Combining rustic touches with traditional French aesthetics creates a charming countryside ambiance in this look.
If last summer focused on transforming your home into a slice of the Mediterranean coastline (we’re still loving that trend).
tomatocore
!) This season is designated as the time for ChateauCore, according to Etsy. In their recent release, they announced this trend.
2025 Spring and Summer Fashion Forecast
Etsy highlighted the romantic and historic chateau core style as one of the emerging trends dominating interior design. Given the popularity of Old World aesthetics in both fashion and home decor, this forecast seems quite plausible.
Design experts suggest that this delightful, French-influenced style echoes elements from traditional French country and shabby-chic aesthetics. Yet, chateaucore adopts a more laid-back stance, merging classical French elegance with the allure of pastoral life. According to decorators, mastering this appearance hinges on juxtaposing old against new, ruggedness versus refinement, along with presenting both polish and endearing imperfection.
“The essence lies in achieving balance—when everything appears either overly refined or excessively worn, the enchantment of chateaucore fades,” explains Kristen Thomas from Studio Thomas. “It revolves around narrative through accumulation.” This layering encompasses (though it isn’t confined to):
airy linens
Embroidered fabrics, organic woven materials, intricate floral designs, antique glass items, and much more.
If you desire to experience something as refreshing as starting your day anew,
French countryside
Each morning during this summer, here’s what you need to know about incorporating chateau core into your space, as advised by top designers.
Meet Our Expert
-
Kristen Thomas
is the creator and main designer of
Studio Thomas
, an all-inclusive residential interior architecture and design firm located in Denver, Colorado. -
Julie Anne Burch
is a prize-winning interior designer and the creator of Transitional Living, Inc., an interior design company located in New York City. -
Ania Agárdy
is a Miami-based interior designer and the president and principal designer of Luxury Living, a design firm specializing in residential and yacht interiors.
Start with Furniture
Furniture establishes the base for any design, and chateaucore adheres to this rule as well. Selecting classic pieces is essential.
antique pieces
with elegant lines and classic silhouettes is the most authentic way to incorporate a touch of French appeal into your space. The key is not going overboard: Like Thomas notes, the contrast between old and new defines this style.
Adding a singular distinctive piece from France—a sculpted armchair, an ornate gilded mirror, or perhaps a intricately carved wardrobe—can turn a space into a haven of elegance,” states Julie Anne Burch from Transitional Living Inc. “These vintage countryside components add a touch of refinement and cozy glamour when positioned carefully. However, the main point is moderation; too many pieces might make the appeal seem forced.
Related:
This Aldi Version of Anthropologie’s Gilded Mirror Is Stunningly Beautiful and Budget-Friendly
This approach favors simplicity, where having fewer items often makes a stronger statement. Therefore, don’t stress if you cannot locate an identical pair of French country-style chairs for your lounge—just one would be perfect. It actually enhances the aesthetic. Disregard the notion of owning complete matched sets; instead, aim for a curated appearance by combining various furniture pieces and design themes within the area. Ensure consistency by choosing sleek designs and classic shapes paired with older, intricately designed elements to ensure they complement each other harmoniously.
Create Contrast in Decor
This is where chateau core really takes form through decoration. Adorning a room with French countryside flair is all about equilibrium: Merging the ancient with the contemporary, the refined with the raw, the vintage with the modern—all these elements guide the aesthetics of chateau core design.
“Combine an old-fashioned chandelier with modern furniture pieces for a striking contrast, or introduce coziness into your sleek living space using throw cushions inspired by French countryside styles crafted from timeless materials,” advises Burch. “A nicely aged quilt placed at the end of the bed can also infuse additional warmth and charm into any sleeping area.”
Related:
The 16 Top Quilts for Adding Warmth and Charm to Your Sleeping Space
The principal designer at Luxury Living, Ania Agárdy, suggests incorporating a hint of imperfection into your décor to capture the essence of rustic charm. However, proceed with caution; it can be tempting to heavily invest in vintage items and trinkets, which might result in an overwhelming and disorganized appearance. Rather than filling every corner, select just a handful of significant elements for each room to bring in coziness without causing visual congestion.
clutter
.
“Designer tip: Use
authentic vintage pieces
And antiques should be chosen over fake lookalikes at all costs. A single replica could detract from the entire ambiance,” Agárdy states.
Keep Colors Muted
Similar to many rustic and cabin-themed styles, chateaucore comes alive through
muted colors
, subtle neutrals, and nature-derived tones: think of ivory shades and gentle beiges paired with muted blues and pale greens. Avoid using harsh whites and blacks for this aesthetic.
Although dark and light shades are frequently employed for contrast (think of traditional black and white checkerboard tiles), choosing subtler tones like off-white and charcoal gray provides the more laid-back appearance characteristic of chateau core design. When it comes to finishes, virtually any hue—be it brass, gold, silver, or black—can enhance the color scheme as long as the overall aesthetic remains non-contemporary. Seek out items with distinct features to introduce dimension and intrigue into your area.
In this romantic style,
natural materials
Gleam beside the subtle hues. You’ll encounter abundant wooden, stony, and earthen items, as well as natural fabrics such as linen, wool, and cotton. Both refined and raw versions of wood and stone are present—for instance, a lavish dark-wood armchair next to a contemporary marble counter. Balancing the sleek and rough elements within your area is key. Include some smooth pieces and some rugged ones, avoiding excess of either style: This is what makes chateaucore enchanting.
Related:
The Top Paint Color to Steer Clear of When Combining with Wood, Says an Expert Interior Designer
Read the initial article on
Better Homes & Gardens
