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Last year, Amalficore, with its painted ceramics and gorgeous blue/yellow colour palette, was the interiors trend of the summer. This year, we're pining for Chateaucore – a look that recreates French country magic at home. It's a style that mixes old-world romance with French opulence, alongside soft colours, gilded accents and elegant rustic furniture.
Naturally, we’ve been loving the chateau aesthetic ever since Dick and Angel Strawbridge's Escape to the Chateau first aired back in 2016 – but it seems the internet has finally caught up. According to Etsy, France cottage decor is ‘one of the top-searched terms’ on their website this year, increasing by over 26,000%. On socials, posts about ‘the Château life’ have also been making a splash on TikTok and Instagram. Everybody, it seems, wants to live the French country dream this summer.
Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys, tells us that people are drawn to chateaucore because it offers a respite from the business of modern life. ‘After years of minimalism, many are yearning for a sense of nostalgia and escapism,’ she tells us. ‘Chateaucore offers a fantasy – an invitation to slow down and savour the beauty of everyday moments.’
With that in mind, here are a few ways to help you get the chateaucore look at home…
Inspired by the colours of the French countryside, chateaucore opts for a soft, warming palette. For a similarly elegant and calming look, Caroline Inchyra of Inchyra, recommends embracing muted colours. ‘Soft greys, dusty blues, creamy whites and sage greens ooze a relaxed but sophisticated aesthetic,’ she tells us.
Pictured: Rococo 1.5/Corner/3 Seater in Verbier Gold All Over, Sofology
If you’re a maximalist at heart, pattern is a great way to add richness and excitement to your home. Georgia Metcalfe, founder & creative director at French Bedroom, recommends playing with classic French prints. ‘If you prefer a more minimal look, incorporating a traditional Breton stripe works perfectly,’ she says. ‘If you favour something a little bolder, however, try pairing it with a contrasting pattern like a pretty toile or floral print.’
Pictured: Fabrics and wallpapers from the Sombrone Collection, Inchyra
Chateaucore is all about bringing the old world into the new. Picture thrifted lamps with modern shades or chequerboard prints on upholstered vintage chairs.
'Eclecticism is key to achieving classic French style, so don’t be afraid to combine vintage furniture with new accessories,' Georgia tells us. She recommends starting with a key piece of furniture and ‘layering your favourite antique finds and heirlooms'.
Pictured: Dining Spotty Faye fabric, Cathy Nordström
What we love about chateaucore is the way it combines the relaxed style of a French cottage with the opulence of a Renaissance chateau. It’s these theatrical flourishes that make the style such an escapist treat. ‘To bring in a touch of opulence into your home, consider gilded mirrors, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and flowing curtains. All this will help give your home an air of subtle luxury,' says Georgia.
Pictured: Portobello Parade Wallpaper in Jellied Teal, Divine Savages
For a more laidback feel, lean into the rustic elements of chateaucore. Alex Main of The Main Company recommends using ‘reclaimed wood as an easy way to inject a rustic touch into your home'. Weathered wood and shabby chic furniture are great ways to balance out the opulence of the chateaucore aesthetic. This will help you capture the heritage feel of the look without going over the top.
Pictured: New London Burgundy HC 61, Benjamin Moore
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