Do you need a change from your modern lifestyle? Look no further than our Beginner Cottagecore Lifestyle Guide!

It’s rare for someone who wants to begin a Cottagecore lifestyle to live in the rural countryside – more often than not, it is someone who lives in the city, which is the exactly opposite of what many expect for a Cottagecore lifestyle.

However, living in a city does not have to mean you can’t live whimsical, free-spirited, inspired by and connected with nature.

The city or a suburban town, at first glance, may be the last place you would expect to live a Cottagecore lifestyle, however, it is entirely possible.

Many, especially after quarantine, are seeking the adventure and opportunities of city life while having the opportunity to embrace Cottagecore aesthetics.

We will all have different reasons for wanting to live this lifestyle, but your location does not have to dictate the way you can and can not live your life – feel free to make whatever space you have into the nostalgic countryside dream.

If you’re stuck for ideas on how to make your space feel like all of your Cottagecore fanatics, continue reading this article.

Don’t forget to check out how to create the ultimate Cottagecore everyday makeup routine and what to wear to fulfil your fairy dreams.

What It Means To Live Cottagecore

If you want to live a cottagecore lifestyle, it is important to understand that the feeling and environment is different for everyone; the aesthetic inherently holds significant personal meaning for each individual who follows it.

While the overarching themes and visuals will remain consistent, the Cottagecore lifestyle is mostly about creating a feeling of warmth and comfort for yourself

Image of our beginner cottagecore lifestyle guide

The Cottagecore aesthetic and lifestyle is centred around nature, nostalgia, caring for our planet, gratitude and so much more.

The lifestyle you’re looking for is heavily inspired by the romanticised idea of rural European living – farms, meadows, countryside, rivers and flowers.

Some examples of living an extreme Cottagecore lifestyle is spending as much time outside as possible, without doing laborious, hard physical work (such as intense farming) and living like you are a true rural villager.

However, many who live the Cottagecore life will savour the best of both modern and rural life.

There are many ways you can explore your Cottagecore fantasies, such as fashion, hobbies, beauty, interior design and more, as long as they all focus on the central atmosphere of the lifestyle.

Essentially, if you want to live the Cottagecore lifestyle, your life will be centred around the aesthetic in all ways that suit you.

Here are 10 ways you can live a Cottagecore lifestyle no matter where you live.

Reconnect with Nature

We couldn’t write an article about a Cottagecore lifestyle without talking about immersing ourselves in nature.

Even if you live in a city, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors – go to your local park or green area where you can sit, ponder life, or walk your pet.

If you really want to, you can even take trips outside the city and explore the countryside.

Make Homemade Jam

While this may be a tricky hobby to begin, it is truly something you will never look back on and regret. 

What else screams ‘Cottagecore’ more than making your own jam? 

What is even better is you can make large batches of jam (as long as you’ve sourced enough fruit) and gift it to your family and friends.

It’s even better if you pick your own fruit.

Cook and Bake

These hobbies are essential to living a Cottagecore lifestyle and they’re the perfect way to create the perfect atmosphere if you live in the city. 

Is there anything better than the scent of freshly baked cookies or the taste of warm, fresh bread?

Cooking from scratch (especially from your own garden or locally sourced) is often healthier than pre-prepared ingredients.

Lose Yourself In A Story

One of the best ways to immerse yourself into an alternative atmosphere is through reading and watching movies.

There are so many books out there that focus on the Cottagecore lifestyle – feel free to check out our blog post about the Best Cottagecore Books of 2021.

Buy Locally Sourced Food

Image of fresh vegetables

Many don’t think it is easy to source locally sourced foods when they live in the city, however, it isn’t as difficult as you may think.

The trick is to explore and find the right places and know the best time to go.

Once you have found vendors or markets that can be a reliable source of groceries like fruit, vegetables and meat, you will have the opportunity to live the sustainable, eco-friendly Cottagecore lifestyle you’ve envisioned. 

Transform Your Wardrobe

One of the most popular and easiest ways of expressing yourself through the Cottagecore aesthetics is fashion.

It is not as tricky as you may think to create your dream Cottagecore wardrobe.

There are so many wonderful guies online showing you the best and most affordable ways to dress like a Cottagecore fairy.

Get Creative

A main characteristic of the Cottagecore lifestyle is being calm and happy, and one of the best hobbies for stress-relief is art.

Being artistic and creative is quite possibly the best form of expression, allowing you to create something that is both beautiful and emotional.

This includes hobbies such as painting, sculpting, knitting, embroidery, drawing and more – whatever makes you feel good. 

Bring the Garden Inside

Image of a picnic

People often forget that a garden doesn’t have to stay outside; there are plenty of ways for you to brighten your space with indoor plants.

You have the standard succulents and potted plants, but there is so much more you can do.

Have you thought of starting a mini vegetable area in your kitchen by planting your leftover seeds, or growing your own herbs so you have a constant source of fresh herbs?

Play Cottagecore Music

One of the easiest ways to make your space feel more like the aesthetic you want is by setting the mood with relevant music.

Music streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music have pre-created playlists that are perfect for your Cottagecore home – just play them in the background while you go about your day and feel the effect. 

Invest in Yourself

No matter what aesthetic you are going for, self-care is important, but even more so for Cottagecore lifestyles.

The Cottagecore lifestyle is all about creating a happy, grounded and relaxing atmosphere; self-care and relaxation are the best ways of relieving any of life’s stresses and can even assist in self-improvement.

Consider the Cottagecore aesthetic whenever you participate in self-care, and consider the ways you could incorporate nature and simplicity into your relaxation routines.

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