Photo by Paige Kendall Studios
Summer is nearly here, and Pinterest users are already curating their seasonal mood boards. This season’s trending searches lean toward a slower, more intentional lifestyle, with phrases like “Martha Stewart aesthetic” and “digital detox ideas” on the rise. The collective yearning to unplug and reconnect with the world around us is fueling a broader movement—one that’s bringing “rustic farmhouse” back into the spotlight.
According to Pinterest’s 2025 Summer Trend Report, the “farmhouse cottage” style is defined by elements like thrifted home decor, earthy tones and textures, and natural elements like wood and brick—all of which come together to create a “garden-esque escape.” Searches like “thrifted home” (+488%), “rustic retreats” (+172%), and “farmhouse cottage interiors” (+370%), are seeing a major resurgence as well, especially among the Gen Z audience.
If this sounds different from the classic farmhouse image you had in mind, you’re not alone. In fact, the style has evolved significantly over the past decade. “Today’s farmhouse is more about patina and provenance,” says interior designer Emily Pueringer, who prefers the term “cottage.” “We define it as a blend of old-world craftsmanship, utility-driven design, and natural materials. It’s about bringing warmth through aged wood, handmade ceramics, and thoughtful imperfections.” Likewise, Melanie Zaelich, owner of Happy Place Interiors, likens the style to a comfy, cozy, and natural space. “It’s not about being polished or pristine—it’s about the overall character.” And according to her, “the charm of the pieces and the feeling they create are what make the style perfect, not the perfect condition of each item.”
With farmhouse interiors’ continued prominence, neither Pueringer nor Zaelich were particularly surprised to see it trending this season. When considering Gen Z, specifically, Zaelich notes how “they’ve grown up surrounded by polished, high-tech everything, so it makes sense they’re craving pieces with character, [as well as] nature-inspired spaces.” Pueringer adds, “I think people are yearning for the slowed-down pace of country living, and the timeless charm and classic comforts an old country house brings.” She also points to the value of vintage pieces at every price point, noting how the character and craftsmanship of antique finds can’t be replicated in today’s mass-produced items.
But this poses the ultimate question: Is this trend here to stay? Both designers agree when done well, it absolutely is. While Zaelich views the shift away from “perfect” as a new standard for many designs, Pueringer believes styles rooted in craftsmanship, nature, and heritage will never go out of style. The trending details might evolve, but the underlying values of warmth, authenticity, and connection will remain prevalent in interiors for years to come.
