If you’re not familiar with the term “cottagecore”, don’t be surprised. It’s a relatively new (new-ish, at least) word to many of us, and it’s taken social media by storm over the past few years. But the sentiment behind the concept and the visual appeal of cottagecore decor is actually quite familiar.
What is Cottagecore Decor?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The concept of cottagecore is effectively the antithesis of today’s work-hustle, plugged-in, online-all-the-time culture. It embodies a simpler approach to life, filled with gardening, baking, walking through the forest, reading a good book, and disconnecting from modern day conveniences. Of course, doing this while taking photos of this “unplugged” life and posting them on social media. But, irony aside, the idea of cottagecore decor is cozy and quaint- filling your home with vintage treasures, natural textures, and dusty pastels and Earth tones. It also romanticizes pastoral, rural, or nature-inspired living, bringing elements of an outdoor life indoors.
The bottom line is that if you love vintage or cottage-style decorating, then you’ll probably be a fan of the cottagecore aesthetic. And here are some upcycling ideas to help you bring that look into your own home without breaking the bank.
Crafting with Pressed Flowers
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Whether you press your own or buy them pre-dried, pressed flowers are really having a moment. They’re fun to add to any number of projects, but this upcycled candle holder is definitely one of my favorites.
Nature-Inspired Wall Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you want to create your own garden-inspired prints, this idea might be just the ticket. Fern stencils were used on vintage woven mats for a double dose of botanical splendor- nature on nature, if you will. The woven palm mats give this idea for wall art a textured, interesting look that is definitely an inspired approach to cottagecore decorating.
Enchanted Forest Wreath
Image credit: The Navage Patch.
The cottagecore decor trend has everyone looking for mushroom and forest-inspired decor, and for good reason. Look how magical this natural wreath is! Like an enchanted forest floor that’s inhabited by sprites and fairies, waiting to greet you every time you come home.
Floral Shower Curtain
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage + florals + upcycling adds up to a perfectly cottagecore project with this DIY shower curtain from a vintage bed sheet. And while you’ll still need a plastic liner as well, it’s a remarkably easy sewing project that also allows you to practice your buttonhole-making skills, too.
For the Love of Bees
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Leaning into the cottagecore aesthetic means adding natural textures to your home. Combining those textures (jute rope and baskets) with the concept of beekeeping is a unique but appropriate not to cottagecore style. Especially since these “hives” are upcycled from thrift store finds.
Furniture for Cottagecore Decor
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
With the resurgence of vintage fiber crafts over the past decade or two, it’s no surprise that such activities fit into this lifestyle. Which means that applying it to upcycling old furniture like this is a perfect application of cottagecore tenets.
Fabric Mushrooms
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
What goes around comes around applies to both fashion and decor trends. And allllll those mushroom decor pieces from the ’70s are hot commodities these days, thanks to the cottagecore aesthetic. And if you can’t find what you want in a thrift store, then you can make your own from your scrap fabric stash instead.
Decoupaged Baskets
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
If flowers and baskets are cottagecore hallmarks, then why not combine the two in a fun upcycling project like this? The secret to this whimsical piece is paper napkins sporting a perfectly cottage-y design.
Botanical Prints in an Old Window
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage botanical prints work seamlessly with cottagecore decor trends, don’t they? And displaying them in an old window like this just adds to the cottage-style charm.
Offline Entertainment
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
While perhaps not quite decor, per se, this upcycling idea definitely fits in with an unplugged life. A wooden cake stand from the thrift store is now a relaxed (and vintage-inspired) way to play an old fashioned game of tic tac toe.
Dried Flower Wall Hanging
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
What prettier way to save your wildflowers than with a simple wall hanging like this? Different colors, sizes, and stem lengths add interest and curiosity to this form of natural art. As if you needed yet another reason to go for a leisurely stroll through a meadow full of wildflowers?
Vintage Quilt Display
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
With vintage linens- including quilts- such an integral part of cottagecore decor, then this display idea fits right in. Especially if an old quilt is a “cutter quilt”- one that’s falling apart and perfect for upcycling.
More Mushroom Decor Ideas
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Here’s another way to create mushroom decor for your cottage-inspired home- and it involves thrifting, as well. Decals added to thrift store finds is a fantastic (and budget-friendly) way to get that cottagecore or forestcore look without spending a lot of money.
Berries, Berries, Berries
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Picking wild berries in a beautiful meadow sounds pretty sublime, doesn’t it? All you hear is the whisper of wind through leaves and the buzzing of bees nearby. But if you can’t actually go berry picking like that, you can at least enjoy the look with your books with this cute and unique project.
Pretty Embroidery
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Usually embroidery projects involve the use of embroidery hoops. But in this case, picture frames were used to hold the vintage fabric (pretty floral bed sheets) in place during the embroidering process. And when you’re done, you have gorgeously textured floral art to display.
Vintage Handkerchief Valance
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
Vintage handkerchiefs are known for their darling, sweet designs- and this upcycle idea is a wonderful way to show them off! Perfect for a vintage kitchen, sewing room, or other sweet space, these vintage handkerchief valances couldn’t be more charming. And imagine how they look, fluttering in a light breeze…
Meadow Decor
Image credit: Our Crafty Mom.
If you look outside your window and see a neighborhood, not a flower-filled meadow, then this upcycled window project might be just what you need. Living off-grid in the middle of nature isn’t realistic for most of us, so sometimes you just need to bring that look inside your suburban (or urban!) home.
Cottagecore to a Tea
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sipping a cup of tea while mending a beloved piece of clothing encapsulates a lot of what cottagecore means. Simple, mindful, and quiet activities in a home you’ve collected is really what it’s all about. Which means this project- an upcycled pin cushion in a vintage teapot– is a delightful way to celebrate both the lifestyle and the aesthetic.
Upcycle Ideas for Cottagecore Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Florals, linens, mushrooms, and moss- this aesthetic really pulls at my vintage, meadow, and woodland-loving soul. From reading books to picking berries, planting a garden to working with a needle, all of these quiet, simple concepts can be woven into cottagecore decor. Thrift stores, yard sales, and the natural world are a great place to start creating your own cozy cottage oasis. Talk about filling your soul without emptying your reserves…
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods, House of Hawthornes, and The Navage Patch.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!