What Is Cabincore (And How It Will Give You Cozy Vibes In Colder Months)

Do your wildest adventures involve a trek through the woods, not a trip to the thrift store? Would you rather forage for berries than decorate with them? Are you more likely to be found chopping wood than crocheting a dishtowel? If so, your preferred aesthetic probably isn't cottagecore. Instead, you'd most likely love a more rustic look, which you can achieve with a cabincore aesthetic. In our ultimate guide to cottagecore decor, granny florals, pastel pinks, and sleek marble all take center stage. But if you want a cabincore style instead, you'll replace those candy-toned, delicate elements with darker and more natural palettes, textures, and materials. Think lichen green instead of lilac, rust instead of rose, candles instead of cables, fireplaces instead of fairy lights, and wood instead of wicker. 

The cabincore trend is a fashion and home decor style inspired by those who love to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, settling into natural settings where they can enjoy a slower pace. From lakeside log homes to après-ski A-frames and cozy cabins to simple campsites, cabincore embraces everything the great outdoors has to offer. The rustic design style should make you want to curl up with a warm drink and a good book, as it exudes coziness and comfort with warm lighting and lots of textiles. Here are some tips on mastering the look in your home for the winter months.

If you're wondering how to get a cabincore look in your home, don't worry if you live in a downtown apartment or subdivision starter. You don't have to own 1,000 wooded acres to capture the overall aesthetic. Start by choosing rich paint colors that reflect those found in the outdoors. Get inspired by Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Lakehouse paint collection, especially the earthy hues like Cognac and Remote Trail. Add some artwork that displays local landscapes and wildlife. The look is about relaxation and enjoying time with loved ones, so add purposeful accessories like acoustic guitars, puzzles, and classic wooden games instead of anything too precious. 

Hanging waterfowl mounts or layering animal hides over rustic textiles like Well Woven's Crimson Medallion Area Rug will create an eye-catching nod to the natural world. DIYers can add stone accent walls or wood paneling to mimic the look of a cabin in the woods. But if that's out of your budget, try bringing these materials into your space in other ways. A simple wooden rocking chair or distressed stone planter will provide a rustic look for less. 

Remember to keep the look more comfortable than cowboy. Cabincore style captures the feeling of blissful retreat, the kind you get exploring a mountain village, gathering around a bonfire with friends, or sinking into a giant armchair at the end of a long hike. Opt for hardworking fabrics like velvet and leather on oversized upholstered furniture instead of cold metal or minimalist pieces. 

Cabincore is all about feeling cozy and warm, which makes it perfect for colder months. A roaring fire casts a beautiful glow, and a box of kindling, a small pile of logs, and simple hearth tools are both functional and decorative. If you don't have a fireplace or wood stove, mimic the look with a freestanding electric heater that has realistic LED flames and logs. One option is the HOMCOM Electric Fireplace Heater on Amazon.

Lighting also plays a key role in creating a cabin vibe in your home. Choose lamps with burlap, rawhide, or oiled kraft shades that will diffuse warm light around your rooms. Get the look of a kerosene lamp without the risk with IKEA's TÄRNABY dimmable table lamp. You can't go wrong with candles, especially beeswax pillars or tapers that add a warm yellow hue to mantles and tabletops. Swap sparkly chandeliers for rustic ones made of reclaimed wood, wrought iron, rope, or even antlers. 

Last but certainly not least, don't overlook textiles if you're trying to get the cabincore aesthetic. Plaid flannel sheets in green, red, or tan look perfect in bedrooms, and buffalo check looks great as a valance or curtain on drafty windows. Layer chunky blankets and downy soft throw pillows on sofas and armchairs, opting for extra warm materials like wool. Sheepskin rugs are ideal in front of bathroom sinks, bedside tables, or anywhere else you might have bare feet.