The desire to exchange complexity for comfort and the sharp edges of modern life for the soft curves of an idyllic past has led to the rise of cottage core style. What is cottage core, and how can you transform your kitchen into an oasis of calm?
Cottage core is all about simplicity, comfort, self-reliance; design elements lean towards cozy and rustic, emphasizing natural materials, florals, and a “lived in” aesthetic. The kitchen is the perfect place to introduce elements of cottage core style to your home.
1. CABINET COLORS & DOOR STYLES
A cottage core color palette includes warm neutrals, greens, and pastels. There are no hard and fast rules with this style; basically, anything that evokes the softer side of nature goes! You could opt for white, a warm grey or brown shade, or use a light natural stain to show off the features of the wood.
In terms of door styles, think rustic. These doors typically have very simple, clean lines with little panel design or edge. This is a great choice, too, because if you decide to change up your design, you won’t need to replace these versatile cabinets.
2. CABINET HARDWARE
If you want a more neutral, streamlined cabinet door, take the opportunity to play with the hardware in order to get an eclectic cottage look. Anything from glass and ceramic knobs to a drawer pull you took off an old dresser works! If you want to take it a step further, you can also mix and match styles. If you prefer to tone things down, this is a great time to incorporate sleek hardware with a more antique muted finish.
3. BACKSPLASH
Cottage core style backsplashes add a lovely sense of depth and warmth to the kitchen. Again, think soft pastels, floral motifs, and other nature inspired designs. You could also go with a distressed wood, rustic red brick, or a look that mimics wrought iron designs (think tin ceilings – on your backsplash!).
4. FLOORING
Flooring is an excellent way to tie a cottage core look together and infuse your kitchen with a sense of coziness. Virginia Tile has introduced some newer styles that are meant to look as if they came out of the European countryside. They also offer rustic concrete and terra cotta options that capture the cottage core aesthetic.
Custom wood floors from DuChateau delivers flooring that is truer to what the homes in Europe use, especially homes in the country. With rustic wide planks, soft stains, and even a herringbone pattern, you can’t go wrong.
5. FINISHING TOUCHES
Cottage core is about the details! Sometimes the simplest touches make the difference. Try:
- Displaying your produce and ingredients in glass jars, ceramic containers, tiered wire hangers, and woven baskets. Open shelves and glass cabinet doors are ideal.
- Adding an accent rug to the space. Bonus points if it has a floral design!
- Using flowers and plants to make your kitchen even more inviting.
- Incorporating soft, comfortable fabrics. You can do this on the upholstery of your chairs, for instance, or even the vintage apron you have hanging up, ready for use.
- Using accessories and furnishings with natural materials, such as wood, wicker, and hemp. From a wooden fruit bowl to a hanging hemp plant holder, you can infuse your space with a nature-inspired feel.
- Mixing and matching. Cottage core isn’t one thing; it’s a mix of everything. If it brings you joy, it belongs – even if it does not “match.”
Cottage core style is really what you make of it. You don’t have to turn your home into an English countryside retreat (but you can if you like!). You can incorporate the elements that speak to you, that will make this space more comfortable and usable, and that will make you fall even more in love with where you live.
If you are interested in finding ways to incorporate cottage core or another style into your home, connect with the kitchen, bath, cabinet, and flooring experts at ACo. Visit liveaco.com to schedule a comp
