Welcome Home: The New Modern Cottage Trend and How to Achieve It
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Are you ready to learn about the new home decor trend that is taking the design world by storm? It’s called Modern Cottage, and I’m all for it! If you are looking for a way to make your home feel extra cozy while embracing minimalism with a modern edgy twist, pay attention! This new trend might be just what you need.
When you think Modern Cottage, think of a welcoming yet humble country retreat. Just the essentials, and everything in the space exudes comfort rather than showiness. Antique accent pieces look right at home here. But wait! There is also an edge to this style that you will not find in a Cottagecore look (if that’s what you’ve been imagining, stop right now!). Instead of floral patterns and whimsy, you will find modern colors and lines that let you know you are firmly in the year 2024.
Have I caught your attention? Want to know more? Let’s examine the history behind the Modern Cottage look and some of its basic elements so you can take inspiration notes for your own space!
A note on following the latest trends
Before we get right into the elements of this latest design trend, I encourage you to remember that if you don’t like it, that’s OK! The best way to decorate your home is in a style you yourself love. As someone who loves art and decorating, I always find researching the latest trends in home decor fascinating. It’s interesting to see what’s gaining popularity and why, and to experience the shifts in the industry.
Personally, I enjoy switching up my decor now and then, so I often incorporate trends in our home IF I love them, if we can afford them, and if they work for our family. So, if you find that you love Modern Cottage, have fun with it and give it a try! If not, decorate your home in a way that makes YOU happy and comfortable. Don’t worry if your favorite comfy sofa or treasured coffee table accessories wouldn’t be found in any properly cottage-style homes. You can just incorporate what works best for you and leave the rest!
History of Modern Cottage Homes (and why you’re probably closer to achieving this look than you realize)
The truth is that “new” design trends rarely happen in a vacuum, and this is absolutely the case for Modern Cottage! If you take a closer look you will see that it’s really just part of the evolution of Modern Farmhouse (which you all know has my heart). That is why I found it so appealing and why many of my Modern Farmhouse-loving readers will too! Here’s how we got here:
- Farmhouse decor really started in the 1990s “shabby chic” era. This was your grandmother’s farmhouse style! Lots of florals and ruffled curtains and distressed white furniture.
- In the early 2000s, farmhouse started to “grow up” a little bit. Lots of reclaimed wood accents and heavy wood furniture designed to look old appeared at this time. Pottery Barn: need I say more?
- The 2010s is when this style went a little bit industrial. Exposed lightbulbs in simple lighting fixtures and copper pipes as furniture became very popular.
- Around 2013, Chip and Joanna Gaines and their show Fixer Upper changed this style again! DIYs and vintage finds took centre stage, and even MORE reclaimed wood.
- Enter Modern Cottage a couple of years ago: a style that incorporates the best of all farmhouse trends and takes it up a notch too! Rustic wood furniture and accents, vintage finds, and DIYs all belong here. BUT, this style also loves a good contrast between clean modern lines and cottage-y comfort.
Why am I telling you all this? Because chances are that if you’ve been in love with Modern Farmhouse for any period of time, you probably have a lot of items that can be incorporated into this new look without spending a lot of time or effort! It’s all about finding the comfortable cottage look and then adding your own personal edge to it.
Elements of Modern Cottage Style
Hopefully by now you’re getting the right idea and you have a picture in your head of cozy winter nights by the wood burning stove, or the smell of baking bread in a simple kitchen overlooking the forest or wildflower meadow nearby. There are a few essential Modern Cottage elements that you can incorporate to get the look to match the picture in your head! Let’s start with the easy elements:
- Natural materials like linen, wool, cotton, or even straw and jute. You can incorporate these materials in your curtains, throw pillows, blankets, and woven baskets. Any furnishings or fabrics you include should follow this rule as much as possible!
- Neutral color palette using blacks, blues, whites, beige, or maybe even a hint of a natural green. Use colors you would find in nature if you need a guide. Simple white walls are a great way to start.
- Fresh flowers or any type of greenery foraged from your backyard. The more the better! This is such an easy way to add cottage-y charm to your space.
- Vintage decor. You’re looking for items that tell a story and look slightly worn or broken-in over time. Think heirloom rugs or artwork and antique-y looking accessories like chipped or flawed vases. Always remember to keep it simple!
Shop This Style:
Here are some of my favourite Modern Cottage style elements from Amazon:
Modern Cottage Renovation Ideas
If you are thinking of doing some renovations and want to incorporate the Modern Cottage style into your interior design plans, there are ways to do that too!
Here are some big-change ideas:
- Wood floors are a classic element of cottage living.
- Arched doorways and exposed ceiling beams add rustic charm.
- Mixed metals (think brass and black!) and natural materials like wood and stone are perfect in either the living room or bathroom. Whatever you do, avoid metal and plastic.
- Open shelves in the kitchen give the right humble, functional, yet pretty look.
- Furniture should be comfortable and made from natural textiles in neutral colors. Add lots of cushions using the natural materials rule given above!
- Incorporate a wood burning stove or fireplace if your space allows. The hearth is the heart of a cottage home!
- And don’t forget, chips and flaws and other signs of a well-loved and worn-in piece of furniture just add to the charm of this style. So don’t be afraid to keep your favorite coffee table or even thrift one that looks like it’s seen some things! Wood is always best.
There you have it: everything you need to take your Modern Farmhouse aesthetic into a brand new era of Modern Cottage! I hope I gave you a good idea of the differences between the two styles and some easy inspiration to achieve a cozy cottage look in your own space. Please share your Modern Cottage pics and ideas with the rest of us @thediymommy on Instagram or here in the comments!
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