The best practical cottagecore style for a real messy homestead

 

Cottagecore is an aesthetic that romanticizes a simple and quaint life in the countryside. I have admired this practical and lovely style for a long time, it has always inspired me to adopt a more rustic and simple lifestyle. I used to call it rustic rural style or Hygge or ‘witchy’ but now I have a name for it that fits– cottagecore! These are the best practical cottagecore style ideas that work for my busy, messy home.

Firstly, I always focus on functionality. While the cottagecore aesthetic is all about creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, it's also important to make sure your home is practical and functional. This means having plenty of storage space, comfortable seating, good lighting and making sure all fragile things are up high where sticky hands and paws can’t break them! I have not time for space for items that are simply decorative! It has to do
something to enhance my life other than just being beautiful!

Secondly, I incorporate natural materials into my home whenever possible. This could include wooden furniture, woven baskets, and linen curtains. You may also want to add some plants to bring the outdoors inside.

Thirdly, I only buy good quality second hand items that I can repair/re-purpose myself as I don’t want to participate in fast decor. I find it’s a great way to incorporate the cottage core style it is easy to find cottagecore items at the thrift store or on Facebook marketplace (or similar). I look for items such as antique mirrors, vintage lamps, vintage floral prints, lace doilies, wicker baskets and old books.

Three things that tick all three of these boxes are woven baskets, glassware and crockery. I always pick some up at the thrift store or Op shop and I always find a use for them once I get home. Also honorable mention to candles and flowers (dried and fresh) as I feel these also meet all the criteria to gather or make them myself rather than buy them.

Woven baskets, totes, wicker baskets are very functional, they are usually made from natural materials and they are plentiful at the thrift store (actually they might asexually reproduce while the lights are out?). I have found using baskets to store things is a practical, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing way
to organize my home. I have a big woven basket for laundry. I have three small baskets for my ugly office supplies. I have several in the kitchen for things that need to breath like onions and potatoes – open weave ones have built in ventilation capabilities! and I have one hiding my WiFi modem! I have another that has leather straps added to be used as a picnic basket. I have another that I use as a banniton basket to proof my sourdough bread. I could go on and on! If I see a basket that is the right size and shape but in a darker or lighter tone that I want, I know I can always bleach or stain it it fit into my aesthetic. Using baskets to store things is a practical and efficient way to organize items in your home or workspace. Baskets come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, making them versatile and suitable for different storage needs.

Second hand glass wear item such as drinking glasses, serving platters and storage jars are very useful and very beautiful. They are reusable and environmentally friendly and you know they don’t contain BP As. I currently have some beautiful cake stands that I use to keep my toiletries on in the bathroom, glasses for drinking, some vases and lidded jars for fermenting and storing food. Sometimes the kids break them, but it’s not that big of a deal, I just save the pieces and once I have enough I make a mosaic out of them (very art aunt of me!).

Second-hand crockery items are functional, natural and Eco-freindly! They are also a great way to add character and charm to any home. These items are abundant at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. I use them in a variety of ways in my home first to serving food and to ferment things. I would love to find a crockery picture frame as I think it would be so unique!

I try to think cradle to grave will all my purchases so if I break these crock items I use them as as planters for indoor plants or holders for art supplies. Overall, incorporating second-hand crockery items into your home is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and add personality to your living space.

Overall, I have found creating a practical cottagecore house was very organic for me as I tend to focus on function first. By incorporating natural materials, second hand items, you can create a cozy and inviting home that is both practical and beautiful.