Why This Trend is This Year’s Biggest Home Décor Obsession
Photo by Richard Rawlings on Unsplash
As the crisp autumn air settles in and we look forward to cozying up for the winter months ahead, there’s no better time to give your home a fresh new look that captures the season’s essence.
This year, the emerging interior design trend Scotlandcore offers the perfect inspiration for transforming your home into a comforting, nature-inspired oasis ideal for the autumn and winter months ahead. By embracing the earthy textures, rustic warmth, and rich heritage of Scottish style, you can craft a space that feels rooted yet modern, elegant yet organic.
In this article, we’ll explore this style’s origins, aesthetics, and fundamental elements that define Scotlandcore so you can fully embrace this eclectic and dreamy trend. We’ll also discuss ways to sustainably achieve the look through vintage finds and tips for complementing your fall décor. Let the textures, patterns, and history of Scotland guide you in creating a profoundly cozy Scottish-inspired sanctuary this fall.
Table of Contents
What is Scotlandcore?
This interior design style has emerged in popularity over the last few years, largely driven by its promotion on TikTok where the hashtag #scotlandcore has amassed nearly 300k views. Though the term Scotlandcore is new, the foundations of the style are centuries old. Scotland is known for its breathtaking Highlands landscapes filled with craggy cliffs, lush greenery, and misty mornings. Scotlandcore brings the beauty and tradition of this iconic scenery into the home through patterns, colors, and materials inspired by Scottish culture.
This trend heavily embraces the cozy, earthy aesthetic of traditional Scottish style. It incorporates classic Scottish elements like tartan plaid, tweed textiles, and natural materials in a fresh, inviting way. It also stems from aspects of modern Victorian, cottagecore, and dark academia aesthetics for a look that is brooding yet cozy.
It features a moody color palette of deep greens, blues, and golds that reflect the hues found across Scotland’s countryside. The decor includes antique furnishings, curiosities, and heirlooms paired with apothecary bottles and other old-world accessories. While Scotlandcore embraces some clutter, the overall effect feels curated rather than chaotic.
The Rise in Cottagecore Style
Scotlandcore has emerged as a subset of the popular cottagecore interior trend that has been gaining traction in recent years. Like cottagecore, Scotlandcore embraces country charm with its focus on natural materials and textiles.
Cottagecore interiors tend to have an imagined countryside, a vintage feel using floral fabrics, antique kitchenware, and dainty details. Scotlandcore takes inspiration from this handcrafted, romantic vibe but grounds it in specifically Scottish elements.
While cottagecore may incorporate painted wood furniture and faded florals, Scotlandcore favors the unvarnished, unfinished woods of Scottish craftsmanship. It’s a more rugged and natural look overall. The textiles embrace hearty Scottish tweeds, tartan plaids, and wool versus delicate lace and prints found in cottage-like designs.
Overall, Scotlandcore builds upon cottagecore’s foundation of rustic coziness but adapts it to reflect the materials, colors, and textures intrinsic to Scottish culture and heritage. The resulting aesthetic feels grounded, earthy, and intrinsically connected to the vivid landscapes and enduring crafts of Scotland.
The Scottish Appreciation for Craftsmanship
A key aspect of embracing the Scotlandcore trend is prioritizing quality craftsmanship over today’s mass-produced items. Scotland has a storied tradition of artisanal goods, from the intricate Fair Isle knitwear to the famous single malt whiskies distilled by hand. This pride in craftsmanship stems partly from the challenges of Scotland’s rugged landscape and unforgiving climate. Survival required durability and ingenuity in this region.
Followers of Scotlandcore will want to take inspiration from this legacy. Begin curating your space by searching out antiques, handcrafted furnishings, and various vintage pieces with a sense of history. Try foraging at flea markets, estate sales, or online marketplaces that can help you uncover hidden gems. Or support small makers and local artisans continuing age-old Scottish trades through marketplaces like Etsy. Either way you source your home goods, the key is looking for evidence of careful construction and natural materials that have stood the test of time.
By elevating craftsmanship this way, the scotlandcore style stays true to its origins. The decor feels grounded in the authentic textures and colors of the countryside rather than idealized images. Each item tells a story, just as the varied regions of Scotland have their own tales woven throughout history. Embracing craft allows scotlandcore to be more than just an Instagrammable trend—it creates spaces with lasting substance and soul.
