Cottagecore Simplified: A Guide to Countryside Charm, Comfort and Happiness

by Katie Merriman

Imagine you have a hot cup of tea and a good book in front of you, the aroma of freshly baked bread in the air as sunlight streams in through the window. Daydreaming of a simpler life? Go back to the basics with Cottagecore Simplified. It might not be practical to drop everything and live out your fairytale fantasy, but it’s easy to embrace countryside comfort while coexisting with the modern world—find inspiration in the crafts, décor, and lifestyle tips in this book. This guide is designed to bring peace and relaxation to your life. Inside you’ll Life is all about enjoying the simple things. This idyllic aesthetic allows you to break from monotony and routine. Start off friends and family in their new home with this ideal housewarming gift, or take the plunge yourself into DIY projects and low-waste living. Unplug from the modern world and bring cottagecore to your everyday life with Cottagecore Simplified.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

128 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Mary Lou · Rating 1 out of 5]

Influencer tripe. Our ancestors would be astounded that 30 year-olds in the computer age waste their time being coached to put fruit in a bowl, listen to the birds, and reflect on their emotions. Or, better yet, do away with perfectly good housewares in order to buy the same thing with the appropriate aesthetic (frogs and mushrooms!). It's infuriating to read advice to shop in thrift stores for vintage pieces given to the same generation that is, undoubtedly, turning their noses up at old family pieces their parents are offering them. These people are frantically busy creating an illusion of cozy, but spending all their time doing photo shoots to prove to everyone on instagram how perfect their lives are (yes... there are six pages detailing how and what to photograph in order to start your own online presence!)

I guess I've reached the curmudgeon stage of my life, but what a frivolous, egocentric time we live in. Live your life, and stop taking pictures of every aspect of it. Do what you like, and stop worrying about impressing others - whether it be with opulence or simplicity. And try being productive without expecting praise for it. This quest for external validation must be exhausting.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to find this book displayed on my library's shelves I just had to check it out. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. This book felt like a "how to appear you live a cottagecore life" rather than actually living it. There are even a few pages towards the end about how to do Cottagecore on TikTok and Instagram. I wish it had properly been marketed as a guide for influencers and content creators in this space rather than a guide to living the lifestyle. While of course there were sections on hobbies you can take up, it always came back to the "aesthetic" which seems more for content than for actual life. For example, at the end there's a section of questions and one asks if you have decided what cottagecore aesthetic you'll be going for.... It's a good idea to pick a niche as a content creator trying to grow followers, but in life you can dip your toes in and out of whatever.

It's awesome the author, Katie Merriman, got the opportunity to traditionally publish a book on this topic but it fell flat for me. If anyone has other recommendations for cottagecore books I should check out, please let me know!

[Christine Dabbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think this author’s idea of Cottagecore is a version relate to as much because I’ve mostly exited social media. I wasn’t expecting that to be a big factor in this book, but understand it’s one way some people want to engage in for community (I just have no restraint!).

Fun breezy pretty book otherwise.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simple. Easy to read in one cozy evening. Not quite what I was hoping for. I feel if you're going to discuss cottagecore, then there should be more visuals in your book, more photos the eyes can enjoy and sink into to capture this movement. I wanted much more from this book, a tad disappointed. But cheers to librarians!

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are more interested in documenting cottagecore for social media than in learning about the lifestyle this is the book for you.

[Jess Danielle ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute! Such an easy, fun read. There’s a lot of great tidbits, and inspo throughout. I loved the print of it, and the photos! My favorite passage from the book was “Practicing a Cottagecore life isn't just about the aesthetics of rural life, it's about the way you live your life: taking things slow, being intentional. It doesn't matter where you live, what your home looks like, or what you wear, it's the things you fill your day with and how you choose to see the world.”
A feel good 😌🌸

[Krystyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super short, charming little read that incorporates cute little illustrations and pretty photos. I enjoyed the little tidbits and descriptions that it shared. However, it was really focused on the social media presence and how to contribute to the cottagecore community on social media platforms, etc. While that was a great addition, I felt like it was too focused on the social media aspect instead of the cottagecore aspect itself. But, it was a cute and enjoyable little read.

