October 17, 2025, 3:44 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
In the past, interior design trends were born in furniture stores or the studios of major interior designers. Today, they emerge on TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram. From fairy-tale castles to idyllic country homes to rooms reminiscent of grandmother’s era—these five “cores” show how curious and breathtaking interior design can be.
Castlecore
To sleep like a princess and immerse oneself in the charm of long-gone monarchies: The Castlecore trend, which was significantly boosted on the photo platform Pinterest, is almost a bit fairy-tale-like. In early 2025, the clear aesthetic reminiscent of castles, medieval fortresses, and grand manor houses was included in the “Pinterest Predicts” trend report. Since then, it has become ubiquitous in social networks.
In interior design, Castlecore primarily uses heavy velvet textiles, golden decorative elements, and heavy, dark wooden furniture. Bare stone walls have also made a big comeback in this context. The style combines historical glamour with modern elements and makes royal dreams come true. Ornate furniture pieces, large dark wall paintings or canvases, sculptures, chandeliers, and Persian rugs are just as permissible as sturdy canopy beds, long tables, and vintage armchairs. The trend draws on a rather dark, saturated color palette. In addition to burgundy and gold, dark green and navy shades are also popular.
Why it’s so popular: Castlecore makes dreams come true and revives long-gone eras. The royally inspired design is the answer to deep luxury fantasies, yet it creates a cozy, warm, and almost down-to-earth atmosphere.
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Cottagecore
When life becomes too hectic, exhausting, or monotonous, you can simply bring the natural feeling of comfort into your own four walls. Cottagecore is the trend that skillfully pays tribute to the rural lifestyle and satisfies the deep longing for a nature-connected daily life. It is slower and more mindful and emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world around seemed to be collapsing.
At that time, the dream of a free life seemed far away as lockdowns and quarantines kept humanity in check. Many began to long for nature, outdoor activities, and peace during this period. Cottagecore was seemingly the solution because it cleverly integrated elements from the outdoors into interior design.
Traditional values and long-forgotten craftsmanship are combined within the trend with the coziness of a country house. Cottagecore once again gave natural elements a stage: Light real wood, stone, cotton, and linen are essential in any interior. Floral accents and an urban garden emphasize the look and create atmosphere. Handmade pieces like crocheted or knitted pillow covers, throws, or DIY furniture like stone tables become special eye-catchers.
Why it’s so popular: Cottagecore brings indoors what is so often forgotten in everyday life: the beauty of nature, the simplicity, and the calm, grounding feeling of arriving. You can feel how the mind and soul automatically slow down and find deep relaxation. A blessing in a world that hardly ever stands still.
Tenniscore
When Boris Becker won the Wimbledon final in 1985 as the youngest male player, he sparked an overnight hype around himself and the sport of tennis. Decades later, players like Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev continue the success story and make tennis fashionable again. So much so that pop culture also draws from the preppy sports bubble.
Bright white is not only back in fashion but also in interior design. There, it can be even more: clubhouse flair, colors like green, navy blue, or terracotta that remind one of the legendary tournament courts. Tennis has long become a visual trend that offers a lot in one’s own four walls.
The typical Tenniscore look is straightforward and minimalist. It focuses on the typical colors mentioned above and uses traditional preppy elements known for their timeless elegance.
Why it’s so popular: Making a statement has never been easier. Tenniscore is perfect for anyone who prefers a fresh, sporty look in interior trends and wants to give their home a touch of elegance reminiscent of the British or American upper class.
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Fishermancore
Since the series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and the teen love triangle around Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah triggered the biggest hype of the year, everyone is enamored with the “Fisherman Style” of their family’s summer house by the water. The aesthetic favors warm and earthy natural tones like khaki green, sage, or rich brown—a color palette familiar from rivers or lakes.
Muddy shades are just as permissible as fresh, vibrant color gradations. Combined with light wood, for example, in the form of a white country kitchen, they unfold their full character. The use of stone and driftwood also goes hand in hand with the fisher aesthetic, creating an organic, natural appeal.
When thinking of fishermen, one inevitably thinks of their distinctive wool or cord hats. It’s no wonder these fabrics are also used in the maritime core. Sofas or armchairs made of bouclé, tweed, or cord are especially popular. Linen cushions and blankets, as well as rugs and baskets made of jute, can create a special look.
The cozy look is garnished with everything that reminds one of the sea: ship-in-a-bottle models, decorative fish, shells and starfish, nets, as well as mirrors or picture frames in porthole shape. Wall pictures explaining ship knots or nautical terms can also give the interior a special finish. Anything that revives seafaring or makes you long for the next sailing trip is allowed.
Why it’s so popular: Fishermancore feels like authentic storytelling. Each piece tells of long sea voyages, craftsmanship, and tradition, and triggers tactile sensations. Additionally, the pieces evoke a sense of connection to nature and tranquility, which can reduce stress and promote relaxation. The color palette is cozy and has a healing effect on the nervous system.
Dragoncore
Daenerys Targaryen from the fantasy series “Game of Thrones” is known as the Mother of Dragons and sparked the trend around the wild mythical creatures years ago. From this, the mystical Dragoncore emerged, which skillfully and cleverly integrates dragon symbols into interior design.
The special feature: The color palette could hardly be more versatile and covers almost every taste. Ruby red or orange tones remind one of dangerous fire dragons, while water dragons represent colors like emerald green, midnight blue, or gray. Earthy tones like sand, brown, or green match the landscape where dragons preferably live. Photo wallpapers showing deep forests or mysterious caves are also in high demand in this context. Additionally, a must-have: Many plants to make the natural focus tangible.
Dragoncore is inspired by medieval fantasy and dark creatures, so it can also be stylistically darker. Deep black or brown leather, for example, in the living area, is just as permissible as dark wooden furniture. Metallic details give the mysterious touch and remind one of dragon scales. They are often combined with dark velvet textiles or heavy marble and glittering extras like various crystals.
Dragoncore conveys the feeling of living in your own epic world full of adventures and mysteries. To intensify this, dragon sculptures, fantasy books, or epic wall paintings are used.
Why it’s so popular: When the world around becomes stressful and challenging, people like to seek an escape and retreat into mysterious worlds. Maximalism is the key, so anything that pleases and reminds one of fantasy is allowed. Here, you can be particularly creative and combine epic with emotion. A Dragoncore look is unique and reflects the boldest dreams.