Exploring Home Aesthetics: From Cottagecore Whimsy to Victorian Gothic Drama

When it comes to creating a home you love, it’s not just about furniture and paint colours, it’s about atmosphere. The way we decorate is a reflection of who we are, the moods we want to evoke and the stories we want our spaces to tell.

Not one to follow the rules, one of my favourite parts of crafting and designing is exploring different home aesthetics. They give us language for styles we’re drawn to, but they’re never meant to be strict rules, you can mix, match and reinterpret them to create something uniquely yours.

Here are three moody aesthetics I love and have woven into my home:

Cottagecore

Think cosy countryside living, even if you’re in the middle of a city. Cottagecore celebrates the charm of the handmade, the slow and the natural.

Elements you’ll often find:

• Soft floral prints and delicate lace

• Weathered wood, wicker baskets and handmade pottery

• Pressed flowers, botanical art and foraged accents

• A warm, nostalgic color palette with nature inspired greens, warm ambers and browns

Cottagecore is about comfort and simplicity—spaces that feel like stepping into a storybook.

Love pumpkins and their cosy vibe, every year a new one is added to my collection!

We foraged wood branches and turned a boring white wall in the stairs into a dried flower wall giving witchy vibes

Victorian Gothic

This aesthetic is all about mood and drama. Inspired by the romance of the Victorian era, Gothic interiors embrace darkness, but with elegance and grandeur.

Elements you’ll often find:

• Deep jewel tones, blacks and velvety textures

• Ornate woodwork, candlelight and antique details

• Layers of drapery and richly patterned fabrics

• A touch of the mysterious - skulls, ravens, or Victorian curiosities

For me, Victorian Gothic is about leaning into boldness and creating corners that feel theatrical yet intimate. It's all about the details!

Love the Edison bulbs and gold accents to create a Victorian flair

The joy of finding little antiques like this 18th Century French brass inkwell

Dark Academia

Dark Academia sits somewhere between the previous two but it centres on classic literature with a moody melancholic feel steeped in atmosphere. It celebrates books, learning and introspection, with a hint of nostalgia. Think poetry, the art of letter writing and gothic architecture and literature.

Elements you’ll often find:

• Vintage books stacked on shelves or tables

• Muted earthy tones - browns, creams, olive greens, and charcoal

• Cozy textiles: tweed, leather, wool throws

• Antique-style lighting with a soft glow, never harsh

It’s the perfect aesthetic for anyone who loves a library-like feel or craves a space that’s both intellectual and a little mysterious.

Any excuse to make a gallery wall. We built our own Victorian inspired bookcase in a small space behind our walk-in door.

In the process of refurbishing this old typewriter

Whether you’re drawn to soft Cottagecore, dramatic Victorian Gothic, or bookish Dark Academia, the beauty of aesthetics is that they’re here to inspire not limit you. Play, experiment and let your space evolve.

And if you’re looking for handmade pieces inspired by these styles, take a peek at my shop. You might find something that brings your aesthetic to life.

Until next time

Anber

Let’s keep in touch! You can find me sharing inspiration and behind-the-scenes on Instagram [@chashm_arts], video tutorials on YouTube and mood boards on Pinterest

Pick your favorite space and say hello - I’d love to connect.