Channel French Countryside Charm with Chateaucore—The Latest (and Quaintest) Home Style

If last summer was all about turning your home into a Mediterranean seaside oasis (we’re still into tomatocore!), this one is set to be the season of chateaucore, according to Etsy. In its recently released 2025 Spring and Summer Trends Report, Etsy called out the romantic and storied chateaucore aesthetic as one of the next big trends taking over interiors. With charming Old-World looks trending across fashion and interiors, this prediction comes as no surprise. 

According to design pros, this charming, French-inspired aesthetic is reminiscent of classic French provincial and shabby chic styles. However, chateaucore takes a more relaxed approach, blending classic French sophistication with the romance of rural countryside living. The key to nailing this look, designers say, is creating contrast between old and new, rustic and sophisticated, polished and charmingly imperfect. 

“The key is balance—if everything feels too polished or too aged, the magic of chateaucore is lost,” says Kristen Thomas of Studio Thomas. “It’s about storytelling through layers.” These layers include (but aren’t limited to): airy linens, embroidered textiles, natural woven materials, delicate florals, vintage glassware, and more.

If you want to feel like you’re waking up in the French countryside every morning this summer, here are the basics of channeling chateaucore in your home, according to pro designers.

Start with Furniture

Furniture sets the foundation for any design, and chateaucore is no exception. Choosing timeless, antique pieces with elegant lines and classic silhouettes is the most authentic way to incorporate a touch of French appeal into your space. The key is not going overboard: Like Thomas notes, the contrast between old and new defines this style.

“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 they’re thoughtfully placed, antique country elements bring a layer of sophistication and lived-in glamor. But the key is restraint. Too much, and the charm can feel contrived.”

With this style, less really is more. So don’t panic if you can’t find a matching set of French provincial armchairs for your living room—one will do. In fact, it’s ideal. Throw out the idea of matching sets entirely, and go for a more collected look by mixing different pieces and styles in your space. Just stick with clean lines and timeless silhouettes alongside more antique and ornate pieces so everything works together.

Create Contrast in Decor

Decor is where chateaucore comes to life. Decorating a space in the French country style is truly an exercise in balance: Combining old and new, polished and unpolished, antique and modern—these principles dictate the rules of chateaucore decor. 

“Pair an antique chandelier with contemporary furnishings for contrast, or soften a modern living room with French country pillows in vintage fabrics,” Burch says. “Even a well-worn quilt draped at the foot of the bed can add warmth and character to any bedroom.”

Principal designer at Luxury Living Ania Agárdy says embracing a touch of imperfection with your decor also achieves that quintessential country charm. That said, be careful not to overdo it. It’s easy to go all-in on vintage decor and accessories, only to leave the space feeling chaotic and visually cluttered. Instead, focus on curating a few key pieces per room to add warmth without the clutter. 

“Designer tip: Use authentic vintage pieces and antiques and avoid faux look-alikes at all costs. Even one imitation can compromise the whole space,” Agárdy says.

Keep Colors Muted

Like most countryside and cottage-inspired aesthetics, chateaucore is brought to life with muted colors, soft neutrals, and earth-inspired hues: from creamy whites and soft beiges to dusty blues and light greens. Stay away from stark whites and blacks for this style.

While dark and light hues are often used for contrast (hello, classic black and white checkered tile), opting for more muted tones, such as off-white and charcoal gray, offers the more relaxed look chateaucore demands. As for finishes, nearly any color (brass, gold, silver, and black) can complement the color palette if the style isn’t too contemporary. Look for pieces with some character to add depth and interest to your space.

In this romantic style, natural materials shine alongside the muted tones. You’ll find plenty of wood, stone, and clay pieces, along with organic textiles like linen, wool, and cotton. Wood and stone can be found in both polished and unpolished finishes—like an ornate armchair in a dark wood stain alongside a modern marble countertop. As you may guess, the trick is balancing the polished and unpolished pieces in your space. Some of one, some of the other, but not too much of either: That’s where the magic of chateaucore lies.