How to Live a Cottagecore Life in the City
Cottagecore isn’t defined by where you live — it’s about *how* you live.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
When most people think of cottagecore, they picture a countryside morning: sunlight spilling across a wooden table, wildflowers nodding in the breeze, the gentle clink of a teacup beside an open window. It’s a world of slow rituals and soft light — a kind of everyday magic that feels both grounded and romantic.
But what if you live in the heart of a bustling city, where towering buildings replace trees and the soundtrack of your day is the chatter of busy streets?
Here’s the good news: Cottagecore isn’t defined by where you live — it’s about how you live. At its heart, cottagecore is a mindset that finds beauty in small, intentional moments, whether that’s savoring freshly baked bread, tending to a balcony garden, or writing by candlelight.
Even in an urban environment, you can create a life filled with charm. This means working with what you have: sunlight on your kitchen tiles, wildflowers growing through cracks in the pavement, a loaf of bread rising on a quiet Sunday morning.
It’s about building a life that feels soft and rooted, even in the middle of the rush.
So whether you’re on the tenth floor or tucked into a rowhouse on a busy block, know this: cottagecore can live wherever you do. All it takes is attention, tenderness, and the choice to let beauty bloom right where you are.
A City Dweller’s Guide to Cottagecore
1. Forage in the City
Foraging might seem impossible in an urban setting, but you’d be surprised at the edible plants you can find in parks, green spaces, and even along sidewalks. Common “weeds” like dandelions, wild garlic, and nettles are common and easy to identify with the help of a foraging guidebook. However, always confirm that foraging is allowed in your area, and ensure your finds come from pesticide-free zones.
2. Create a Mini Apothecary
Turn a small shelf or corner of your kitchen into an at-home apothecary. Collect dried herbs, teas, and homemade tinctures in glass jars, labeling them with handwritten tags. A herb drying rack makes it easy to dry herbs at home, whether they’re foraged, grown, or purchased.
3. Host a Cottagecore-Inspired Gathering
Bring the countryside to your city apartment by hosting a cozy gathering with friends. Set the table with vintage-style linens, freshly baked treats, and a tiered serving tray for elegant tea party vibes. Ask guests to dress in linen or floral outfits to add to the ambiance, and decorate with wildflowers or candles.
4. Start Urban Beekeeping or Composting
If your city allows it, urban beekeeping is an incredible way to embrace sustainability while supporting pollinators. If beekeeping isn’t an option, try composting instead. A countertop compost bin makes it easy to collect food scraps, even in a small apartment.
5. Learn a Traditional Skill
Dive into a hands-on activity that connects you to traditional crafts and skills. Soap-making, natural dyeing, and fermenting foods are all practices that celebrate the resourcefulness central to cottagecore. Want to start small? Try a natural soap-making kit to create sustainable, functional items for your home.
6. Write Letters or Start a Journal
Rediscover the lost art of handwriting. Use stationery and a fountain pen to write letters to loved ones, or start a journal to capture your thoughts, sketches, and reflections. Handwritten keepsakes are a simple way to slow down and process your day while embracing the timeless appeal of pen and paper.
7. Decorate with Seasonal Nature Finds
City living doesn’t mean disconnecting from the seasons. During walks or visits to local parks, collect fallen leaves, pinecones, acorns, or small branches. Use them to create DIY wreaths, garlands, or table centerpieces.
8. Cook and Bake With Seasonal Ingredients
Cooking seasonally supports local farmers and encourages you to experiment with fresh flavors that celebrate nature’s abundance. A cast iron Dutch oven is the perfect tool to use here, ideal for hearty soups and fresh-baked breads that warm your home with delicious smells.
9. Start a Balcony Garden
Turn your balcony into a greenspace filled with herbs, flowers, and vegetables. Even a small garden can flourish with the help of a vertical planter, which maximizes your growing area. Add fairy lights and a bistro table to create a cozy space for sipping tea, reading, or enjoying the sunset surrounded by greenery.
10. Bring Natural Scents Into Your Space
Scent has a quiet way of transforming a space — grounding you and softening the edges of a busy day. Light a beeswax candle as the sun begins to dip, or let the gentle notes of lavender and chamomile drift through your home. Even in the heart of the city, these small rituals can make your evenings feel like a retreat.
Cottagecore isn’t confined to countryside views. It lives in how you move through the world: slowly, sweetly, with just a little more care. City life may bring sirens instead of birdsong, but there’s still space for stillness and small pockets of everyday magic.
A loaf of bread cooling on the counter. Herbs stretching toward the sun on a windowsill. A handwritten note slipped into your coat pocket. These aren’t grand gestures — they’re quiet affirmations: this life is yours, and it’s meant to be savored.
Wherever you are, you can shape a rhythm that feels soft and true. All it takes is a little intention — and the courage to find wonder in the ordinary.
About the Author:
Hey there! I’m Olivia, the heart behind Petal + Hearth. Originally from California, I started traveling as a digital nomad in 2023 and eventually found my way to the south of France, which I now call home with my partner. I’ve been sober and in recovery for 3+ years and have a deep love for personal growth, slow living, and finding magic in the everyday. By day, I’m a freelance copywriter, but my passion for all things cozy led me to create this little corner of the internet. Petal + Hearth is where I share my love for seasonal rituals, warm spaces, and the art of savoring life’s simple pleasures.
How I Can Help:
🖋️ Hire my as a copywriter if you need support creating your own cozy content.
🎨 Visit my growing Etsy shop for cozy & witchy inspired lifestyle goods.
🪩 Ask me a question, submit feedback, or suggest a topic here.
💬 Feel free to like or comment on this newsletter so more Substack users can find it! ♥️