There’s something about the idea of living in a storybook cottage that just makes my heart sigh. The slow mornings. The scent of something baking. Lace curtains dancing in the breeze. While I may not live in a real-life forest hideaway (yet), I’ve found that with the right rituals, details, and mindset… I can feel like I do.
Here are the little things I do—sometimes daily, sometimes seasonally—that help me romanticize my space and live as if I’ve stepped into the pages of a fairytale. Whether you’re in a city apartment or a quiet home in the woods, these soft cottagecore touches can turn any space into your own dreamy escape. 🕊️
🍞 1. I Bake Something Simple (Even Just Bread or Biscuits)
Nothing feels more cottage-y than the scent of something baking in the kitchen. Even if it’s just store-bought dough or a box mix, I love lighting a candle, tying on a linen apron, and pretending I’m preparing a treat for woodland guests.
Bonus tip: Serve it on a vintage plate or under a little cloche if you have one. Instant ✨ vibes.
🌿 2. I Decorate With Nature—Not Just for Aesthetics, But for Peace
Fresh or dried flowers, bundles of herbs, fallen branches, pressed leaves—nature makes the best décor. I place little bits of greenery in old jars, hang eucalyptus in the shower, and keep a tiny dish of foraged things near the window.
Try this: Make a “seasonal shelf” where you swap in natural elements from the current season.
🧺 3. I Keep a Morning Basket for Slow Starts
A cozy morning basket is one of my favorite things. It holds a pretty journal, a floral mug, dried lavender, and a rotating stack of books or magazines. I pull it out when I want to begin my day in softness—with tea, quiet reading, and no pressure.
🕯️ 4. I Light Candles and Twinkle Lights Constantly
Ambient lighting transforms everything. Even washing dishes or folding laundry feels magical when the room is glowing. I use beeswax taper candles for a rustic touch and keep fairy lights draped across shelves and windows.
Soft light = soft mood. And soft mood = instant storybook energy.
📖 5. I Romanticize the Everyday With Vintage Touches
I try to add one “old-timey” thing to every space: a thrifted teacup on my nightstand, a lace doily under my plant, an embroidered hand towel. These small details add layers of charm and texture—and make the ordinary feel precious.
Little things I love:
- Antique keys as decoration
- Floral tea towels
- Handwritten labels for pantry jars
🍄 6. I Listen to Nature or Cottage-Inspired Sounds
Instead of constant background noise, I often play forest ambiance, rain sounds, or gentle piano. Sometimes, I even play a “cottagecore kitchen” playlist while cooking—it completely changes the mood.
My go-tos:
- Forest sounds on YouTube or Spotify
- Fire crackling or soft folk music
- Cottagecore ambiance videos with light rain sounds
🌼 7. I Surround Myself With Scents That Feel Earthy or Nostalgic
Scents are one of the fastest ways to transport yourself. I diffuse essential oils like rosemary, cedar, or wild orange, and love natural perfumes with notes of rose, vanilla, or moss.
Soft scent ideas:
- A linen spray that smells like fresh air and lavender
- Handmade soap bars with floral or herbal blends
- Incense sticks for evening wind-downs
🐚 8. I Let Myself Play (Even If It’s Just for a Minute)
Living like you’re in a storybook isn’t about productivity—it’s about joy. Sometimes I braid my hair and wear a cottagecore dress for no reason. Sometimes I draw, arrange flowers, or write a letter I’ll never send. These little “childlike” habits help me stay close to wonder.
🌸 Magic Lives in the Details
You don’t need ivy-covered walls or a garden full of roses to feel like you live in a storybook cottage. You just need intention. A little softness. A slow cup of tea and something blooming on the windowsill. Let yourself lean into it—this gentle, romantic way of living. You deserve that magic, even on a Monday.