Burrowcore – the autumn interior trend you can achieve for less

The seasons have well and truly turned. Pumpkin picking, spiced lattes on coffee shop menus, tickets for firework events and Christmas gifts creeping into the shops. One particular occurrence really marks the shift and that’s the clocks going back. 

This year, we’re losing an hour of daylight on Sunday 25th October. When that happens, the nights will definitely be drawing in as we head towards the winter solstice. Thankfully, a new and accessible interior design trend has arrived – one that totally embraces the season. 

Burrowcore is all about cosy interiors, with the ultimate aim of creating an environment you don’t want to leave. Essentially, you’ll be creating spaces you want to burrow deep into when bad weather bites, just like a hibernating dormouse.

You’ll need to put polished perfection aside. Instead, you should fill your home with treasured possession, supplemented with vintage finds, low lights and natural materials.

How to follow burrowcore principles

Start with what you already have: there’s no need to rush out and buy everything new. In fact, trinkets, items of furniture and artwork collected over the years should take pride of place. Old books, worn woods and anything slightly faded suits the burrowcore aesthetic. This may mean storing away anything that’s super-glossy or extra sparkly. 

Layer fabrics and textures: you can create depth and cosiness by using multiple layers. Sofas will become more inviting when you add extra cushions and a fluffy throw. If you have wood or tiled floors, a rug will create softness under foot. If you have blinds at your windows, add curtains too for a plush look but also to keep out draughts.

Keep to a natural colour palette: burrowcore works best when you borrow nature’s colour palette. Earthy browns, forest greens and russet oranges pair well with wood furniture and cream-painted walls. Keep metal finishes to matt brass, antique gold and bronze.

Hunt out vintage accessories: think much-loved and lived-in. If it’s a little frayed, faded or distressed, all the better. Scour the bric-a-brac shelves in charity shops, browse Facebook Marketplace and visit vintage fairs/brocante markets. Keep your eyes open for earthenware vases, crackle-glaze ceramics, old mirrors and quilted fabrics.

Stay away from the ‘big light’: a soft glow is what makes burrowcore soothing, so relying on big overhead lights won’t create the right ambience. Instead, use multiple sources for a diffused light. Try a combination of table lamps, wall sconces, a string of plain fairy lights and candle-lit lanterns. Bonus burrowcore points if your table lamps have turned wooden bases and pleated fabric shades.

How we present our homes matters more in autumn and winter. The lack of natural light can leave rooms feeling gloomy. Burrowcore is the perfect antidote. It will make potential buyers feel warm, cosy and very much at home!

If you are considering putting your home on the market soon, contact us for a free valuation.