Embracing Timeless Charm: Board and Batten Bathrooms and Cottagecore Living Room

When it comes to home design, there’s a growing movement toward styles that blend coziness, nostalgia, and timeless craftsmanship. Two design trends that have taken the spotlight are the board and batten bathroom and the cottagecore living room. Both of these styles offer a refreshing shift away from sterile, cookie-cutter interiors and instead bring warmth, character, and a sense of story into your home.

The Rise of Board and Batten Bathrooms

Board and batten paneling, originally used in farmhouse exteriors for durability, has made its way indoors as a beloved design feature. A board and batten bathroom combines this classic wall treatment with modern touches, creating a space that feels fresh yet rooted in tradition.

The charm of this style lies in its versatility. Whether you paint it crisp white for a clean, coastal-inspired bathroom or opt for deep shades like navy or forest green for a moody, modern twist, board and batten adds instant dimension to otherwise plain walls. In small bathrooms, installing it halfway up the wall—paired with a bold wallpaper or soft paint color above—creates visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Beyond aesthetics, board and batten also provides practical benefits. Its vertical lines make ceilings appear taller, and the sturdy paneling protects walls from splashes and scuffs, making it especially functional in family homes. Paired with classic elements such as clawfoot tubs, brass fixtures, or marble counters, a board and batten bathroom feels timeless yet current.

For those who enjoy a DIY challenge, installing board and batten can be a cost-effective upgrade. With simple materials from a hardware store, homeowners can elevate their bathroom in a weekend project, transforming it into a polished, high-end retreat.

The Allure of Cottagecore Living Room

While the bathroom benefits from clean structure, the living room often calls for warmth and relaxation. That’s where the cottagecore living room enters the scene. Cottagecore is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle inspired by pastoral beauty, cozy cottages, and a return to slower living. In design, this translates into spaces filled with soft textures, vintage finds, natural materials, and an abundance of charm.

A cottagecore living room often features elements such as slipcovered sofas in neutral tones, floral or gingham fabrics, and wooden coffee tables with worn-in character. Open shelving with curated displays of books, ceramics, or woven baskets adds personality while celebrating imperfections. Instead of sleek, modern finishes, cottagecore embraces the handmade and the sentimental—whether that’s a quilt draped across a chair, a vase of freshly cut wildflowers, or a wicker basket of knitting supplies in the corner.

Lighting plays an important role in achieving the look. Soft, warm-toned lamps, lanterns, or even fairy lights create an inviting atmosphere. Natural light, of course, is essential, so airy curtains or simple linen drapes are often used to let the sun filter in gently.

Cottagecore also values sustainability and repurposing, which means thrifted furniture, secondhand finds, and DIY décor often make their way into the living room. A mix of old and new creates a layered, authentic look that feels like a story unfolding rather than a showroom display.

Balancing the Two Styles in One Home

Though a board and batten bathroom and a cottagecore living room may seem different at first glance, they actually complement each other beautifully. Both styles draw from history, celebrate craftsmanship, and favor spaces that feel lived-in and welcoming.

The bathroom brings structure and refinement with its tailored paneling, while the living room offers softness and nostalgia with its cozy aesthetic. Together, they create a balanced home environment that feels intentional yet approachable. Imagine stepping out of a bathroom lined with elegant paneling into a living room that wraps you in warmth—both spaces tell a story of timeless style with a modern edge.

Tips for Incorporating These Styles

If you’re looking to bring these trends into your own home, here are some practical tips:

1. Start Small in the Bathroom – Install board and batten on a single wall or as wainscoting before committing to a full room. Pair it with a vintage mirror or brass faucet for added charm.

2. Play With Color – In the bathroom, experiment with bold shades on the paneling. In the living room, use muted tones like sage, cream, or blush for a calming, cottage-inspired palette.

3. Layer Textures in the Living Room – Think cozy throws, linen slipcovers, and woven rugs. The more tactile variety, the more inviting the space will feel.

4. Bring Nature Indoors – Both styles benefit from greenery. A vase of flowers on the coffee table or potted herbs on a bathroom shelf can instantly brighten the room.

5. Mix Old and New – Combine modern light fixtures or hardware with vintage furniture or décor to keep your spaces feeling both fresh and timeless.

Why These Styles Resonate Today

In a world filled with fast-paced technology and ever-changing trends, there’s comfort in designs that ground us in tradition and simplicity. A board and batten bathroom reflects craftsmanship and structure, while a cottagecore living room offers coziness and a connection to nature. Together, they create a home that feels authentic, welcoming, and enduring.