Move Over Hygge, Cottagecore is the Most Googled Home Décor Trend in the UK
Online searches for ‘cottagecore aesthetic’ have skyrocketed by 188% year on year, overshadowing other popular interior trends like Hygge, boho and minimalism. We analysed Google data to uncover the most in-demand accessories to create the style at home.
What is cottagecore?
When it comes to interior design, the most Insta-worthy trend dominating our feeds this year is cottagecore. A romantic aesthetic that combines idyllic countryside elements with simple comforts to create a cosy, sustainable fantasy of wood, lace, tapestry and florals. At home, there are vivid hallmarks of nan’s living room in the look, which mixes busy textures and layers to create a nostalgic, old-school feel. Similar names include countrycore or grandmacore.
It’s been around for ages, but cottagecore started gaining traction during lockdown as more people turned to Instagram for inspiration to make home life a bit cosier. Over 2020, Google searches for the trend grew 543% in the UK alone. This trend continued over 2021 and into 2022, with online demand for cottagecore almost tripling in this time, making it one of the most prominent home décor styles to watch this year.
Interior designer Audrey Whelan says the cottagecore trend became much more relatable for so many people during lockdown.
“When my husband and I bought a run-down thatched cottage in West Ireland to get a break from London, we learned what it’s like to live a slower pace of life, and that’s one of the main components of the cottagecore aesthetic. [During lockdown] a lot of people have looked to create quiet, cosy spaces for themselves at home, and leaning into the warmth and simplicity of cottagecore is irresistible right now. For anyone looking to bring a few elements of the look into their home, try introducing patterned rugs, mixed-pattern throws, cushions and lampshades, or bring in painted woodwork to add contrast and warmth to white interiors.”
Most Googled Home Decor Trends 2022
Hygge’s soothing neutrals and Scandinavian minimalism has been knocked off the trend list. Modern rustic and grand millennial are now among the top five most Instagrammable trends, with both tying heavily into the granny chic look of cottagecore.
| Trend | Instagram mentions |
| #cottagecore | 2,900,000 |
| #zen | 15,600,000 |
| #modernrustic | 384,000 |
| #transitionaldesign | 135,000 |
| #grandmillennialstyle | 55,700 |
2022’s Most Popular Cottagecore Accessories to Create the Look
One of the best parts about this trend is that it’s budget-friendly. Creating a cottagecore bedroom or living space can be done with minimal cash and a few tweaks to existing décor – ideal for those who have just moved into their first Shared Ownership or Help to Buy home and want to make it their own! And if you live in a rented property, you’ll also be able to change up your décor without needing permission.
These are some of the favourite accessories to create the look, according to the number of online searches this year:
| Décor | Instagram mentions |
Increase in Google searches |
| #wallplantersindoor | 8,300 | 125% |
| #mushroomdecor | 4,131 | 83% |
| #driedflowers | 1,447,101 | 58% |
| #flowerbowl | 17,000 | 53% |
| #flowerbouquet | 2,600,000 | 50% |
| #airplants | 6,091,570 | 33% |
| #vase | 3,100,000 | 29% |
| #doorwreaths | 47,700 | 13% |
| #pottery | 12,700,000 | 10% |
| #tapestry | 52,853 | 7% |
Bring in the botanicals
Plants feature on virtually every cottagecore mood board. The aesthetic has strong ties to nature and simple living, which means hanging plants, foliage, woodland tapestry, vines and air plants are essential if you’re going to try and create the perfect ambience. Online searches for dried flowers have risen by 58% on Google, and indoor wall planters are in even higher demand at 112%.
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Textures and wall hangings
Beautiful textures are fundamental for the cottagecore look, which means accessories like macrame wall hangings or tapestries should feature heavily. Online demand for tapestries has grown 7% year on year. Meanwhile, door wreaths have been a key trend this year, with Google searches growing 13% as more people look for creative ways to add to their décor.
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Accessories and lighting
Budget-friendly ways to include more cottagecore decor in your home is with fairy lights and lanterns, candles, reclaimed furniture and antiques, botanical prints and dried flowers. All these trending accessories are growing in popularity online right now. Mushroom décor has seen an 83% increase in Google searches due to the trend.
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