Whether you’re styling a cozy living room, a farmhouse kitchen, or a cottagecore-style bedroom, these shelves have a place on the wall.
7. Mantels
Lastly, transform the look of your space with a reclaimed wood mantel. Picture it: a custom mantel hanging over your fireplace, serving as the focal point of your living room. Adorn it with plants, framed floral prints, vintage candles, and other cottagecore decor to give your space a quaint, homey feel.
Ready to add a few cottagecore interior design elements to your home? It starts with VWFI.