The cottagecore interior design trend, a nostalgic, romanticised vision of countryside living, is rooted in nature and the simple life that many of us crave.

This idealistic vision of rural life existed in essence in the early 2010s, was officially named in 2018, and gained huge popularity in 2020, particularly due to the lockdowns and the increase of a slower-paced life for many. 

As many people were spending more time at home and craving a sense of escape, the desire for fast-paced, minimalist interiors reduced and many people turned towards a more nostalgic, comforting style. This trend flourished as people began to prioritise their home as a haven, a place where simplicity and comfort could take precedence over the complexities of modern life.

Coming into Autumn 2024, a time when life is now "back to normal" cottagecore still remains a popular and enduring interior design style. Its warm, earthy tones and emphasis on comfort make it perfect for the colder season, offering a grounded, cosy atmosphere that many continue to embrace in their interiors.

 

Why Cottagecore is Perfect for Autumn

Warmth and Comfort

A huge aspect of cottagecore is its focus on creating spaces that feel warm, cosy and inviting, using natural materials like wool, cotton and wood. This allows cottagecore to effortlessly align with autumn, a season known for its crisp air and desire for comfort.

Think woolen throws, soft rugs, and rustic wooden furniture to enhance the cosy, layered feel that is essential to this interior style.

 

Autumn Hues

Cottagecore’s palette of soft, muted colours pairs perfectly with autumn’s natural hues. Think of the deep browns of fallen leaves, the burnt oranges of the harvest season, and the rich greens of moss and ivy.

These colours not only bring the outdoors inside but also evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. For autumn 2024, these earthy tones continue to dominate, as they offer a calming, grounded atmosphere that reflects the changing season.

Incorporating these colours through rugs, textiles, and decor is a simple yet effective way to embrace both cottagecore and the season.

 

 

Nostalgia and Escape

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, cottagecore provides a much needed escape. The aesthetic reminds us of a simpler time when the world was slower-paced and more peaceful, where time was spent enjoying nature, baking, or tending to a garden. 

As the colder seasons arrive, this sense of nostalgia becomes even more appealing, as people seek to hunker down and embrace the beauty of home.

Modern life can be stressful, cottagecore seeks to create an environment that makes you forget about that, allowing you to unplug and reconnect with the simpler joys of life.

 

Rugs and Cottagecore: Creating the Perfect Cosy Space

Natural Materials

Placing rugs made from natural materials like wool, jute, and cotton is an easy way to achieve the cottagecore aesthetic, as they enhance the connection to nature and bring a tactile warmth to the home.

Wool rugs, in particular, are ideal for autumn as they are extremely soft underfoot and excellent insulators - a must for the colder months. Jute and cotton rugs, with their rustic, earthy textures, work well in dining rooms or kitchens, adding to that countryside charm.

 

Floral Patterns

Floral and botanical patterns are at the heart of cottagecore design, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the natural world. Rugs with delicate floral motifs, soft leafy designs, or intricate botanical patterns are perfect for capturing the essence of a peaceful country home. 

Whether it’s a large statement rug for the living room or smaller accent rugs for bedrooms or hallways, floral designs bring a romantic, nature-inspired feel to any space.

Consider Morris & Co's rug designs, which instantly transform any space into a cottagecore escape, echoing the soft, nature-inspired style that the aesthetic is known for.

 

 

Cosy Layers

Cottagecore interiors are all about layering for warmth and texture. Layering rugs of different sizes, textures, and designs can instantly create depth and cosiness in any room.

For example, placing a larger, neutral rug as a base and layering it with a smaller, textured accent rug brings warmth and visual interest to the space. This approach works particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms, where creating a cosy, layered effect is key to the cottagecore look.

Find out more information on how to layer rugs with our rug layering guide.

Image Credit: Anita Yokota

 

Vintage and Handmade Appeal

Cottagecore and a vintage, handmade aesthetic go hand in hand. This style is reflected perfectly in rugs with distressed finishes or traditional, handwoven designs. 

Rugs that have a time-worn or antique appearance bring a sense of history and nostalgia, which is central to cottagecore. Opt for vintage-inspired rugs with intricate patterns and muted tones to evoke the charm of a countryside cottage.

Love-Rugs offers a selection of Traditional Rugs that align with the vintage, handcrafted, touch that defines cottagecore interiors.

Or if you're looking for something a little more authentic, Little-Persia, a handmade Persian and Oriental rug specialist, have a wide curation of traditional rugs that would instantly elevate your cottagecore home with their charm and rich heritage.

 

Muted Colours with Pops of Warmth

The colour palette of cottagecore is usually characterised by soft, muted tones such as beige, cream, and pastel greens, which form a calming foundation. 

For autumn, incorporating rugs with these gentle colours, paired with warm accents like mustard, terracotta, or burnt orange, can enhance the seasonal feel of your space. Or, add a warm toned rug in mustard, terracotta or burnt orange to an otherwise soft and muted interior to help balance out the space. 

 

How To Style Cottagecore Rugs

Living Room

Place a large, natural-fibre rug as the focal point of your living space. Opt for a wool or vintage-style rug that anchors the room while adding a sense of comfort and warmth.

Kitchen/Hallway

Use smaller floral or patterned rugs in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or hallway to inject charm and create a cohesive cottagecore aesthetic.

Bedroom

Layer rugs of different textures, such as a larger neutral jute rug paired with a smaller wool or cotton accent rug, to create a warm, inviting feel in the bedroom.

 

Conclusion

As the seasons change and the nights draw in, cottagecore remains an ever popular interior design style that adapts perfectly to autumn. The nostalgic and comforting feeling that cottagecore provides is exactly what we need at this time of year.

Looking to incorporate a rug that effortlessly adds to your cottagecore home? Explore our Cottagecore Collection and find the piece that speaks to you.