If last summer was all about transforming your home into a breezy Mediterranean seaside haven, this year’s top interior trend has a distinctly different vibe: chateaucore. According to Etsy’s 2025 Spring and Summer Trends Report, this romantic aesthetic—rooted in the timeless allure of the French countryside—is poised to take over homes and hearts worldwide. With its Old-World charm influencing everything from fashion runways to interiors, chateaucore feels like a natural evolution of the beloved French provincial and shabby chic styles, yet with a fresh, relaxed sensibility. At its core, chateaucore blends classic French elegance with the rustic warmth of rural living. It’s a delicate dance between sophistication and imperfection, where polished antiques meet cozy, worn textures. Interior experts emphasize that the magic lies in balance: the right interplay of old and new, refined and rustic, curated and casual. “If everything feels too polished or too aged, the magic of chateaucore is lost,” notes Kristen Thomas of Studio Thomas. “It’s about storytelling through layers—airy linens, embroidered textiles, natural woven materials, and vintage glassware all combine to create a lived-in, romantic atmosphere.”
Start with Furniture: The Foundation of Chateaucore
Furniture is the bedrock of chateaucore style. To capture the essence of the French countryside, designers recommend incorporating timeless, antique pieces that boast elegant lines and classic silhouettes. But the key isn’t to fill a room with too many vintage items. Instead, it’s about selective choices that add sophistication without feeling overdone.
“Incorporating a single standout French antique—a sculptural armchair, a gilded mirror, or a hand-carved armoire—can transform a room into a sanctuary of style,” says Julie Anne Burch of Transitional Living Inc. “When thoughtfully placed, these antique country elements bring sophistication and lived-in glamour. But restraint is crucial—too many pieces risk making the space feel contrived.” Rather than hunting for matching sets, chateaucore embraces a curated mix of styles. The idea is to blend clean-lined modern pieces with ornate vintage finds, creating a harmonious, collected look that feels both elegant and approachable.
Create Contrast in Decor: The Art of Balance
Decor is where chateaucore truly comes alive, bringing together a mix of textures, eras, and finishes that create visual interest and warmth. The style thrives on contrasts: pairing an antique crystal chandelier with sleek contemporary furniture, or softening a modern sofa with vintage floral pillows. Even small touches like a worn quilt draped across a bed can add layers of charm and comfort.
Ania Agárdy, principal designer at Luxury Living, stresses the importance of embracing imperfection without going overboard. “The quintessential country charm comes from a lived-in feel,” she explains, “but too many vintage accessories can make a space look cluttered rather than cozy.” Her advice? Curate a handful of authentic vintage pieces per room to add character without overwhelming the eye. “And steer clear of faux antiques—one imitation can compromise the whole look,” she warns. The genuine article brings an authenticity that no reproduction can match.
Keep Colors Muted: Embrace Soft Neutrals and Earth Tones
Color plays a pivotal role in defining chateaucore’s romantic mood. The palette leans heavily on muted, soft neutrals and nature-inspired hues. Think creamy whites, soft beiges, dusty blues, and gentle greens that evoke the tranquil French countryside. Stark whites and harsh blacks are avoided in favor of warmer, more inviting shades.
Dark and light hues still create contrast—classic black and white checkered tiles are a known favorite—but for chateaucore, muted tones such as off-white and charcoal gray provide that relaxed, lived-in vibe. Finishes in brass, gold, silver, or black can complement the color scheme, as long as they aren’t overly contemporary. Pieces with character and a bit of wear bring depth and warmth to the space.
Natural materials also shine in chateaucore interiors. Wood, stone, and clay—both polished and raw—sit comfortably alongside organic textiles like linen, wool, and cotton. A dark-stained wood armchair can sit next to a sleek marble countertop, while rough-hewn stone contrasts with delicate embroidered linens. The secret is in balancing these elements, mixing the polished with the imperfect to create a space that feels authentic, romantic, and timeless.
Chateaucore offers a fresh take on French country living—less about perfection and more about embracing a romantic, layered aesthetic that invites relaxation and storytelling. This trend encourages blending eras and styles, combining rustic textures with refined details, and surrounding yourself with pieces that carry a sense of history and heart. If you dream of waking up in the serene French countryside every day, channeling chateaucore in your home might just be the most stylish way to make that dream a reality.
