I think most style labels are pretty much open to interpretation.

agree ^ often the terms just help folks search for rooms/ideas they like on social media

It's a comforting term for a lot of used stuff you got handed down and are trying to make look nice while you invest until you can afford nice things. Or it's a term for decor at a vacation rental where guests will trash it anyway. I don't think it's a style to aspire to, but I do think it's a lovely comfortable use of make-do. I wouldn't spend money to achieve it, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at it for a person trying to get by financially. Cottage core includes sheets over furniture, baskets, houseplants, a crock pot with flowers, framed junk art, the type of pottery you might see at a white elephant sale. Again, don't spend money to achieve it. But don't be embarrassed to have friends over if you're at that stage. It's quite comfortable to live in and visit.

I have not heard of it, and did not agree with @kl23 definition, so I searched.

Both Wiki (<-- LINK)and AI say otherwise, and AI's definition was what I originally thought when I opened this thread.

AI:

Cottagecore is an aesthetic and lifestyle movement that romanticizes rural living. It emphasizes simplicity, traditional crafts, and a connection to nature, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. This aesthetic often includes elements like vintage decor, handmade crafts, and self-sufficiency practices such as gardening and baking.

Key Characteristics

• Nature-Inspired: Focuses on the beauty of the countryside and natural materials.
• Traditional Skills: Encourages practices like baking, gardening, and crafting.
• Whimsical Decor: Features soft colors, floral patterns, and cozy furnishings to create inviting spaces.

Cottagecore reflects a desire for a slower, more intentional lifestyle, celebrating the charm of everyday moments.

I always called it country. It describes me and my house. My country is not quite as ruffled as it was in the 80’s, lol.

I love patina and for sure love the cottage aesthetic, seems welcoming and not overwrought - I’ve gotten much more minimal as I have gotten older and def want fewer things - but but every room benefits from a few old things imo :)

No idea what it is, but will volunteer that I object strongly to the practice of taking a noun and adding the word “core” to the end of it and calling it a style.

Here is an article describing cottagecore among other styles: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/coastal-grandmother-and-her-kin-translating-top-design-trends-stsetivw-vs~161883561

I’m no expert, but when I hear cottagecore, I think English country cottage style…

k, I dislike the ”core” thing, too. In my mind, it means the extreme of whatever the style it. Like, at least somewhat OTT.

Coastal grandmother - it's just Coastal

Cottagecore - is English cottage

It is ridiculous that the ID world thinks everything needs a label, and even idiotic to think up new lablels for existing styles. While we are at it, stop labeling generations too!

Stepping down off my soapbox, at least for now..

It's a comforting term for a lot of used stuff you got handed down and are trying to make look nice while you invest until you can afford nice things.

Generations don't always agree on decorating style. But some items handed down can be real treasures, both smaller items and furniture, and can beautify a room.

Coastal grandmother - it's just Coastal

I disagree on this one. Coastal with something vintage.

What is the difference between cottagecore, cottage, and the cottage-y country from the early-mid ’80s?

😄

Everything old is new again - and seemingly has to have a new name - including fads and trends 😏

I think even language has fads, and '-core' is just another one.

IMO, it's really not anything new - ever since there've been people who write about/cover fashion and design, they've been searching out and/or creating trends, and so much of it is promotional.

I disagree on this one. Coastal with something vintage.

Still no need to create yet another label. If so, how many something's does it take to go from Coastal to CG.

@carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10 Exactly!

Heads up, there’s a new decorating buzzword in town:

Jilly that's funny, thank you. I think the whole 'maxxing' trend is fodder for amusement.

KWSL - I adore you. 🤣

Everyone gather ‘round! There’s a new kid in town:

.

.

Pro burrowers. 🙄

Next month: ”Corecore“ — when they’ve finally run out of words for the same thing.

these terms are too funny!

i really feel for younger people who can feel all this pressure to create these curated homes right away bc of social media — my parents had empty rooms while they saved up, i had rooms with cast offs and a few items from Pier One, never occurred to me there were other options -and/or that i wasn’t living my best life in my first city apartment

I miss Pier One! Given as many times as that sentiment has been expressed on this site I still wonder why **somebody** didn’t buy and revive them 🤷‍♀️

I still have so many beloved things from Pier 1. I was a regular there from my childhood (shopping with my dad) on. My DD always loved going there, too. She of course had to have a Papasan chair for her room. :)

I’m about to get a treasure — my dad is giving me his wicker Chinoiserie trunk, circa ’70s from Pier 1. He’s always used it for keepsakes and such, so it’s very special. And in perfect condition.

Pier1core!

It’s the reinvention of Shabby Chic for the younger ones who don’t want to be seen as decorating like their grandmothers! Actually all the new terms are trying to do this!

Random thoughts:

- Agree that most styles are open to interpretation. Also, most people don't fit into one style alone.

- Disagree with K123 that Cottage Core is essentially a make-do until you've made it financially.

- Agree with Allison that it's more of a celebration of old-fashioned /rural. It pairs with /is an extension of the recent interest in Farmhouse. It is the meeting place of Country, English, Vintage, but with a 2020s softness and sweetness.

- Also agree with Sherry that Cottage Core is less ruffly than the 80s-90s Country. It's also open to colors other than pink /mauve and Williamsburg Blue. And Cottage Core doesn't require geese.

” …so much of it is promotional.”

I agree, Carol.

It might help the younger generations (or anyone else) with describing the styles they like, so it could be helpful in that sense, otherwise I think it’s mainly just for marketing purposes.

Now I've heard it all--Nonnamaxxing???? Burrowcore????

They're paying these marketing people way too much money!

I've lost a lot of weight (over 50 lbs) and have been looking to replace some of my favorite tops searching on eBay for smaller sizes. I've discovered that "Boho" and "Grannycore" offer me good options lol.

Congratulations, seagrass!

This whole thread is funny. I think the “invention of labels” is getting out of hand. It always amuses me when people in suburbs and cities want “farmhouse decor”. I live on a horse farm and DIRT is the primary element in farmhouse decor, guys!

Our house is whatever I like and the most loved pieces from our previous home several states away. But there is no doubt it’s a farm so I guess my one level brick house is a ”farmhouse”.

Sorry for the sarcasm….

I love your sarcasm, Red!

I live in a beach town and know no one who has a ”coastal” interior.

There are a number of homes that retain the bungalow/Craftsman tradition, some dating to the founding of Venice of America in 1906. This tradition has its strong supporters.

As gentrification has tighrened its grip on my community, and with the arrival of Silicon Beach, the remaining 800 sf beach cottages are now modern glass/steel/wood structures — often on 3600 sf lots. Same fate for the post WW2 in-fill to meet the housing shortage for returning GIs and their new families.

But ”coastal” style — that’s for the tourist rentals. And that usually translates into a surfboard, or two, propped up against a wall for the BnB rentals.