Euan Cherry / BBC / Studio Lambert
Made famous by the hit TV series The Traitors, Highlandcore is the latest interiors trend bringing a touch of Scottish drama into our homes.
Drawing on the atmospheric beauty of Ardross Castle and the wider Highlands, this style blends moody luxury with rustic charm. Think roaring fires, antique textures, and layer upon layer of warm, lived-in comfort. It’s bold but timeless, refined but grounded – and it’s surprisingly easy to adapt for modern spaces.
What is Highlandcore?
Highlandcore is all about evoking the spirit of the Scottish Highlands: its brooding landscapes, grand castles, and cosy interiors steeped in history.
The look centres on rich materials like wool, velvet, and wood, layered with traditional patterns such as tartan, kilim and tweed. With a hint of Gothic grandeur and a heavy dose of rural nostalgia, it’s a celebration of depth, texture, and heritage.
Llara Plaza / BBC / Studio Lambert
Key Features of Highlandcore
Plush Textures
Embrace depth and comfort with heavy curtains, tufted upholstery, and generous throws layered throughout your space.
Natural materials like wool and linen offer a grounding tactility and breathable warmth, ideal for both heritage homes and modern settings. Velvets bring a soft lustre and elegance, while aged leathers introduce a tactile, timeworn richness that deepens with use.
Traditional Motifs & Patterns
Tartan is central, but not the only option. Persian-style rugs, tribal kilims, and classic floral weaves help build a layered, collected feel – as though each piece has its own story.
These patterns bring both visual warmth and a sense of continuity, anchoring a room in tradition while allowing for playful contrasts. Mixing scales and styles adds depth without overwhelming the space.
Heritage Furnishings
Choose pieces with history, or at least, the illusion of it. Dark woods with visible grain, aged brass detailing, and antique or vintage-inspired finds all contribute to that Highlands manor feel.
Look for furniture with carved legs, timeworn finishes, or subtle Gothic accents. It’s not about perfection, it's about creating lived-in charm, character, and a sense of history.
A Rich, Earthy Palette
Deep greens, navy, and charcoal form the foundation of the Highlandcore look, evoking misty glens and weathered stone. Accents of dark reds, especially oxblood, a deep, rich red darker than burgundy, add a sense of heritage and warmth.
It’s a tone often seen in traditional leather furniture, old libraries, or antique upholstery, and it fits the Highlandcore palette perfectly. These bold hues pair beautifully with softer natural tones like oat, stone, and heather grey for balance.
Candlelight & Glow
Create atmosphere with soft, diffused lighting that feels warm and inviting as soon as you step in. Wall sconces cast gentle shadows, table lamps with pleated or fabric shades add a nostalgic glow, and, of course, candles – real or faux – bring flickering intimacy.
Layering your lighting creates pockets of cosiness and helps mimic the soft ambience of a Highland lodge, even in more modern or urban spaces.
The Fife Arms
How To Achieve the Look
Layer with Purpose
Highlandcore isn’t cluttered, it’s considered. Layer fabrics, finishes and objects in a way that feels collected over time. Pair heavy curtains with lighter linens, or aged wood with polished brass. It’s the tension between elements that brings depth.
Let Patterns Tell a Story
Don’t shy away from mixing tartan, kilim, or classic floral designs – just be thoughtful with scale and colour. Ground the space with one dominant palette, then weave in accents that complement rather than compete.
Use Rugs to Anchor the Room
A well-chosen rug can define a space, soften acoustics, and add instant warmth. Whether framing a seating area or guiding the eye through a hallway, rugs bring structure and subtle drama, especially when chosen in a heritage-inspired design.
Aim for Atmosphere, Not Perfection
This look celebrates rooms that feel lived-in, not staged. Choose items with personality like a scuffed trunk, a timeworn table, or a handmade lampshade. Let them set the tone and focus on how the space feels, not just how it looks.
Katherine Pooley
Living the Highland Way
Highlandcore isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a celebration of interiors that feel storied, soulful and grounded. It encourages us to mix old with new, embrace richness over restraint, and find beauty in texture, tone and time.
Whether you’re ready to redecorate or simply add a few key pieces, this is a look that rewards thoughtful layering and personal expression.
Looking to start your Highlandcore journey from the ground up? A well-chosen rug can set the tone – explore our Highlandcore Rug Collection.