[Bethany Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who knew I was already 100% a cottagecore girl. A cute coffee table book. If you live in a rural community and do the things our families have been doing for generations - cooking, sewing, gardening, and enjoying nature - you're already on your way to the cotttagecore lifestyle. If you do all of this in a dress you're a cottagecore girl too!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, but after reading several books on Hygge, it seemed very familiar, except for the clothing part. Seemed like a new name for an older concept.

[Jillian]

Short, little read. Kinda cute, but just a wee bit “influencer-y.”

[Katie Blakeslee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy and cute, but I wanted more illustrations! Especially when describing clothing and decor.

[Karissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too simplified, not informative enough. Wish there were more applicable pictures and detailed resources. Fast read.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have not even finished the book before starting the review simply due to my irritation. The author comes across as a young person who is telling a much older person how to appreciate and live a cottage-y life without teaching any real skills. This entails telling the reader how to ‘decorate’ with thrifted items, especially frogs and mushrooms, anything that gives the ‘look’ of Cottagecore, but without the substance. In describing the look of Cottagecore, the author states, “Inside you’re greeted by a sense of coziness, almost like a grandmother’s house, but perfectly curated.” Alluding that grandma may have lived “Cottagecore”, but certainly didn’t decorate like it. Most older generation grandmothers lived through wars and various events throughout history. Decorating for a certain style wasn’t necessarily on the top of the list, but putting food on the table and taking care of their families was important. Alot of grandmothers had the very skills, from raising farm animals, to growing gardens, to actual homemade cooking, to preserving foods, to sewing, quilting and knitting, and so forth that Cottagecore claims to represent. Yet, the book seems to be all about appearances.

The reader is advised to ‘dress’ in Cottagecore style with apparel like overalls or wellingtons, along with flowy midi skirts and blousy tops. There is a whole section on hairstyles and rolling your hair in various types of fabric garments to get beautiful curls- which perhaps would appeal to a young person? There are various quizzes to help the reader identify just how cottage-y they are. Again, something which may appeal to the youth, but not likely to interest adults.

Having done a little outside research into Cottagecore, I now understand that it tends to be an idealized version of actual cottage life. This aesthetic formed partially as a ‘fantasy getaway’ from a Covid19 world, which I fully understand. I see nothing wrong with incorporating these looks, activities, decor and ideals into life. I was just expecting much more depth. Having finished the book, I now have a better understanding of the author’s viewpoint. She hasn’t lived in a cottage or practiced many of the skills our dear grandmothers have done, but instead she lives in an apartment in a large city.

To be fair, she comes across as very encouraging to others who are attracted to this style, and states how one may become involved in it through social media. The author does give tips to live this aesthetic lifestyle from city life, which would have been good to know at the beginning of the book. It would have given the reader understanding from the perspective of which the author was originating. It’d also have helped to have addressed the target audience, that being young people, so other readers would have the correct context. I hope that one day the author actually does get to live in the cottage of her dreams and fully experiences all that it entails.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kind of ridiculous. It's all about how to (appear to) live a simple life that allows for free time to unwind, eat nourishing foods, feel relaxed, etc. There's even a short segment (they're all short segments really) that tells me to create a cozy reading nook in my house. Now that's a bold statement with A LOT of assumptions built in. It doesn't say anything about how to create this space when most homes are too small and/or overcrowded. Most people who would read this book would be women, who are most likely moms. Trying to raise a family and cook diner and do laundry and hold down a full-time job. In other words, women who lack the time to enjoy a cozy reading nook even if they had one. I don't need a book to tell me to drink tea. I don't need a book telling me to raise a garden of wildflowers just so I can pick a few to strategically place in my reading nook.

Then I arrived at the end of the book where there's a few chapters for social media posts to glorify your cottagecore chic lifestyle. Then it all fell into place. No wonder I never connected with this book, it was never meant for me at all. Now I get it.

[Arjaye-Rose Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cottagecore and loved reading more about cottagecore too. I loved the seasonal cottagecore activities, the fun quizzes throughout the book and ideas for adding more cottagecore coziness to your spaces along with romantizing your everyday life. This goes really well with slow living, being intentional and present. It was such a great read I’ve enjoyed sitting down to read this with my evening cuppa reading a chapter every few days.

