You’ve probably heard of cottagecore – the interiors aesthetic that romanticises rural living, complete with florals, vintage finds and plenty of nostalgic charm. Now, there’s burrowcore, a cosier, more lived-in take on decorating that’s less about recreating an idyllic country cottage and more about making home somewhere you don’t want to leave.
Rather than rooms that feel perfectly polished or styled within an inch of their lives, burrowcore embraces well-lived pieces. Think low lighting, worn woods, sink-in seating, antique finds and layer upon layer of textiles – the sort of details that make a room feel instantly inviting.
Simply put, home should feel like a refuge, filled with things that have a little history, character and soul. If that sounds appealing, these are the ways to bring a little burrowcore into your own space.
What is burrowcore?
Burrowcore is all about creating a home that feels cosy. Nothing too pristine or overly styled; instead, the emphasis is on spaces that feel personal and easy to settle into.
As Helen Ashmore, senior design director at Laura Ashley, puts it: ‘In a world where life can feel busy and overstimulating, the burrowcore aesthetic invites you to retreat, slow down and enjoy a quiet stillness in a space that truly feels like home.’
It’s the design equivalent of a rainy Sunday or a favourite sweater, which feels like exactly what we all need right now: a home that feels grounded and kind of like a warm hug. ‘After being constantly on the go, people are craving those quieter moments at home, a sanctuary rather than another space to perform in,’ says Lara Clarke, founder of Lara Clarke Interiors.
The defining features of burrowcore
To create the collected look that defines burrowcore, turn to antiques, secondhand finds, inherited pieces, worn woods, vintage textiles and shelves filled with books and objects that actually mean something to you.
‘It’s all about layering, combining tactile textures, aged woods, vintage pieces and nature-inspired prints in warm and earthy tones to create a cocooning feeling,’ says Helen.
Natural materials are another key part of the look. Think weathered floorboards, wool throws, woven baskets, fabric lampshades and well-used everyday objects that gather character over time.
Lighting matters, too. Bright overhead lighting can feel a little harsh for a look centred on comfort, so favour table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights that cast pockets of soft, warm light around a room.
How to get the burrowcore look at home
One of the easiest ways to embrace burrowcore is to shop secondhand, browse antiques fairs or seek out new pieces with a vintage feel on the high street. Lara suggests incorporating ‘a well-loved sideboard or a timeworn chair’ into a scheme, adding that it brings ‘instant warmth and makes a room feel truly lived-in’.
It’s also worth reconsidering the materials you bring into your home. Wood, linen, wool and ceramic all introduce softness and texture, helping a room feel warmer and less polished.
‘Bringing a more personal and nostalgic quality to design, antiques, vintage and heirloom pieces that have been handed down come together to fill the home with pieces that have a story, feel familiar and are collected over time for a truly lived-in feel,’ says Helen.
Crucially, don’t rush to make everything match. ‘We’re firmly moving away from the look-but-don’t-touch aesthetic and leaning into rooms that have layers of depth, character and genuine interest, spaces that feel collected over time rather than completed in one go,’ says Lara.
Ultimately, burrowcore is less about following a set of decorating rules and more about creating a home that feels good to be in. A little nostalgic, gently layered and full of pieces that make you want to settle in and stay awhile.
Cosy decor buys
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest
