Style I'm loving right now: Contemporary Cottage Charm

My picks for combining whimsy with sleek in your home for a perfectly charming vibe

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I’ve been slowly updating our small family home since we realized we were going to be living here longer than originally anticipated due to our incredible 2019 interest rate and an overly competitive real estate market. My style when we moved into our home in 2019 was a mix what was trending at the time (hello farmhouse) random college leftovers, hand-me-down furniture, and black and gold everything. But here in 2025, with two kids and a clearer sense of what feels like us, my style has matured. I’ve been craving more character, more pattern, more color—elements that make our home feel collected but also very intentional. 

Somewhat unintentionally, this craving has led me to cottagecore elements like patterned wallpaper, floral linens, and wood accents. The aesthetic has been everywhere the past few years, and I guess my home is just now catching up. But my version isn’t full-on countryside fairytale—it's more cottage charm with a modern twist. I love combining contemporary details like geometric patterns and silhouettes with playful florals and colors. Today I’m sharing some recent finds that feel perfectly in line with that vibe—pieces that blend charm, whimsy, and just enough structure to feel fresh.

You don’t have to redo your whole house—sometimes a little charm in the right corner goes a long way.

My idea of a 'contemporary cottage' vibe | Photo by Valerie on Unsplash

For the Bathroom

Lulu & Georgia Checkerboard Bath Mat 

Part of Sarah Sherman Samuel’s beautiful collection for L&G,  this bath mat brings that more contemporary edge to the cottage charm style. It’s still playful but the color blocking of the checkered pattern adds a geometric layer to a space. 

Anthropologie Eudora Cotton Towel Collection 

The striped towel edges combined with floral print are just perfection - and the colors are beautiful. 

West Elm Floral Beach Towels

I love beach towels - I’m not usually a huge color person but I love that beach towels can kind of just do their own thing and don’t need to match with a space or vibe - they’re just for fun. And these have that floral / stripe combo I’m loving. 

West Elm Begonia Shower Curtain 

The playful floral print comes in 3 color variations and the scallop edge detail is the icing on the cake!

For the Bedroom

West Elm Thistle Sheet Set 

If you haven’t noticed West Elm is completely embodying this contemporary cottage charm thing I’m loving. Patterned sheets just feel fancy and fun– and these floral patterned sheets have striped ruffles on the edges! The cutest little detail.

West Elm Pierce & Ward Ribbed Wood Table Lamp

The beautifully structured pleated shade totally makes this lamp, but I love the wooden base that brings in just a touch of cottage-rustic-charm. We use these in our bedroom on our nightstands. 

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Blue floral block print and Red and blue floral print  Lulu & Georgia Linen Pillows |

These pillows come in beautiful earthy colors and pair well together for some fun but sophisticated pattern mixing. 

Birch Lane Alice Oriental Hand Tufted Wool Area Rug

OK is the floral x stripes detail getting old here? I think not! I’m obsessed with this rug - it was a perfect piece for our primary bedroom. It comes in multiple sizes but I love this small-ish size for just a pop of color and pattern in a bedroom. 

For the Dining Room

Floral Tablecloth from Amazon 

Great price and so many great prints and colors to choose from to add a feminine touch to your dining table. 

Anthropologie Checkered Stoneware Mug

Do I need more coffee mugs? No. But who doesn’t love sipping their coffee every day in a cute mug. Just elevates the experience! The checkered pattern on these comes in the best colors. 

West Elm Wiggle Dinner Plate Set

If the product has wiggle in the name, sign me up! Love the shape of these plates and again some fun colors to start a conversation at your next dinner party. 

Accents for the Home

Magnolia Ceramic Block Print Photo Frame

A perfect statement frame to add to a shelf for styling or a nightstand or a dresser. The floral detail and colors are pure charm. 

Magnolia Everett Checkered Marble Trinket Dish

A checkered pattern is so versatile which is why I love incorporating it into the cottage charm look. It adds pattern and color while also creating opportunities for simple pattern mixing.

Anthropologie Striped Scallop Ceramic Candle

The scalloped edge + stripes + playful colors on these create a fun, high end cottage vibe. Not to mention the amazing scents! Super fresh for summer. 

Anthropologie Handpainted Taper Candles 

I love when pattern shows up on pieces that wouldn’t normally have them - like these taper candles. The handpainted detail adds a touch of whimsy and color. 

World Market Gold Taper Candle Holders 

I’ve had these for awhile. I love that they give taper candles contemporary spin with their sleek and simple lines. They’d look amazing with the handpainted Anthro candle holders above!

Anthropologie Checkered Ceramic Vase 

Yes, more checkers. To me a checkered pattern exudes cottage vibe without being stuffy. Love the green color with the neutral white base - will be the perfect vessel for any bouquet. 

Fin

If you’re drawn to the warmth and whimsy nature of the cottagecore lewk but also like a sleek contemporary vibe, I hope the above recommendations help and inspire you! It’s all about layering the charm with geometric patterns and simple silhouettes.