How to Put a Modern Spin on Traditional Design
The foundations of this style reach back centuries. It’s inspired by generations of people who used regional materials like wool and stone to build cottages rooted in the surrounding land. This connection to nature and craft shaped the cultural heritage of Scottish design. While scotlandcore pulls inspiration from the past, it’s essential in today’s modern times to incorporate a mixture of old and contemporary elements so the style doesn’t feel too ornate or out of style.
Here are some tips for putting a current twist on traditional decor:
Mix in Midcentury Modern Pieces
The clean lines of MCM furniture and decor create an eclectic look against the vintage motifs. Sculptural wooden chairs or abstract art can prevent the space from feeling too “theme-y.” For example, use a weathered leather mid-century modern chair with a Tartan blanket or pillow. The leather holds true to the rugged natural elements of Scotland while modernizing it, so it doesn’t feel too “farmhouse.”
Use a Rich and Earthy Color Palette
When selecting colors for a modern Scotlandcore design, turn to the earthy neutrals and rich tones found in the beautiful Scottish landscape. Incorporate shades of warm camel, brown, slate grey, mossy green, mustard yellow, and terracotta red. These nature-inspired hues connect back to the pastoral roots of the style.
To keep things fresh, pair them with hits of cool tones like light blue, charcoal, and deep purple. Then, look for organic textures and patterns like tweed, tartan, houndstooth, wood grain, and subtle plaids to complement the color scheme. The ideal palette evokes the mood of a cozy Scottish cottage, while ensuring the overall look doesn’t skew too traditional. This blended approach makes Scotlandcore work beautifully in any present-day home.
Add Modern Conveniences
While Scotlandcore pulls from historical inspirations, it’s essential to incorporate modern conveniences that match a contemporary lifestyle. Look for ways to blend sleek technology and handy appliances into the design seamlessly. Streamlined speakers and flatscreen TVs can be worked into the decor subtly so they don’t dominate. In the kitchen, keep countertop appliances tidy and tuck away small gadgets in drawers and cabinets to maintain a cohesive look.
Use a Combination of Lighting
Create a layered lighting scheme to achieve the signature scotlandcore atmosphere. Use a mix of modern and antique fixtures like pendant lights, sconces, and candles to spotlight decorative pieces while leaving shadowy nooks for intrigue. Take advantage of natural light by leaving window treatments open to showcase views, using adjustable blinds or lined curtains to control sunlight and privacy. By blending fixture styles and maximizing natural light, illumination becomes a critical factor in making scotlandcore spaces feel lived-in yet dramatic.
Natural Materials Are a Must
Stone and wood from the forests would be used to construct cottages, walls, and fences. Wood furniture and architectural details graced interiors in place of ornate fixings. So, remember to look for unfinished, weathered pieces that aren’t perfect. By elevating natural elements like unvarnished woods, rough-hewn stone, and textured fabrics, Scotlandcore creates interiors inspired by its environment. The materials bring organic depth, simplicity, and coziness reflective of the countryside into modern spaces.
Staying True to Traditional Scotlandcore Details
While putting a modern twist on scotlandcore is important, retaining some key signatures of traditional Scottish design is what gives this style its heart and authenticity. By thoughtfully incorporating antique furnishings, family heirlooms, natural materials, and handcrafted elements, you can honor Scotlandcore’s origins while still making the look your own.
Here are some other ways to keep the traditions alive in this design aesthetic:
Incorporate Tartan Prints and Plaid Patterns
One of the easiest ways to hint at a Scottish influence is by incorporating tartan prints and plaid patterns. Use tartan as inspiration when selecting pillows, blankets, upholstery fabrics, and area rugs. You can stick to classic red and green tartans or opt for more neutral, earthy palettes. Tartan table runners, napkins, and placemats are another way to weave the print into your décor. With that said, it is best to limit these accents to one or two statement pieces to prevent an overdose of plaid in your space. In this case, a little goes a long way.
Bring in Some Celtic Symbols
Inscribe your scotlandcore space with Celtic symbols to tap into thousands of years of Scottish heritage. The intricately interwoven lines and spirals of Celtic knotwork reflect the interconnectedness of nature and man. Displaying this powerful symbolism through decorative objects and artwork channels the mythic energy and wisdom of ancient Celtic culture.
Some classic Celtic symbols to consider bringing into your space include:
● The Triquetra Knot – This three-pointed knot represents the holy trinity as well as earth, water, and sky. Use it as a wall hanging, printed pillow, or etched mirror frame.
