How to Get the Forestcore Look in Your Home
Wild botanicals, moody colors and natural textures — oh my! Embrace the new enchanted forest design trend with these inspiring ideas.


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A Magical Forest at Home
Calling all cottagecore lovers! Your newest design obsession is here: forestcore. Similarly nature-inspired and rustic, this new design trend is the cottage aesthetic's moody, older sibling. Think dark walls, enchanting textures, soft lighting and plenty of plants. Tap through to learn what design experts are saying about this trendy style and how to incorporate it into your home.
Embrace Indoor/Outdoor Style
At it's heart, forestcore is all about embracing nature — inside and out. "I live in a log cabin, so this aesthetic is naturally part of my life," says Jessica Dodell-Feder, executive editor of HGTV Magazine. "I love light, bright and airy as much as the next person, but forestcore, to me, is a nice break from that. At the cabin I have lots of wood, leather, dark greens and blues — it feels so incredibly cozy and mimics what we see outside."
learn more: HGTV Stars Share the Coolest Black Houses
Go Green
Deep, outdoorsy shades of green (dare we say, forest green) take center stage in forestcore rooms. "I'm all about rich leafy green hues paired with grainy wood tones," says Kate Doherty, market director at HGTV Magazine. In this living room, paneled green walls, a tobacco stick chandelier and candle sconces establish the rustic, woodsy vibe.
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Use All the Moody Hues
Along with deep greens, shades of midnight blue, brown and black are also indicative of this trend. "I've interviewed a lot of color experts lately, and they have all mentioned how we are yearning to feel grounded and more at peace," says Jessica. "The forestcore palette is a clear indication of that."
learn more: Dark + Dramatic Colors for Any Room
Try Easy Upgrades
"It’s an easy look to recreate, and it doesn’t require costly renos or replacing all your furniture," Kate says of adding woodland vibes. "You can simply swap in new green pillows or a wood side table to up your forest flair."
see more photos: Natural Beauty: Live-Edge Furniture for Every Room
Branch Out
Forego traditional blooms for a branchy centerpiece for a fast and forestcore-approved update. A bundle of foraged twigs or leafy boughs are easy to arrange and look off-the-charts chic. The result is a space that feels effortless — and a little wild.
learn more: Bring the Garden Indoors by Forcing Tree Branches
Add Natural Textures
This cozy kitchen has the trifecta of forest-inspired textures: stone veneer walls, hickory wood cabinets and a vase of leafy branches.
see more photos: Tour Jasmine Roth's Cozy Cabin
Put Up Woodsy Wallpaper
Turn any room into a forest with tree-lined wallpaper. A fuzzy throw and plenty of pillows make this spot even cozier.
learn more: 10 Nature Wallpapers That Bring Your Hike Home
Create a Whimsical Mantel
"Forestcore takes a cozy aesthetic and adds wonder and mystery," says Jami Supsic, home and style director at HGTV Magazine. Pile on the greenery and taper candles to create a moody and magical mantel moment.
Go With Dark Metals
Shades of brown and green give this kitchen a woodland-chic vibe that reflects the lush landscape outside. Adding another layer of forestcore style: dark metal hardware and counter stools that have rustic appeal.
see more photos: Tour a Rustic Kitchen With an Earthy Color Palette
Decorate With Nature
In a cottage-inspired home, the space under these benches might be filled with a collection of baskets. To embrace the new forestcore trend, try swapping out some homey details for woodsy elements. This firewood storage idea is practical and so pretty.
Mix Materials
"Wood, stone and linen create a natural cozy feeling when paired together," says Jami. This dazzling dining room has all three — plus dark walls and a statement light to enhance the enchanting vibes.
Create Stunning Views
If you don't have wooded landscapes outside your windows, you can create the same effect with textiles and art. A framed forest print or botanical window treatments (like these) can give your space the same cabin-in-the-woods feel — without having to be in the woods. "I love the outdoors, but to be honest, I’m a total homebody," says Kate. "This idea ticks all the boxes for indoorsy me."
Add a Touch of Whimsy
Tree-pattern wallpaper and a wood vanity make this bathroom feel forest-y, but metallic details in the paper, bronze lanterns and an embellished, antique-style mirror add the whimsical feel that sets the forestcore aesthetic apart from typical cabin style.
Make Magical Outdoor Spaces
To achieve the forestcore look in your own backyard, it's key to use plenty of greenery and a little bit of sparkle. Arching trees and flourishing plant beds give this otherwise-sleek courtyard a more untamed, natural feel. The glow from the canopy of string lights adds a magical twinkle to the space.
see more photos: The Best Porch, Patio and Deck Ideas From Across America