Eco Minimalism & Cottagecore: The Rise of the Martha Stewart Aesthetic in 2025
In 2025, home and lifestyle trends are turning inward—literally. As society slows down to reflect on sustainability, simplicity, and self-sufficiency, a new fusion aesthetic is rising to the top: Eco Minimalism meets Cottagecore, a hybrid style that's being lovingly dubbed the "Martha Stewart Aesthetic."
Part retro charm, part modern restraint, this aesthetic pulls from the legendary Martha Stewart’s legacy of timeless homemaking and blends it with today’s values—like conscious living, low-waste habits, and rural romanticism. Here’s how these two styles converge, and why their union is dominating homes, wardrobes, and social media feeds in 2025.
What Is Eco Minimalism?
Eco minimalism is the evolution of minimalism with a green conscience. It promotes having less, but choosing well—emphasizing sustainable materials, ethical brands, and functionality over excess.
Where classic minimalism leaned stark and ultra-modern, eco minimalism softens the edges. It embraces warm neutrals, organic textures, and secondhand or upcycled items. It’s about living with intention and reducing environmental impact, not just visual clutter.
Key Features:
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Reclaimed wood, bamboo, stone, and linen
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Neutral tones with earthy accents (sage, clay, sand)
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Decluttered spaces with meaningful, multi-purpose items
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Solar-powered lighting, low-waste kitchen setups
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Clothing focused on ethical production and natural fibers
What Is Cottagecore?
Cottagecore is an aesthetic rooted in nostalgia, romanticizing rural life, handmade crafts, and the coziness of simpler times. Think flower gardens, sourdough starters, cross-stitched napkins, and open shelves with labeled jars.
Cottagecore values slowness, self-reliance, and beauty in the ordinary. It gained mass popularity during the pandemic as people turned to baking, gardening, and cozy fashion—and it hasn’t lost steam since.
Signature Vibes:
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Floral prints, lace curtains, vintage dishware
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Aprons, long skirts, knitted cardigans
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Foraged bouquets and handmade wreaths
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Preserved foods in mason jars
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Rustic wood furniture, quilted blankets, and wicker baskets
Enter: The Martha Stewart Aesthetic
In 2025, the overlap of eco minimalism and cottagecore is being affectionately labeled the “Martha Stewart Aesthetic.” Why? Because it represents everything she’s been championing for decades:
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Thoughtful homemaking
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Beautiful, yet practical design
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Gardening, crafting, cooking from scratch
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Seasonal décor that respects nature
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Classic, enduring taste—not fast trends
Martha Stewart’s influence is resurging among younger generations who once viewed her style as dated. Now, with the climate crisis, burnout culture, and a desire for reconnection to nature, her brand of elevated simplicity feels revolutionary again.
How It Shows Up in Fashion
2025 wardrobes are shifting from “look at me” to “feel at home.” That’s where eco minimalism and cottagecore shine:
Fashion staples include:
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Linen button-downs in oat or ecru
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Hand-knitted sweaters and embroidered blouses
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Maxi dresses in soft floral prints
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Apron-style layering, prairie skirts, and wool socks
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Leather loafers, clogs, or barefoot gardening shoes
Sustainability tip: Many are turning to slow fashion brands or thrift stores to curate their look while keeping textile waste low.
How It’s Transforming Interiors
Homes in 2025 are warm, functional, and full of personal touches—shifting away from sterile showrooms toward lived-in, lovingly maintained spaces.
Interior elements include:
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Open shelving with handmade ceramics and preserved herbs
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Natural lighting, sheer curtains, and muted paint colors
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Wicker furniture, woven rugs, and stoneware mugs
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Indoor herb gardens and composting setups
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DIY touches: painted furniture, hand-sewn pillows, dried floral arrangements
Bonus Trend: Pantries are making a huge comeback—organized, labeled, and stocked with home-preserved foods, grains, and spices.
Lifestyle Practices Behind the Look
The Martha Stewart aesthetic is as much about how you live as how your space looks. It's about rituals and routines that ground us:
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Baking your own bread instead of ordering takeout
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Hanging laundry to dry instead of using a dryer
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Creating handmade gifts instead of shopping fast
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Growing vegetables, even on a balcony
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Hosting seasonal dinner parties with foraged florals and home-cooked meals
It’s the art of slowing down with purpose, combining domestic skills with sustainability—without losing aesthetic charm.
Why It’s Trending in 2025
Several cultural shifts are pushing this aesthetic into the spotlight:
1. Sustainability Becomes Non-Negotiable
Climate-conscious consumers are choosing low-impact lifestyles. This aesthetic promotes reuse, repair, and reject-consumerism values in a stylish, aspirational way.
2. Anti-Hustle Culture Is Rising
Burnout is real, and Gen Z in particular is turning to slow living as a response. Eco minimalism and cottagecore are the antidote to hyper-productivity.
3. Social Media Shifts Toward Realness
On TikTok and Pinterest, "aesthetic living" is trending—but with authenticity. People want beauty that’s lived-in, meaningful, and calming, not staged perfection.
4. Nostalgia Meets Innovation
The look may feel vintage, but it's powered by modern tech—solar energy, smart gardening tools, and eco apps. It’s past-meets-future in the best way.
Where to Shop the Look
If you’re looking to bring this vibe into your home or wardrobe, try:
Fashion:
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Christy Dawn (sustainable vintage-inspired dresses)
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Linenfox (ethical linen clothing)
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Thrift and vintage shops
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Etsy for handmade and embroidered items
Home & Lifestyle:
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Package-free stores for pantry staples
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Secondhand marketplaces for home décor
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Local farmers markets and craft fairs
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Brands like Parachute, Soil to Studio, or Made Trade
Final Thoughts: Slow Down & Find Beauty in the Everyday
The rise of the Martha Stewart Aesthetic in 2025 shows a collective yearning for simplicity, sustainability, and soulful living. It's about being intentional with what we buy, how we decorate, and how we spend our time.
Whether you're fluffing a sourdough starter, planting lavender in your garden, or decluttering your wardrobe to keep only what sparks joy, you're not just following a trend—you're living a movement.
In a world that’s often too fast, too loud, and too much, this aesthetic reminds us: graceful, grounded living never goes out of style.
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