Burrowcore is this season’s most accessible design trend

If you love cosy, lived-in mismatched interiors, you’ll love burrowcore. This latest design trend is more about drawing the curtains and settling in for the night than presenting soulless show-home style rooms.

The look is super inviting with bags of personality, which can work well if you're selling your home during the coldest, darkest months. Here’s our advice for creating a burrowcore home this season.

Embrace rich colour palettes

Earthy colours inspired by nature work best in a burrowcore scheme but don’t feel you have to paint every surface. If your walls are already a light neutral, use colour in the form of accessories, fabrics, furniture and artwork. 

Dulux’s Summer Sage, Toasted Terracotta, Healing Spice and Brick Red will give you some inspiration. Pick out these colours as you go along. This throw from TK Maxx, in coppery orange with autumnal motifs, will give you something to snuggle under on the sofa.

If you want to create a reading nook, try this accent chair from Next, covered in a green gingham fabric. Add this crewel embroidery-effect cushion from John Lewis for comfort and this distressed wood side table from Choice Furniture for somewhere to rest your coffee.

Bedrooms can become the ultimate burrowcore sanctuary. Your bedlinen can form the base and you can build from there. This deep ochre bed set from Habitat ticks two boxes: golden hue and soft texture. Then pile on the cushions. This cushion in brick red from the Cotswold Company is rich and velvety. Combine it with Dunelm’s luxe velour cushion in bottle green and this russet cushion from House of Isabella. Finish with this green quilted throw from La Redoute and you’ll never want to leave your bed.

Swap new for old 

Burrowcore taps into feelings of nostalgia - the ones that evoke happy memories and remind you of simpler times. You may already have some vintage pieces that you can display more prominently, such as old vases or an antique mirror. 

If not, you have two choices. You can throw yourself in ‘the hunt’ and visit charity shops, vintage fairs, house clearances and brocantes. Don’t forget to check Facebook Marketplace as it’s often full of pre-loved interior items. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the High Street’s love of vintage style. Try these brass candlesticks from Rowen & Wren, this botanical print in an antique-style frame from Daisy Snow, this weathered ceramic vase from Abigail Ahern and this scalloped wooden tray from Matalan.

Lights need to be soft and low

Burrowcore invites you to slow down and relax, so you won’t want to be dazzled by harsh overhead lights. The beauty of soft light is it hides minor imperfections and makes High Street styling feel more upmarket. 

Table lamps are a quick and effective way to illuminate dark corners. Choose a wooden table lamp base, like this bobbin style one from Habitat, and match it with a pleated fabric lamp shade – we love this patterned option from Next.

If you have the wiring in place, these classic wall lights from Dunelm come in an antique brass finish with a pleated shade. Or Dusk’s rechargeable version with a frilled shade creates the right glow without the need for an electrician. 

No burrowcore interior would be complete without candlelight. This wooden lantern from The Range would make a great focal point on a coffee table or hearth. Don’t forget candles can provide a soothing fragrance as well as flickering light. Choose a seasonal scent, such as this ‘autumn walk’ jar candle from Marks & Spencer.

If you’re freshening up your home in preparation to sell, talk to us. We can give presentation and price advice so potential buyers will find your home hard to resist.