The Apothecary Aesthetic That's Equal Parts Moody And Charming
Interior design is always changing, but what's interesting in modern interior design is the specificity of the new styles that are being created. No longer are people doing the basics of choosing a color scheme and hanging up photos; it's more about intentionally curating a vibe and a feeling. The inspiration behind many of these new aesthetics is also what sets them apart from their design predecessors.
The apothecary aesthetic is a branch of whimsical gothic design that also includes the popular dark academia style. If you've ever felt the draw of living in nature and surrounding yourself with vintage pieces, then the apothecary aesthetic might be right for you. This style has been growing in popularity with designers as well as on social media. It's charming and natural, with a little bit of moodiness — a little bit of dark whimsy with a hint of nature. And while it may look detailed and involved, it's a style that can be easily created in any home.
What exactly is the apothecary aesthetic?
Think cottagecore, but a little moodier. Cottagecore is derived from traditional cottages, where a mixing of patterns and textures, eclectic collections of kitschy items, and vintage furniture make up the basis of the design. The vibe is living in the forest among nature and tending to a garden or making handmade crafts. Where cottagecore décor uses brighter tones, the apothecary aesthetic takes this vibe and swaps pastels for moody earth tones; kind of like the nature witch that lives in the darker part of the same forest.
The apothecary aesthetic, as the name suggests, borrows a lot from apothecaries, which were old-fashioned pharmacies. In these stores, an apothecary or herbalist would mix herbs and minerals to create medications and solutions to treat ailments at home and in the medical world. And while your home probably won't exactly resemble a clinic, embracing this old-timey aesthetic is all about mixing earthy and vintage styles with botanicals, and maybe adding in a slight witchy element. If you have an eclectic sense of style and enjoy the influences of vintage, rustic, and botany, then the apothecary aesthetic is perfect for you.
Here's how to get the look in your home
The apothecary aesthetic is fairly easy to incorporate into your own home, and one of the easier rooms to start in is the kitchen. Swap your current dry goods storage method for glass jars. Herbs and baking ingredients displayed on open wood shelving will give your home that apothecary look. Instead of buying modern matching glass jars, look for some with a vintage or antique design and go to thrift stores to find mismatched jars. You can also use this method in the bathroom or laundry room to store detergent, cotton swabs, makeup remover pads, and soaps.
Throughout your home, look for ways to incorporate natural woods, whether that be in furniture or on shelves. Other natural materials like greenery and stone can also bring in the aesthetic. Dried flowers and greenery as well as houseplants are great for accents. Botanical and natural imagery like butterflies, beetles, and other insects make great prints for art. Crystals and stones also bring in natural accents. As for colors, look for shades that are dark and moody and in earthier tones. Consider shades of sage, hunter green, sepia, amber, maroon, and gray-blue. Mix them with warm-toned whites, beiges, and browns to help balance the color scheme. Then to accent the space, head to a thrift store or antique shop to find vintage glassware and vases, as well as old books, candlestick holders, and other knickknacks like medicinal vials.