The trend of the year (which shows no signs of slowing!) is cottagecore – centered around idyllic country living, vintage finds and a new appreciation for the outdoors. #Cottagecore has 2.3 million tags on Instagram, showing the impact of this aesthetic trend across a variety of sectors. Cottagecore has not only got us wearing all the floaty dresses, opting for afternoon teas in the garden and digging through our sheds for hidden vintage gems, but also finding new ways to incorporate authentic design into our interiors. Today’s blog will be looking at encaustic patterns and how we can utilise them to create an Instagram worthy home!

Incorporate unique decorative pattern –

Collections inspired by mid-19th century encaustic floor tiles are extremely popular again this year and look set to dominate into Autumn / Winter. After the continuing popularity of cottagecore we’ve seen more and more decorative designs creating a statement in our interiors. We have reimagined these unique patterns to create ultra-stylish flooring to suit a variety of spaces. 

The Northmore collection reinterprets stylish and prestigious Victorian floor tiles to create a collection that stands up to the demands of modern life – form, function, warmth, durability and acoustics. Northmore boasts a palette of trending tones from deep blues to earthy neutrals, perfect to style year-round with seasonal touches. Many of our customers have enjoyed using Northmore in their hallways to set the tone for their home and reflect the history of the property. This in turn helps them tell the story of their renovation journey, something many enjoy documenting on their social feeds. Others have experimented with creating statement kitchens with Northmore, adding character and warmth to their space. Consider pairing heritage patterns with deep blue units or colour drenched walls and cupboards, then add in personal stylish features such as pastel-toned crockery and repurposed vintage finds.

pembroke slate blue kitchen floor

Pattern was created in collaboration with popular UK designer Dee Hardwicke and takes inspiration from original ceramic illustration. Pattern utilises a floral-motif to create a delicate and interesting style that brings a sense of the outdoors in. As we head towards the Autumn season, the Warm Terracotta colourway is a popular choice for adding a sense of warmth and blends perfectly with seasonal decor. Contrast with bright white walls for a refreshing feel that both complements cottagecore and modern-rustic themes. 

patterned hallway flooring terracotta tile design

Experiment with zoning & borders –

Broken-plan living describes the clever use of a space, which still retains the spacious feeling of being open-plan, but distinct zones are created within the space. Consider using different floor finishes such as our authentic woods paired with patterned tiles, and semi-permanent partitions, such as bookcases and screens. These clever ways of utilising space not only fit perfectly with a cottagecore lifestyle (reading in a cosy vintage armchair alongside your bookcase full of classic novels with the warmth of underfloor heating – aka a cottagecore lover’s dream!).

open plan dinign room with floor tiles

This way of dividing rooms creates both functional spaces and cosy nooks, such as dining areas, home office corners, pantry areas or a family play space. This not only helps you get the most out of each room, but also lends itself to modern family living and our increasing need for multifunctional spaces. Seen here is a dining area using Northmore Sable Black with Natural Plank Cove, one of our favourite combinations which adds a modern-monochrome vibe whilst still maintaining a rustic, homely feel.

sable black with cove border

Create a palette of heritage colour pigment –

Whatever property or room you are looking to renovate, developing a colour palette that is both adaptable and unique is a great way of developing your interior style. Our encaustic collections were created with rich heritage colour pigments in mind, that work well blended throughout your home. Consider rich blues to contrast with modern white bathrooms such as our Pattern Larkspur or Northmore Waterhouse Blue, or alternatively go for a more monochrome look with Northmore Sable Black or the contemporary Pattern Ashen.

modenr rustic blue kitchen with panelling patterned grey floor

Colour can be another way to reflect the seasons changing with your home, so think about bringing green tones in within the summer months to contrast Terracotta and add a sense of the outdoors in, or add wooden textures during the Autumn months for a more rustic look. Each colour has been selected to work well within a variety of interior schemes and is set to look great for years to come.

fired terracotta green devol kitchen floor with butler sink
For more styling inspiration, new launch updates and customer stories make sure to follow us on Instagram. We love seeing your renovation journeys – tag us in your photos @harveymaria #MyHarveyMaria for your chance to be featured on our feed and stories!