Use natural materials
Incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants into your decor to create a cozy and rustic cottage core aesthetic. The vintage shoeshine crate comes at a high cost at a place online like Etsy, to do it on a budget, check garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets for similar items. The shabbier the better!
Upcycle and repurpose
Look for ways to upcycle and repurpose items you already have or find secondhand rather than buying new ones. This can save money and give your space a more authentic, cottage-core feel. You can find great tutorials online, like this beautiful teapot upcycled into a pincushion.
DIY projects
Get creative and try your hand at some DIY projects to add a personal touch to your decor. This could include making your own curtains, pillows, or even furniture. These sweet little fairy jars from Let’s DYI it All are inexpensive and so cute!
Thrift store finds
Visit thrift stores, yard sales, and antique shops to find unique and affordable decor items that fit the cottage core aesthetic. Some of my best decor finds have been found in thrift stores including lamps, couches, end tables and artwork.
Incorporate textiles
Use textiles such as blankets, throw pillows, and rugs to add warmth and texture to your space. I found my favorite throw pillows at the thrift store, but they didn’t match my décor. I just made covers that matched my décor and put them right over the original throw pill covers and now they look great! If you don’t sew, you can also buy cheap throw pillow covers off WISH or Amazon and throw them right over the thrift pillows.
Use natural light
Let in as much natural light as possible to create a bright and airy atmosphere. A bonus of using natural light is a lower electric bill! When we moved into our current house, we took down all of the heavy curtains and drapery and just left the blinds. Now we can open the blinds during the day and let in all of the beautiful natural light!
Use plants:
Incorporate plants into your décor to bring some nature indoors and add a touch of greenery. As a bonus, they improve your air quality indoors and improve your mood!
Choose soft, neutral colors
Opt for soft, neutral colors such as white, beige, and pale blue to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. This is only if you choose regular cottage core. For dark cottage core choose dark greens, blacks, greys and blues.
Use vintage or antique items
Incorporate vintage or antique items, such as old books, dishes, or furnishings, to add character and history to your space. These are also items you can search for at thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales.
Focus on comfort
The cottage core aesthetic is all about comfort and relaxation, so prioritize comfort in your decor choices by choosing furniture and accessories that are cozy and inviting.
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