An enchanted fairycore decor trend is perfect for the garden

Core of the month: Fairycore

22 March 2023

Fairycore decor taps into many of the current popular trends of the moment. Biophilia (a nature inspired trend), Cottagecore (somewhat a celebration of rural life) and Forestcore (a riff on biophilia with more of a woodland theme). But fairycore has its own whimsical feel.

‘This optimistic style is nature-inspired and intertwined with mysticism in the form of glitter, crystals, pastels, mushrooms and lots of florals,’ says interior designer Anna Giannis. ‘The Fairycore aesthetic is about what is possible and magical.’

What is fairycore?

Fairycore decor is dreamlike and requires a multitude of florals, from prints to fresh and dried flowers. Garlands of dried flowers work perfectly, or a hand-painted mural. Nature features highly in fairycore decor, but it’s all on the softer, more pastel-hued end of the spectrum. A feeling of warmth, safety and cosiness is key, so think about low lighting. Ideally fairy lights. The more the better! Think of softness and sheer, light fabrics in the form of cloud-like blankets and a canopy over the bed.

Magical nurseries

This magical fairy garden wallpaper is not just for a nursery, it could add a fun touch a bedroom. Adorned with ferns and frogs and butterflies and a fairy perched atop a daisy swaying in the breeze, this wall mural from Kikki Belle at Wallsauce really does look like the fairies at the bottom of the garden. Prices from £33/m2.

This whimsical fairycore decor is not just for a nursery

Photo: Wallsauce

Woodland bedrooms

To feel like you’ve woken up in the middle of a forest go for a woodland bedroom theme. This Woood Kingsize Black Metal Four Poster Bed from Cuckooland, has a powder-coated finish and looks fantastic strung with fairy lights to add atmosphere to the room. Prices from £429.

String your bed with fairy lights to tap into the fairycore look

Photo: Cuckooland

Fairycore wallpaper

This chic take on fairycore room decor is a woodlands classic toile-style wallpaper in brown and pink. Designed by Sian Zeng for Lime Lace, it’s made from sustainably sourced paper and the artwork is hand drawn. Prices from £84 a roll.

Dream like wallpaper will add a calming effect to your home

Photo: Limelace

Fairytale tea parties

The fairycore aesthetic works especially well outdoors, so take it into the garden with a fairytale tea party. Layer up your tablecloths and string ribbons on the back of the chairs. Think mismatched pastel coloured chairs and a table strewn with vases of dried flowers. Lights4fun have a full range of lanterns so you can stay out late into the night. Prices for lighting vary.

A fairytale decor tablescape perfect for a garden tea party

Photo: Lights4fun

Fairycore bathrooms

The spathroom or spa-style bathroom is fast growing in popularity as a space to really relax and unwind. This beautiful bathroom, designed by Hanna Merrett, gives off serious fairycore-meets-forest-bathing vibes. The Ca ‘Pietra Woodland Glade tiles in melange green come in nine different nature-themed patterns in a matt/porcelain finish. They can be used together on the wall or floor or both. Prices from £3.53 each (£88.94m²).

A fairycore style spathroom is the ultimate sanctuary

Photo: Ca ‘Pietra

At the bottom of the garden

The idea of mystical garden fairies stretches all the way back to 18th century folklore, but fairy gardens are having a moment right now. The likes of Wayfair, eBay and Amazon are awash with fairy garden ornaments and accessories (see also thefairygarden.co.uk and fairygardensuk.co.uk), but all you really need to tap into the fairycore garden trend are some good fairy lights, like the twinkling range from Lights4fun shown below.

For a more grown-up take on this idea, explore the new moon garden trend. ‘A moon garden is the conscious designing of an outdoor space to be appreciated equally at night, by moonlight, as in traditional afternoon sun,’ says a spokesperson for Bramblecrest, the garden furniture specialists championing the trend. ‘A moon garden also has the added benefit of enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors and certain wildlife which come to life at night.’