INSPIRED LIVING

INSPIRED LIVING COTTAGE to the Core

The Cottagecore aesthetic attracts devotees of the pastoral LIFESTYLE

If the hustle and bustle of everyday life makes you dream of moving to the countryside for a simpler, more pastoral lifestyle, then you understand the allure of Cottagecore. The Cottagecore aesthetic—which extends to everything from lifestyle to personal style to decor—has recently gained immense popularity, thanks, in part, to our time spent in quarantine embracing homebound hobbies (sourdough starter, anyone?) and comfort over complexity.

Cottagecore has staying power, however, and it continues to influence interior design. Jewelry designer Dana Lorenz was so taken with vintage pieces that she opened Town Country Coast in West Palm Beach. The TCC shop is what Cottagecore dreams are made of, and Lorenz agreed to share her insights on the burgeoning trend. (towncountrycoast.com)

PBI: How did you first fall in love with Cottagecore?

Lorenz: My love for vintage chintz and old country kitchens are at the core of my obsessions. I have always loved the ease of the Cotswolds [in England] and the wellworn feeling of the South of France, especially Provence. I have loved Cottagecore well before it was called Cottagecore.

What are its key decor elements?

Mixes of gingham and ditsy florals, ruffle-skirted furniture balanced by old, rustic woods. Old, historic kitchens with copper pots and lots of baskets and hung plates. Lots of texture and layers. These are the elements I love about it. I think the real fun in the style is the fact that no matter how quickly or slowly you put a room together, it always feels

NICK MELE

COTTAGECORE 101

Want to become fluent in TCC’s Cottagecore vernacular? Lorenz offers newbies a Town Country Coast handbook page on her website, with helpful definitions including:

>GINGHAM: Give me gingham

or give me death! This small check of dyed, lightweight woven yarn is a staple for us at TCC. We love buffalo check equally, but if you meet someone who corrects you, calling gingham “vichy”—hang on to them, tightly. Never let them go. They are your people.

>NEEDLEPOINT: The needle-

point pillow is for the most dedicated TCC girl or guy. If you collect them, you are a club member. If you order customdesigned blanks and sew them yourself, you are hardcore. I am simply a member and proud of it.

>MARIO BUATTA: We kneel

before the Prince of Chintz. If we were into tattoos, ours wouldn’t say “mother,” it would say “Mario.”

>SCALLOPS: No, you don’t sear these and eat them. These are a decorative element that has a series of half loops and are coveted in the world of TCC.

Town Country Coast is an oasis of comfort and Cottagecore. Opposite page, from left: Vintage chintz, needlepoint, and Italian toile cushions and fabrics; table setting of antique French Moustiers ceramics and hand-painted glassware.

collected and not cookie-cutter. However, you must have antique and vintage elements to usher in a sense of history, and in order for it to feel fresh, you need a keen sense of editing. Why do you think it speaks to people? I think it is a very comforting style. It is both elegant yet casual, and your ability to be a bit eclectic about mixing pieces is part of its charm. It is nostalgic and romantic but also aspirational. City dwellers have been decorating their country homes like this for ages in the U.S., France, and England. I think it speaks to people because it isn’t really a trend, it is an unveiling of how country estates look and feel to a broader audience, and that gives it validity.

How does Town Country Coast embrace the trend?

We have everything you would need and love, from vintage chintz cushions to Italian toile, to antique French Moustiers ceramic and hand-painted glassware. We even have everything your pet needs to match.

NICK MELE

FAB FABRICS

Looking for fabric to celebrate all that is Cottagecore? Sandy Costello, owner of Mac Fabrics in West Palm Beach, has myriad fabrics and trim options that fit the Cottagecore bill. “I find more interest in our fabrics from the smaller boutique companies rather than the larger highprofile companies who can be purchased on the internet and are overly visible,” says Costello. “Currently, my clients are asking for a green color palette, and lavenders are showing to be of interest. Linen, as well as linen prints, are still a popular selection.” (macfabrics.com)

Promotion and Events

CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA

Join us for the Ultimate Dinner Party on November 17, and help keep families safe, strong, and together. Guests will be welcomed into magnificent island homes for a luxurious, intimate dining experience, prepared by chefs from the American Culinary Federation. Your support will impact critical programs including adoption and mentoring.

3333 Forest Hill Blvd. | West Palm Beach 561-848-4350 | chsfl.org

Ultimate Dinner Party Co-chairs John J. Tatooles and Victor Moore