Cottagecore design is sweeping the nation as more and more people decide they want to make their homes truly their own and reflect simpler, homier, more rustic design choices. And there is so much design inspiration to pull from! Whether you are going for a witchy vibe or just want to mimic a cozy cottage in the woods, there is something for everyone.
And this design doesn’t have to be difficult to pull off amazing results. Just check out how TikTok creator " TheHearthMage " created a faux rock wall that would look right at home in an ancient cottage.
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Cottagecore is all about simplicity, comfort, and bringing a touch of nature indoors. Think soft pastels, natural materials and lots of greenery. The aesthetic is a perfect blend of romantic and rustic, with elements like vintage furniture, floral patterns and handmade crafts. It’s a celebration of a slower, more mindful way of living, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and retreat to a tranquil, countryside-inspired haven. From farmhouse sinks to wooden beams, every detail in a cottagecore home should evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
And people are absolutely loving this DIY video.
"You're making me want that ancient cottage kitchen I dream about even more," one person commented.
Another wrote, "That's beautiful!"
And another commenter said, "This. Is. PERFECT. 🔥"
Now, as for how "HM" got her faux rock wall look. The very first step is to get your faux-rock. HM purchased hers straight from Amazon, but you can likely find it at places like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Search online for the right color, shape and the best prices. Make sure you get enough to cover your entire wall or whatever space you are filling in—you don’t want to have to go back for more! Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to get down to business.
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Next, apply joint compound to your walls and fit the rock panels over the top, fitting everything in until the entire space is covered. You can leave a small gap between each of the panels as you are going to fill it in anyway, but make sure those gaps aren’t too large and look mostly natural. This process might sound a bit intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than it sounds. Just think of it as assembling a giant jigsaw puzzle. Take your time, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful faux rock wall coming together.
Allow the joint compound to dry completely, then come in with your secret weapon—play sand. That’s right—you are going to want to mix play sand (the different colors will affect the final result so make sure you choose a color that goes with your rocks) with more joint compound and thin with water until you get a thin, but goopy, consistency. This is going to give your wall the right texture and make it look 'real'. This step is crucial in achieving that authentic, aged look. It adds depth and dimension to your wall, making it seem like it’s been there for centuries.
This mix can go on with a scraper, and make sure you cover the entire wall. Go back and gently rub the rock "faces" down with a wet sponge so you get more of the rock showing through, add more of the mix where needed, and repeat the earlier steps. This might take a bit of patience, but the end result is worth it. The texture and details you create will make all the difference in achieving that perfect cottagecore aesthetic.
Finally, seal with a clear, matte top coat and voilà—you’ve now got a rock wall that looks like it’s been there forever! The matte finish will ensure that your wall maintains that rustic charm without any unwanted shine. With your new faux rock wall, your kitchen will be transformed into a cozy, cottage-inspired retreat. The best part? You did it all yourself!
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