Cottagecore: Finding Joy in a Simple, Slow Life

Cottagecore is about slowing down and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It’s about baking bread from scratch, watching the rain fall outside your window, or tending to a small garden. It’s about choosing quality over convenience, handmade over mass-produced, and nature over technology.

Some people dream of living in a little cottage surrounded by flowers, while others bring the essence of cottagecore into their city apartments. Either way, it’s a lifestyle that embraces warmth, comfort, and a deep appreciation for everyday moments.

There’s something peaceful about cottagecore. It’s not about rushing to complete a to-do list or chasing the next big thing. It’s about being present, finding beauty in ordinary tasks, and creating a space that feels cozy and inviting.

So how can you bring more of this slow, simple way of living into your daily life? Let’s explore!

Why Cottagecore Feels So Comforting

Cottagecore is more than just a style of home decor or a collection of pretty pictures on Pinterest. It’s a way of reconnecting with the things that truly matter—nature, creativity, and simple joys.

Life today moves fast. Work is demanding. Social media never stops. The world feels chaotic, and sometimes, overwhelming. Cottagecore offers an escape from all that.

It reminds people that life doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t have to be filled with noise and distractions. It can be slow, quiet, and meaningful. There’s something incredibly soothing about making a cup of tea in the morning, watching the sunrise, and feeling the warmth of a handmade quilt wrapped around your shoulders. These little things, the ones so often overlooked, are what make life feel rich and full.

How to Bring Cottagecore into Your Life

You don’t need to live in a countryside cottage to embrace cottagecore. This way of life is about mindset and daily habits, not just where you live. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your routine.

1. Surround Yourself with Nature

Nature is at the heart of cottagecore. Even small touches make a difference. Open your windows to let in fresh air. Add flowers to your kitchen table. Grow herbs on your windowsill. If you have space, plant a garden with vegetables or wildflowers. Spending time outside, even for a short walk, can be refreshing and grounding.

2. Slow Down and Be Present

Rushing through the day leaves little room for appreciation. Slow down whenever you can. Savor your morning coffee. Take your time preparing meals. Enjoy the sound of birds singing outside. These small moments, when noticed and appreciated, add depth and meaning to everyday life.

3. Learn a Traditional Skill

Cottagecore is all about old-fashioned skills that bring joy and creativity. Knitting, sewing, baking, and woodworking are all great ways to slow down and create something with your hands. Handmade items feel special. They carry stories and memories. Instead of buying something new, consider making it yourself.

4. Cook from Scratch

Cooking is one of the simplest ways to embrace cottagecore. Fresh, homemade food always tastes better. Bake bread. Make soup. Try a new recipe with seasonal ingredients. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be done with care.

5. Decorate with Cozy, Vintage-Inspired Pieces

A cottagecore home feels warm and inviting. Vintage furniture, soft blankets, and handmade pottery create an atmosphere of comfort. Secondhand shops are great places to find unique, character-filled pieces. Candles, fairy lights, and books stacked on a wooden table add a cozy touch.

6. Reduce Technology Use

Phones, computers, and social media are constant distractions. They pull attention away from real life. Set aside time each day to step away from screens. Read a book. Write in a journal. Spend time outside. Unplugging, even for a little while, helps create a sense of calm.

7. Romanticize the Everyday

Cottagecore isn’t just about big lifestyle changes. It’s about finding joy in small, everyday moments. Light a candle while you read. Listen to soft music while you cook. Take a bath with lavender-scented water. Wear a cozy sweater on a chilly morning. Life feels richer when you slow down and enjoy it.

8. Make Your Home Feel Like a Sanctuary

A home should feel like a retreat from the outside world. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be a place that feels warm, safe, and peaceful. Soft lighting, natural materials, and sentimental decorations make a space feel cozy. Handmade items, like a quilt or a ceramic mug, add a personal touch.

9. Spend More Time Doing What You Love

Hobbies bring joy and relaxation. Whether it’s painting, writing, gardening, or baking, find time to do what makes you happy. Creating something with your hands, even if it’s just for fun, is a great way to embrace a slower, more mindful way of living.

10. Be Gentle with Yourself

Cottagecore is about embracing an unhurried, peaceful life. It’s not about perfection. Some days will be messy. Some moments will be stressful. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to create a flawless, picturesque life—it’s to find beauty in the everyday, even when things don’t go as planned.

Why Cottagecore Feels So Right in Today’s World

There’s a reason cottagecore has become so popular. The world is fast, loud, and demanding. The pressure to always be productive can be exhausting. People are looking for an alternative—a way to step back, slow down, and find peace in the simple things. Cottagecore offers exactly that.

It reminds people that life isn’t just about work, deadlines, or social media updates. It’s about connection—to nature, to creativity, and to the moments that make life feel full. It’s about taking a breath, making a cup of tea, and appreciating the warmth of the sun on your face.

This way of life doesn’t require a big move to the countryside or a drastic lifestyle change. Small shifts—spending more time outside, cooking with care, reading a book instead of scrolling on your phone—can make a big difference.

Finding Beauty in the Simple Things

Cottagecore isn’t about escaping reality. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful and peaceful, no matter where you are. It’s about slowing down, being present, and embracing the small joys that make life special.

Baking a loaf of bread. Watching raindrops slide down a window. Growing a flower from a tiny seed. These little moments, when appreciated, bring a deep sense of contentment.

Life doesn’t have to be rushed. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be simple, slow, and filled with beauty—if you let it.