Why Cottage Core is Defining Modern Interior Design
- May 26
- 4 min read
Designing for warmth, colour and character in 2026
For a lot of people, the concept of modern interior design brings to mind a minimalist room with white walls, a cold, metal lamp and an odd-looking chair. But technically, this brand of modernism has been around for nearly a century. In the 1950s and 60s, post-modernism rejected sterile, modern rooms in favour of bright colours that invoke a playful, laid-back feeling. Post-modern design is still popular today, especially in commercial spaces like restaurants, hotels and the infamous co-working chain, WeWork.
Since the early 2000s, metamodernism has been defining the latest waves of art and design. Like post-modernism, it’s often colourful, but the elements of style are deeply linked with previous decades. Metamodernism is known for ironically leaning into a romanticized idea of the past in the context of present day resources and creativity.
Many modern day renovations reflect a metamodern desire; vintage styles reproduced by big box stores, the feel of natural fabrics mimicked by polyester, or a kitchen with walls made of reclaimed wood alongside a state-of-the-art oven and countertop. But if you’re about to renovate your home, you’re likely not Googling “metamodernism kitchen inspo.” As an umbrella term, it’s mostly overshadowed by fast trends, which, once faded, become stark reminders of questionable purchases from the latest clothing brand to launch a line of homeware. But some trends stick around, aligning with the metamodernist mainstream.
The culture of cottage core
For the past few years, ‘cottage core’ has been steadily rising in popularity. The design roots lie in the farmhouse aesthetic. Think floral wallpaper, white walls with pastel accents, rusted antiques, and of course, the farmhouse sink. This aesthetic was tethered to homesteading families broadcasting a wholesome lifestyle that connected them to nature, a ton of kids, and the ability to make bread from scratch. But during the pandemic, these ideals germinated with a broader audience and cottage core branched off as a lifestyle movement embraced by people who, ironically, don’t live in cottages (or farmhouses). Like all lasting trends, cottage core touches on something below the aesthetic surface. It’s a nostalgic attempt to live in a ‘simpler past’ and this desire continues to gain traction. In the age of AI, people are longing to exist in spaces that are unmistakably human.
When it comes to home renovation and interior design, cottage core is increasingly popular and is evolving from white-washed displays of raw timber and antique furniture to an explosion of warmth and character. Embraced by an urban audience, cottage core interiors have become a prime example of metamodernism, integrating timeless styles and materials with fresh uses of colour.
At Braw House, we're working with clients in the UK and beyond who are craving a little cottage core. This style inspiration frequently comes up when renovating tenement flats in and around Edinburgh. But we take pride in ensuring your home design doesn’t fall into the trend trap. We help you peel back the layers of the design styles you are inspired by, and identify the elements that will age well. Get started with a free chat or check out our services to learn more.
Here’s a round up of our favourite parts of cottage core, which we think will stand the test of time.
Colour drenching, but make it rich
Colour drenching sparks life in a space. We’ve seen an uptick in rich, full colours that make this statement effect full of meaningful character. It sets an intentional tone, and adds a wealth of personality. Experiment with contrasting colours for an extra hit of dopamine.
More wood, everywhere
Investing in the areas of your home or the elements of a room that take up the most surface area will transform your space. Before you start shopping for rugs, consider the floors and walls of your space. Cottage core reminds us that adding wood to your walls with clapboard, bead board, tongue and groove, or other styles of paneling creates visual interest and a warm, cosy feel. Custom joinery is also stealing the show as a practical solution for storage and a canvas for colour.
Tiles with personality
A significant portion of renovators hold onto white subway tiles for dear life. But cottage core is a reminder that colourful tilework is a fast track to an aesthetic interior. We’ve noticed matte and glossy finishes popping up with mostly muted, earthy tones. But sometimes vibrant, primary colours are also invited to the party.
Appliances and fixtures that speak for themselves
Chrome appliances have had a grip on the interior world for a very long time, but we’re finally seeing some courageous steps in a new direction. Smeg deserves a lot of credit for making retro fridges cool again, and with that, came a range of colour ideas. In the depths of cottage core, we’re seeing a greater appetite for colourful sinks and oven ranges. This choice celebrates the utility of these objects in a refreshing way, and provides an artful anchor to inspire the palette and mood of the rest of the room.
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