What is Coastal Cottagecore?

In the simplest terms, it’s the coastal take on Cottagecore as a design style. But let’s break that down further. Escapism aside (for more on this and cottagecore in general, the Spruce has a great article) Coastal Cottagecore as a design style borrows from some of the basic pillars of countryside cottagecore and brings them into a different landscape, the beach!  

Embracing nature with tropical motifs.

While most cottagecore décor leans on busy wildflower florals and deep greens, Coastal Cottagecore leans on more tropical motifs, like palm leaves and tropical greenery. Bright fruits like pineapples and limes make an appearance instead of more rustic foods like apples and mushrooms. And most obviously, sandy beaches replace meadows and fields in wall art and photography.

Mixing patterns in a cohesive way.

Like “classic” Cottagecore, it’s Coastal cousin encourages the mixing of patterns. But instead of plaids and checks, Coastal Cottagecore features more nautical stripes and angular prints. Prints and patterns with minimal overlap prevent tropical motifs from feeling crowded and preserve the feeling of simplicity in the “cottagecore” aesthetic. 

Using natural color palettes inspired by coastal surroundings. 

Rather than focusing on deep greens and pastels, Coastal Cottagecore takes color inspiration from more vibrant colors associated with the beach, pinks and teals, as well as lighter greens and white but with lower saturation. Muted teals and pinks create a calmer, more laid back feel that fits with the romanticized version of life in the Cottagecore Aesthetic. 

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