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Simple, charming and romantic, cottagecore style is a design aesthetic that embraces country living in a sustainable way. Proponents of the style claim that it is not just a style, but a way of life. With handcrafted decor and a nod to traditional looks, cottagecore interior design easily lends itself to DIY projects due to its rustic, vintage feel. Here are some ways you can add a touch of cottagecore to your space without breaking your budget.
Replace your hardware
Replacing hardware on cabinets and furniture can add just the right touch if you’re into a style, and cottagecore is no exception. Adding new knobs with enamel or porcelain details, floral or natural elements, or traditional metal designs can give you a taste of cottagecore style without costing you more than $10 per drawer or cabinet door. Be sure to measure the size of your existing drawer handles before choosing new handles to ensure you don’t have to drill new holes for your new handles to fit.
Replace your lights
Lighting fixtures can also refresh the look of your room without having to spend a lot of money on renovations. Since most lights are easy to install yourself, you can also save some money on installation. Replacing your light fixture with one made from natural materials, one with a simple traditional motif or pattern, or one with a natural or botanical shape can add simple, traditional charm for about $40. If you feel like tackling a more ambitious DIY lighting project, you can also refinish an old brass or wrought iron chandelier; Paint or replace the shades of an existing light fixture to create a more rustic look without having to replace the entire light fixture. Upgrading an existing interior follows the cottagecore style and incorporates handmade and homemade items.
Replace your plumbing fixtures
You may not know it, but plumbing fixtures in a sink, bathtub, or shower can significantly impact the overall feel of a room. For about $60, choose a faucet with crossed knobs, ceramic features, or burnished antique metal finish to give your room a cozier feel. This is much cheaper than completely replacing sinks and tubs, and still adds a bit of cottagecore charm. With a few simple tools and materials, you can install most fixtures yourself, so you can also save on labor costs with this update. Make sure you know what type of hardware your current sink accepts before choosing a faucet to ensure everything will fit.
Refinish woodwork
If you want to add some charm to your space, you can also opt for refinishing woodwork and furniture. If you’re redoing woodwork on furniture or cabinets, you can achieve the simple, elegant look of cottagecore design with whitewash or natural stain for between $8 and $40, depending on the size of your project. You can also paint over old, peeling paint to preserve the worn look of a surface. Be sure not to do this on woodwork that may contain lead, as lead must be defused by a professional.
Add natural wall color
Adding natural tones to the colors is another great way to incorporate the cottagecore aesthetic into your design style. Using soft greens, muted roses, and earthy reds in paint colors can help evoke the feeling of simple calm that cottagecore strives for—for about $16 a gallon. Many cottagecore rooms also feature wallpaper. So by choosing wallpaper with a botanical theme, a raised traditional pattern or a monochrome nature-inspired motif, you can add antique-inspired country charm to your space. Wallpapers are available for $10 to $40 per roll, making them a good choice for a dramatic update on a budget.
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