There’s no denying that it’s been…quite a year. But one silver lining? Miss Americana herself, Taylor Swift, graced us with not one, but two new albums! Beyond the tunes from “Folklore” and “Evermore” that got stuck in our heads in recent months, Taylor Swift also firmly ushered in a spotlight for an interior design and decor style we’ve long loved: Cottagecore!
Not only did Taylor record her whimsical and nature-infused sister albums in a literal cottage (hello, Long Pond, NY) but of course, Taylor’s recent performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards also featured a literal cottage. This ethereal look is an effortless blend of hygge coziness, French country simplicity, and inspiration from the natural world. Think: Plenty of moss, traditional floral prints, chunky sweaters, vintage photo frames, and mugs of tea–all set against furnishings that evoke the classic beauty of Provence or the English countryside.
Still not sure whether you’re ready to slip into a ruffled nap dress and arrange moss and bird’s nests on your weathered windowsill? Read on for our top tips on bringing cottagecore style to your home in a way that Taylor Swift herself would approve of! –-Mia Weber (resident KKH #Swiftie)
Taylor Swift performing at the 2021 Grammy Awards
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Lean into Romantic Garden Moments
At the heart of cottagecore is the dreamy beauty of the natural world–it’s rooted in bringing the whimsy of a traditional English garden or a sylvan forrest in the mountains to your aesthetic indoors. To get inspired, set up a picnic in a verdant meadow, take a stroll to pick some wildflowers, or tote a wicker basket to the nearest orchard.
In a more practical sense, lean into romantic floral and au-naturale moments when it comes to decor. Fill vintage-inspired vases with freshly picked flowers, say yes to patterned wall paper with traditional floral motifs, invest in your outdoor space (if you have it) with charming wicker furniture, plenty of flower pots and planters, and candles and lanterns to cast a cozy glow over it all.
Taylor Swift promoting her “Folklore” album
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Embrace the Antique (or Very Good Faux-Antique)
One defining aspect of cottagecore–which separates it from many design trends embraced by millennials in recent years–is that it is staunchly aligned with drawing on traditions of the past rather than gazing forward to the future. To this end, as you may have noticed in Taylor Swift’s “Willow” and “Cardigan” music videos, cottagecore comes alive thanks to decorative accents that tell a story.
Perhaps you have some vintage, antique, or thrifted treasures you want to build around–an heirloom-quality antiqued mirror, a long-loved trunk, or a piano passed down from a grandparent–but you can also achieve the effect with new items that are designed using storied techniques and craftsmanship rooted in history. For example, our collection of French Country furniture and decor features plenty of pieces that have a vintage-inspired patina and old-school details, and same goes for our assortment of antiqued mirrors and photo frames.
Taylor Swift in the “Willow” music video
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Prepare to Get Oh-So-Cozy
Ready to really put the cottage in cottagecore? Prepare to get cozy! The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” has been super-popular in recent years, and the coziness of cottagecore is certainly a sister motif there. Our biggest tips here? Embrace the fact that coziness is in style all year long–it’s not just for fall and winter!
Create a cottagecore sense of cozy with artfully chosen throw blankets–a lighter weight cotton throw with fringed details is perfect for spring–seasonal candles, over-stuffed pillows, whimsical placemats and doilies, and delicate glassware and table settings. Imagine the feeling you get at sunrise on a spring day when the days have started to feel longer, or the essence of weathering a summer thunder storm by sheltering in a lakeside cabin.
Taylor Swift recording the Long Pong sessions
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