● The Claddagh – Depicting hands clasping a crowned heart, this icon stands for love, friendship, and loyalty. Display as artwork or hang as a pendant light.
● The Thistle – Scotland’s national emblem, the resilient thistle epitomizes tenacity. Showcase in floral arrangements, woven baskets, or embroidered pillows.
By thoughtfully incorporating such storied Celtic symbols, you create an atmosphere steeped in meaning. These influential icons connect the home to centuries of Scottish tradition in a subtle, elegant way. Let Celtic heritage guide you in crafting a scotlandcore refuge full of history and mythic allure.
Using Vintage Finds
Incorporating antique and vintage discoveries is vital for making Scottishcore spaces feel genuinely aged and eclectic. The natural, earthy character of Scotlandcore lends itself well to antique and vintage furniture finds. Distressed wood dining tables and worn Chesterfield sofas reinforce the cozy Scottish cottage vibe. The aim is to achieve a curated balance of new, old, and handcrafted for an authentic scotlandcore style that feels intentional.
Creating Cozy Nooks Using Scotlandcore
One of the best aspects of this trend is its emphasis on warmth and coziness. So, if you really crave to envelop yourself in this trend, creating dedicated nooks and relaxation areas ideal for unwinding by a fire or reading a book might be essential.
To start, incorporate wood bookshelves or built-ins stocked with books and nature-inspired accents to create a personal refuge. Then, fill the space with plush pillows, wool blankets, and soft lighting from table lamps or string lights. The goal is to design a space that feels like a remote Scottish cottage. Consider these tips for crafting different flavors of inviting retreats:
Library Nook
Flank a comfortable armchair with built-in wood bookcases stocked with your favorite reads. Add a softly patterned wool throw, a rattan basket for blankets, and a reading lamp for the perfect spot to curl up with a book.
Sunroom Escape
Let natural light flood in through large windows overlooking the greenery outside. Incorporate woven woods, linen pillows, and a daybed draped with a sheepskin to create a relaxing oasis.
Fireside Haven
Center your nook around a real or faux fireplace as the focal point. Include a loveseat or sofa facing the hearth and organic elements like a jute rug, stone accents, and fresh flowers.
Window Seat Retreat
Transform an unused window seat into a cozy escape. Add plush pillows, a wool blanket in an earthy Scottish tartan, and a tray with candles to provide you with sweet scents and encourage lounging.
Back Porch Sanctuary
Bring the cozy Scottish interior outside by designing a covered porch nook. Incorporate wind and water-resistant furniture, solar string lights, and nature-inspired décor accompanied by throws and other cozy accents to keep you warm in the colder months.
The options are endless for crafting an inviting Scottish-inspired nook tailored to your space. Get creative with materials, seating, lighting, and accents.
An Eco-Friendly Approach to Scotlandcore
When designing a home with Scotlandcore style, it’s best also to incorporate an eco-friendly point of view. This allows you to honor the connection to nature that lies at the heart of the trend. To start, look for sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, organic textiles, and non-toxic paints to reduce your environmental impact. Give existing furniture new life by shopping vintage and consignment stores first. And when possible, buy products handmade by local artisans to support your community.
Then, incorporate energy-efficient lighting and appliances to reduce your energy usage. Plants are also an excellent way to bring nature indoors and help purify the air quality. To bring in plants and greenery, try selecting low-maintenance varieties that thrive in indoor spaces.
Taking an eco-conscious approach allows you to create a Scotlandcore style that goes beyond aesthetics to reflect simple, mindful living truly. Your home can feel cozy and nostalgic while also doing good for the planet. A few small touches go a long way in making sustainable choices that honor the pastoral spirit of this beloved trend.
Shop with Kaiyo for All of Your Scotlandcore Must Haves
Kaiyo makes it easy to discover one-of-a-kind vintage and antique finds with the same earthy appeal and quality craftsmanship as new pieces. Browse their online inventory for reclaimed wood dining tables, antique leather armchairs, vintage wool rugs, and more that reinforce the organic textures of Scotlandcore. Since each pre-loved item has history and character, you can curate a space that feels collected over time.
By opting for Kaiyo’s vintage and antique offerings rather than new pieces, you reduce your environmental impact and save money. Reusing quality furniture is the epitome of sustainability, not just for the earth but for your bank account as well. For every purchase made with Kaiyo, they will even plant a tree. So shop sustainably today and make your Scotlandcore dreams come to life now.
