We’ve all had that fantasy: Drop everything and leave the hustle and bustle of our busy lives behind, move out to a cozy cottage in the country, get a few chickens and spend our days reading books, drinking tea and tending to a garden.  

Even if that’s not your idea of an idyllic lifestyle, the yearning to escape from it all (especially these past few years) is a strong one, and it’s motivated many to embrace comfort, nostalgia and the seemingly simpler ways of yesterday as we navigate these uncertain times. 

For those who can’t get away, cottagecore – the design trend lets us live out our rural fantasies through art, décor and fashion – is the next best thing. Think of cottagecore as the next iteration of hygge, or a modern-day shabby chic, filling our spaces with simplicity, warmth and honesty. 

This trend romanticizes the home and all traditional domestic pursuits, eschewing technology and encouraging self-sufficiency and slow living. It’s elegant yet unrefined, generating warm, fuzzy feelings that make us feel safe and welcome. 

Visually, cottagecore design lets nature take over with an abundance of florals – from live arrangements to dried, pressed pieces, blown-up leaf prints and lots and lots of greenery. The result is a conservatory-like blurring of the line between indoors and out, a perfect aesthetic for the spring and summer months. 

Cottagecore décor leans on a variety of materials and textures, like natural wood trays, vintage china and glassware (just like Grandma’s), antiques and old photos. Textiles feature ditsy prints, gingham, and flora and fauna. The color palette can be neutral or pastel, but more modern interpretations allow for vivid florals in a nod to maximalism.  

If you want to bring cottagecore into your own foodservice space, start small with greenery, vintage-inspired tableware (see Libbey’s newest collections) or architectural touches like doorknobs and wall art. A mix of modern and vintage pieces keeps this look feeling fresh and unstuffy, while choosing local elements tells your authentic story. 

Our continuing need for comfort and nostalgia, as well as our movement toward “greener” living, means the cottagecore trend will be around for at least a little while – giving you plenty of time to explore and experiment with this charming, cozy style.