I might just be getting old, but it seems like everywhere I look and everything I hear have gotten incredibly ugly. Where is the beauty in our modern life? Am I the only one noticing this? I think not and I’ll explain.
I don’t go to many movies, but I’ve been to two recently. The movie experience has gotten way more comfortable in sharp contrast to the content of most movies, which is dark and cruel. How many villains and murderers can writers possibly imagine? My first reaction after seeing the latest and final Downton Abbey film was, at last! A movie that is stunningly gorgeous, a pleasure to view! What’s more, no one is dead or mutilated. How refreshing.
Movies aside, there is an actual movement to return to warm and cozy, something I never gave up. In fact, my decorating might actually be considered fashionable.
Modern design has been described as soulless, bland minimalism in shades of Millennial gray. That’s pretty harsh, but there is some truth in it. Simplicity might be a natural enough reaction to our complex contemporary lifestyle. But it also seems kind of boring when personality takes a backseat to ease. What happened to color?
There’s plenty of criticism of the popular open plan houses of today. Wasn’t it lovely when company came over and you could just close the kitchen door? Now the entire living space is on display 24/7. Didn’t people have more privacy when there was a cozy den or playroom where they could retreat and find some solitude?
The answer to these issues is a movement referred to as Grandma chic, Grandmacore and Cottagecore. There’s really not any difference between them. They’re not only a design aesthetic, they’re a way of life, a return to a time when beauty was a part of every day. Think cozy. Think oversized sweaters and loafers, embroidered hankies and sun hats, homemade baked goods and slow-cooked stews. Think gingham fabric and homemade jams. I feel calmer simply imagining all that stuff.
Why not embrace creativity, hug some nature and fill life with small joys? There’s lots of ways to get started. I like to bake, but I always feel I’ve achieved something phenomenal when I take the time to bake a pie from scratch. Here’s a few suggestions to put a bit of Cottagecore in your day:
- Listen to vintage records
- Bake some cookies
- Add a vintage floral pattern in your living space: curtains, tablecloths, cushion and pillow covers, or wallpaper
- Make a reading nook
- Put some flowers in a vintage vase
- Learn to sew or knit
- Put on an apron
- Make a tea party or simply brew a pot of tea
- Plant some herbs
- Add some lace at the window or a doily to a table
The autumn rooms pictured above have inspired me. I basically unpack decorations and put the same things in the same places. It’s the quickest way to get it over with and return the boxes to the garage. But what if I switch things up this year? Maybe the mantle needs to be different. Maybe I need modest displays in more spots. Maybe fairy lights and candles need a larger presence. For the first time in years, I can’t wait to reevaluate and rearrange fall.
If there were a pumpkin on that bedside table, wouldn’t this room make the perfect fall retreat?
It’s surprising how relaxing and entertaining it is to get in touch with your creative self.
Need more ideas or examples? Pinterest and YouTube have a ton. Most important: have some fun.
