19. The Swedish Gustavian Cottage
For a slightly more elegant and refined take on cottage core, look to Swedish Gustavian design. This style combines rustic country living with classical French elegance. Paint your living room walls in a very pale, cool gray or soft duck-egg blue. Choose furniture with elegant, curved legs and carved wooden details, but finished in a distressed, chalky white paint. Incorporate a crystal chandelier hanging from a simple wooden ceiling, and use light checked fabrics in blue and white for cushions and drapes. The result is a bright, sophisticated, and serene space that feels both formal and incredibly welcoming.