The Cottagecore Decor: Why Gen Z is Escaping to the Countryside (At Least in Spirit)
Thursday, January 23, 2025. This is for Jen, Vera’s mom.
I built my house from barley rice
Green pepper walls and water ice
Tables of paper wood, windows of light
And everything emptying into white
A simple garden, with acres of sky
A Brown-haired dogmouse
If one dropped by
Yellow Delanie would sleep well at night
With everything emptying into white
A sad blue eyed drummer rehearses outside
A Black spider dancing on top of his eye
Red legged chicken stands ready to strike
And everything emptying into white
I built my house from barley rice
Green pepper walls and water ice
And everything emptying into white
Yusuf Islam
Imagine a rustic cottage draped in ivy, a table set with freshly baked bread, and a soft breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers.
No, this isn’t the set of a Jane Austen adaptation—it’s the essence of cottagecore, the aesthetic that has captured the hearts (and Instagram feeds) of Gen Z.
But cottagecore is more than just a picturesque trend. It’s a cultural movement rooted in simplicity, self-sufficiency, and an intense desire to escape the chaos of modern life.
Let’s dig into the roots of this phenomenon and explore why it resonates so deeply.
The Origins of Cottagecore
Before TikTok made it a sensation, cottagecore existed as a quiet undercurrent in niche internet communities. Its aesthetic owes much to romanticized depictions of rural life, drawing inspiration from 19th-century literature, pastoral art, and even early 20th-century homesteading practices.
In many ways, cottagecore is a rebellion against the urban, fast-paced, and hyper-digital lifestyle that’s come to define modernity.
The pandemic acted as a greenhouse for this trend.
Locked inside and overwhelmed by uncertainty, many people turned to the dream of an idyllic, rural life as a form of escapism. Bread-making became a global pastime, home gardening surged, and social media feeds were flooded with images of frothy dresses, flower crowns, and homegrown produce. Cottagecore offered not just a visual aesthetic but a mental reprieve.
Why Cottagecore Captures the Imagination
Cottagecore’s appeal lies in its ability to evoke both nostalgia and aspiration. Here are some of the key reasons it has gained traction:
The Need for Escape: In a world dominated by screens, constant notifications, and urban sprawl, cottagecore provides a vision of serenity. It’s the digital equivalent of running away to a cabin in the woods—without having to deal with actual mosquitoes.
Connection to Nature: Cottagecore celebrates a return to the earth. Gardening, foraging, and spending time outdoors are central activities, offering an antidote to our increasingly indoor lives.
DIY Ethos: From baking bread to sewing clothes, cottagecore emphasizes self-sufficiency. These hands-on activities provide a sense of accomplishment and creativity that many feel is missing from their day-to-day routines.
Aesthetic Bliss: Let’s not ignore the visual appeal. The flowing dresses, wildflowers, and rustic interiors make for an irresistible Instagram feed. It’s a lifestyle curated to perfection, down to the last mason jar.
The Memeification of Cottagecore
Cottagecore didn’t stay in the countryside for long; it quickly found fertile ground on social media. TikTok creators post videos of themselves harvesting vegetables or brewing herbal teas, all set to whimsical folk music. Memes joke about Gen Z wanting to leave behind “capitalist hellscapes” to become goat farmers.
Even online gaming communities joined the trend—Nintendo’s Animal Crossing became a cottagecore haven, where players designed virtual islands complete with log cabins and flower meadows.
This playful adoption has made cottagecore feel accessible. You don’t need a countryside retreat to participate; a windowsill herb garden or a homemade loaf of sourdough will do just fine.
What If Cottagecore Becomes More Than a Trend?
Could cottagecore evolve from an aesthetic into a larger cultural shift?
Imagine urban planning incorporating more green spaces, schools teaching gardening alongside coding, or workplaces encouraging mindfulness practices inspired by slow living.
Cottagecore’s emphasis on sustainability and simplicity could influence broader societal changes, particularly as younger generations prioritize climate action and mental health.
The Science Behind the Serenity
Cottagecore’s mental health benefits aren’t just anecdotal; they’re backed by science:
Gardening: Studies show that exposure to soil microbes can increase serotonin levels, reducing stress and improving mood (Lowry et al., 2007).
Baking: The act of creating something tangible and nourishing promotes mindfulness and boosts self-esteem (Tamlin et al., 2017).
Nature Immersion: Spending time in green spaces is linked to lower cortisol levels and improved attention span (Bratman et al., 2015).
In short, the activities central to cottagecore are as good for the mind as they are for the soul.
Joining the Cottagecore Craze
If you’re ready to embrace your inner homesteader, here’s how to get started:
Start Small: Plant a windowsill herb garden or bake a batch of cookies.
Dress the Part: Flowing skirts and cozy cardigans aren’t mandatory, but they sure add to the vibe.
Unplug: Swap some screen time for a stroll in the park or an hour with a good book.
Finding Peace in the Pastoral
Cottagecore isn’t just about pretty pictures or whimsical daydreams; it’s a yearning for a slower, more intentional way of living.
Embracing the simple joys of nature, creativity, and connection, we might just find a path to greater balance and well-being.
As Gen Z leads the charge, perhaps it’s time for the rest of us to pick up a trowel, dust off a recipe book, and rediscover the charm of a life well-lived.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., & Daily, G. C. (2015). The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249(1), 118-136.
Lowry, C. A., Hollis, J. H., de Vries, A., Pan, B., Brunet, L. R., Hunt, J. R., … Rook, G. A. (2007). The microbiota, immunity, and depression: Brain–immune–gut interactions. Neuroscience, 146(3), 756-772.
Tamlin, S. M., Conner, T. S., DeYoung, C. G., & Paul, M. S. (2017). Creative activity, curiosity, and happiness: An investigation of retrospective and momentary well-being. Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(4), 407-418.