We have a new writing guide for you! Lately, the internet is all about the cottagecore aesthetic, so we're here to help show you how to incorporate it into your projects and amp up those atmospheric vibes.
AT THE CORE
A close cousin to faeriecore and goblincore, cottagecore places heavy emphasis on nature. Self-sufficiency and slow living are at the heart of this aesthetic, making it ideal for rural settings, folkloric stories, and solitary characters—think frolicking maiden or witch of the woods vibes.
Let's dig deeper.
EXPLORING INSPIRATIONS
Need some examples of this aesthetic to inspire you? We've gathered a few you might find helpful.
Film & Literature
Disney's first full-length animation is a prime example of cottagecore: a cottage in the woods, characters working together to make a living, romanticization of domestic duties, an old crone, and a warm, gentle protagonist and color pallet to balance out the darker aspects of the story.
As the only known Borrowers left, Arrietty and her parents know all about self-sufficiency. They must depend on themselves and their surroundings for everything. Their home is cozy, full of adorable improvisations by the tiny folk—an excellent setting example.
Many other Studio Ghibli films feature this aesthetic in some capacity, with Kiki's Delivery Service being high on our list of favorites in that category.
Whether you prefer to read or watch this series (for there are numerous adaptations), you'll find plenty of inspiration following Anne as she adapts to her new life in a farming village.
If anyone knows how to live by this aesthetic, it's Hobbits! They prefer quiet, peaceful lives taking care of themselves and enjoying life's simple pleasures. It's no wonder "hobbitcore" so closely resembles the cottagecore aesthetic.
Video Games
Wytchwood is an indie "crafting adventure game set in an expressive land of gothic fables and fairytales." You play as the mysterious amnesia-afflicted witch of the woods, helping or punishing characters by collecting, crafting, and bartering while solving their dilemmas.
In Cozy Grove, you play as a Spirit Scout tasked with returning color to a forested island by appeasing the local ghosts. Each has––err, had––their own role in the island's community, and helps you with certain things. You get to explore the island, meet and befriend spirits, craft new tools and items, find lost things, build up your camp (which includes you own Calcifer-like fire). Imagine Wytchwood and Animal Crossing had a baby.
As the new Spiritfarer, you've been given the responsibility of ferrying spirits to the land of the dead––and making their transition as comfortable as possible. In order to do so you must complete favors, build accommodations, and explore their links to the living.
This relatively new cozy game quite literally embodies the "witch of the woods" trope by letting you play as Baba Jaga while you explore, craft, decorate, and live out your best witchy life.
You didn't think we were going to leave this one out, did you? Animal Crossing is a widely popular farming and crafting adventure where players choose an island to to call home and work on. You can shake trees, plant flowers and crops, fish and dive, catch wildlife, visit other islands, and more. As the seasons change in real life, so does your island, which makes this an excellent game for any time of year—but the holiday season is arguably the best.
There are so many cozy games out there with this vibe—here's an article with a bunch of examples to choose from!
SETTING THE TONE
Much like academia aesthetics, cottagecore can be light or dark. The most important thing is that it's cozy. It helps to think of light cottagecore as closer to faeriecore, while dark cottagecore is similar to goblincore.
For example...
Light cottagecore will feature a softer, more welcoming and romantic atmosphere. Think wildflowers, meadows and bright clearings, sunshine, spring/summer, baking, weaving or sewing, warm tones, and cute critters. This is Maiden, mother hen, or sweet-old-granny energy.
Dark cottagecore is similar, but with a touch of danger and The Other. There's a reason characters in these stories live alone. Common elements might include dark woods, a haunting atmosphere or plot, fungi and thorns, nocturnal and/or poisonous gardens, "creepy" or dangerous creatures, dusty and web-covered surfaces, dead plants, darker magics, rainy or misty weather, dull colors, fall/winter settings, and nighttime plots. This is more Crone energy—Baba Yaga, Cailleach, Hecate.
PLAYING WITH TROPES
There's a reason certain elements are used over and over—it's because they work. That doesn't mean you can't put your own twist on them or combine them in unique ways. No one can tell your stories like you can, so don't be afraid to shape these popular tropes into your craft.
Small Settings, Big Story
Cottagecore is also referred to as farmcore or countrycore. Small towns or villages are ideal for an aesthetic that romanticizes slow and/or communal living and self-sufficiency. Characters may have specialties and work together with neighbors or buy and sell at local markets.
But a small setting doesn't mean you have to have a small story or force your characters out into the larger world if you don't want to. Big things can happen in small places. Your characters can come together to handle conflicts around their home, or seek help from surrounding settlements or even a mysterious figure in the woods.
Solitary Sage
The wise elder living on the fringes of society is featured in many stories and aesthetics, but it works really well with cottagecore. Whether this is your main character who others seek help from or someone your protagonist encounters on their journey (for better or worse), this archetype and their homes are a perfect way to incorporate these aesthetics.
Local Legends
Another excellent way to lean into the small-town vibe is to include local legends and lore. What are the local superstitions? Does the protagonist need to beware of certain creatures or figures? Are they in search of an item once held by a hero? Has an ancient evil arisen? Do stories about the local flora or fauna aid them in a moment of need?
Way of Life Differences
Let's say you DO want to take your characters out of their small settings or bring someone from a more populated area (city, courtly life) into a smaller town. They're inevitably going to face a culture shock, which could provide additional tension to the story. Maybe they don't see eye-to-eye with the people they encounter in this new place, or they don't understand the customs and accidentally offend someone or get themselves into a sticky situation.
Furry Friends
With an emphasis on nature, animals are bound to play a role in a cottagecore story. Maybe your character has an animal familiar or a way with animals in general. Or maybe they encounter a special animal along the way—a messenger, omen, guardian, or helper? Perhaps animal symbolism is important to the story, or perhaps you want to add a touch of magic with a talking animal companion.
Plants
Whether your character is an herbalist, gardener, or simply surrounded by the beauty of nature, plants and their uses and symbolism often play a role in cottagecore. From the healer preparing poultices to the witch who may or may not have magic, we've seen anything from setting to plot using this theme in cottagecore stories.
We hope this guide has been helpful and inspires you on your writing journey! Are there any other aesthetics you'd like us to cover? Let us know in the comments below or on social media. You can always find us on bookstagram and Threads!