If you love cottagecore, nature, intentionally living you’ll love this book!!!

[Nikki T · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was almost entirely focused on the social media side of cottagecore. Pose like this. Include elements like that. DoEsN't EvErYoNe HaVe OvErAlLs???

Instead of "A guide to countryside charm, comfort and happiness," the cover should read: "A guide on the visual aesthetic of Cottagecore for influencers."

Instead of going on a nature walk (DoN't FoRgEt YoUr BaSkEt!!!) for the clicks, why aren't we just doing it for the walk and the nature? This book is so far from the actual focus of Cottagecore that it's just sad.

[Pouline Bjerregaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book as an introduction of Cottagecore, so why didn't I give it 5 stars?
Because while it serves as a good introduction, it stays within the shallow perfomative aspects of Cottagecore.
Sure Cottagecore is an aesthetic, however, it has become a widespread philosophy.
A small book about Cottagecore photoshoots and performative activites for social media, just don't cut it in my world.
So 3 stars is more than generous enough.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book of fun ideas to add cozy charm to your home, wardrobe, and life. Nothing life-changing here, but I liked the perspective on slowing down your life, buying more natural and reusable clothing and decor, and generally dropping out of the buy-new-stuff-constantly mindset that our current world thrives on and pushes.

Also, this book is palm-sized and full of lovely photos and whimsy.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet little coffee table book for a sweet little home. Cottagecore Simplified has much needed reminders on how we should incorporate countryside charm into our everyday lives. I personally will be tackling a dried orange garland this Christmas, just you watch! The writer did a fantastic job breaking down what cottagecore is; this is a book to read with a piping hot cup of tea.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cottagecore Simplified... a very brief introduction into the cottagecore aesthetic, influenced by a simpler way of living, appreciating the basics in life. I thought this touches the surface, providing quizzes and suggestions on how to spend time to live a more Cottagecore lifestyle, but it lacks in depth decorating and living fundamentals.

[Mariana Niekamp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing considering the author is a librarian… “How to be an influencer pretending to live in a rural area”.

Honestly I picked this book up skeptical of cottagecore, and it pretty much affirmed the assumptions I had about this fad of romanticizing “the slow life” without addressing socioeconomic or other societal issues inherently intertwined with rural life.

[Mayumi Amargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the little overview of Cottagecore! I learned that it is a slow paced and sustainable way to live. I loved her tips on incorporating an internal vision of Cottagecore and practical steps into stepping into an aesthetic. I love that it’s about enjoying the simple moments in childlike wonder. Great overview!

[Kati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was rather shallow and appearance focused. The tips and ideas were almost all about creating the right “look” for a lifestyle to share with one’s social media followers. There were “recipes” for staging photo shoots, for staging one’s home, and for dressing oneself, but it never developed beyond the two dimensional. It was a “sweet” read, but without real substance.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely magical, wholesome, precious—just like the author! From eco-friendly wardrobe tips to urban gardening advice to ideas for solo dates, this little book offers everything under the sun to romanticize city life, and feels like a warm hug while doing it!

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had a cute cover but not much else substance wise. It was written from the viewpoint of an “influencer”, explaining how to look like someone who enjoys a simpler life. Seemed very shallow to say the least.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, charming little book. Though, I thought it was going to have more to it than presence in social media discussions. Some history, but not as much as I hoped. Overall, cute and interesting tidbits, but just okay.

[Allie Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, quick read! This book did a great job of touching on a wide variety of aspects of cottagecore life. Loved the seasonal activity suggestions and the itineraries. Definitely would be a cute gift or a coffee table book!

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for this quick little read. Nothing mind blowing but if you are like me and happened to stumble upon it at the library where you work and thought "hey, thats my future", well, you won't exactly be disappointed in the product.

[Krissy Apollo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Visually cute book but it was dreadfully superficial. Felt like I was reading in 1998 Seventeen magazine article- "Which Cottagecore aesthetic are you?" The authors seemed more interested in hashtags and social media appearances than authentically.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute little read but not all of it related to me