Christie C. I’ll never forget my first apartment. I was twenty-three years old and maintaining a grungy fourth floor walk up in a pre-war building in Brooklyn, New York. I did not realize it at the time, but the concrete jungle was stressing me out. I worked forty-hours a week and commuted three to four hours round trip to Far Rockaway for work. I came home extremely late, too tired for anything but senseless gaming—typically hours of The Sims 2, constructing places I wished I lived in. Before I even knew what “Cottagecore” was, I was already building cute little houses in The Sims, complete with ivy lined brick, Tudor style gables, and beds of flowers. I stationed them neatly along the banks of lakes in dreamy woodlands inspired by Anne of Green Gables.
The little virtual communities I built were full of pie baking, soup stewing, farming, and gardening people. I inserted myself into this fantasy world to escape from the blood curdling sirens, screeching subway trains, and the miasma left by pigeons and rats. I desperately wanted to turn my small 600 square foot apartment into a Thomas Kinkade paradise. I just didn’t know how because I was trapped with work and exhaustion and I felt like I didn’t live in the right space or the “correct environment” to create the atmosphere of my dreams.
Perhaps you’ve felt the same: schlepping through daily life in whatever small space you’ve been compacted into. If you feel like your compact home or apartment is unsuitable for simple living or the cottagecore aesthetic, I am here to tell you not to wait for the environment you desire.
We should never underestimate the mood boost that comes with curating our living spaces and lifestyles. Best of all, you can dabble in cottagecore to see if rustic environments are right for you. Here are 6 Cottagecore Ideas for Small Spaces.
1. Utilize Multipurpose Furniture and Vertical Space
Small spaces are wonderful because they are sustainable and encourage minimalism. However, it can be difficult to keep small spaces organized when space and storage is limited.
Maximize storage by using wall shelves, hanging baskets, or vertical gardening to make the most of limited floor space. Hide clutter with furniture that consists of cabinets, drawers, or any components that both expand and hide storage space.
Opt for multipurpose furniture such as storage benches, storage ottomans, or lift top coffee tables. You can also be creative by giving certain spaces in your home multiple purposes. Perhaps a work desk can also function as a crafting table.
2. Furnish Your Space with Locally Made, Antique, Vintage, or Thrifted Finds
Hunt for thrifted or antique furniture and decor items to add character and charm to your small space. You don’t have to go crazy with this; find a small assortment of items that you love. Some examples include vintage or distressed rugs, farmhouse clocks, ink pots, curtains, and candle holders.
Add a classic touch with farmhouse-style clocks, whether hanging on the wall or displayed on a shelf, to evoke a sense of timeless charm in your small cottagecore space. Use timeless decorations that can move with you so that you don’t have to change decor if or when it’s time to move.
3. Create a Natural Color Scheme or Palette… With a Twist
Many will tell you to stick to a neutral palette with accents of soft pastels or earthy tones to maintain a calming and cohesive look.
You absolutely can do this, but feel free to also experiment with your favorite colors. You don’t have to trap yourself in brown, beige, and white. Natural colors come in all forms.
Neutrals create a soft and cozy look, but a pop of purple, orange, or whatever color you fancy can make your space feel uniquely yours.
4. Use Natural Fabrics and Textured Accents
Use natural materials like cotton, linen, or wool for textiles and upholstery to enhance the rustic and natural feel of your cottagecore theme. Natural fibers can be more expensive, but they feel nicer and are more durable in the long run.
You can also experiment with texture. Introduce warmth and coziness with textured throws and pillows in soft, natural fabrics for a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Chunky knit accents with cables and bobbles, burlap, flax, linen, and canvas create unique textures that add interest in your space.
5. Add Nature-Inspired Décor
Shelving made out of wood, potted plants, natural pottery, flowers, and woodland themed knick-knacks can enhance the natural environment of your space. Personally, I find items made with wild clays, antique glass, and wood make for gorgeous decorations. As a bonus, make sure that these pieces serve a function such as storage.
6. Create a Compact Garden
Not all living spaces have gardens, balconies, patios, or even good sunlight, but don’t let this discourage you from having a small garden of your own. If lack of sunlight is a huge issue, you can set up grow lights or an Aerogarden on a shelf or window ledge. You can grow low shade varieties of herbs such as mint, chives, parsley, cilantro, lemon balm, oregano, and thyme.
Congratulations on getting out of NY. That commute was crazy.
Thank you! It was the absolute worst 😭 I’ll always love NY because it’s my home, but it isn’t a healthy place to live anymore.