Live like a traitor and transform your home into a castle

From on-edge round table meetings to vicious murder plots, Traitors has become a hot topic, even when thinking about our interiors. To help get your home into that medieval vibe, MyBuilder.com lists ways to incorporate castlecore into your modern-day home.

Castlecore is an aesthetic and lifestyle trend inspired by medieval times, focusing on gothic architecture, rich fabrics and ancient decor. On Pinterest, in recent years, it has been claimed that “castlecore” is having its moment. This has caught the attention of many and has become the driving influence for medieval aesthetics that dominate social media, especially when Traitors is streaming. 

Traitors has taken over our screens, so it's no wonder that castlecore has begun to creep into our interiors. But medieval aesthetics doesn't mean giving up modern-day necessities. MyBuilder.com is our knight in shining armour, with tips on how to incorporate castlecore in your home without losing the essentials like clean water and electricity.  

Brand new data from MyBuilder.com reveals the rise of castlecore aesthetics, with interest in arches increasing by 50 per cent in the second half of 2025 compared with the same period the previous year, followed by a further 27.4 per cent increase in the first half of 2025. Interest in stained glass is also climbing, rising by 30 per cent in late 2025 and a further 40 per cent in 2026.  There has also been a rise in the installation of wall lights, by 18 per cent before climbing further in 2026. The demand for stonemasons has risen by almost seven per cent year on year between 2025 and 2026. Overall, the data reveals a sustained increase in homeowners embracing castlecore interiors throughout the years 2025 and 2026. 

Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, explains that you don't need a full renovation to achieve a medieval feel, a few simple updates can create the same feel.

“To capture this castlecore aesthetic, it can be as simple as popping down to the vintage store and picking up some timeless decor, or even using a deep tone to paint a feature wall, which in turn can shift the whole feel of your home.

“But if you're feeling like knocking down some walls, the magic can be found in structural features like pitched porches or feature windows, giving your home that medieval feel.” 

Here's MyBuilder.com's list of ways to get the castlecore look, from colours to fittings: 

Colours 

Castles were normally dark, with a colour palette that featured moody colours such as deep greens, burgundy, charcoal, brown and hints of gold. In using these earthy tones, you can bring a sense of history and luxury into your home, as well as having feature walls, furniture, or decor in these colours, which creates an old-world castle feel. 

Materials

Incorporating raw materials such as oak wood, linen, leather, brass, and stone is essential to help recreate this medieval feel within your interior. Think leather sofas, chunky oak wood coffee tables, brass fixtures, and stone features; all will make the space feel timeless and rustic, which is essential to create this castlecore aesthetic. 

Bedroom

For a castle-inspired bedroom, it needs to feel warm, dramatic and romantic. Canopy beds, layered vintage bedding, and dark wooden furniture all create this cosy medieval atmosphere. For the walls,  feature large tapestries hung above the bed for a dramatic design moment, and for the windows, heavy curtains instantly give that feeling of luxury which castles embrace. 

Kitchen 

For the kitchen, you can incorporate that rustic and old-world charm while still including modernity. Think wooden cabinets, copper cookware, brass handles and stone surfaces, which help create this medieval feel while still being stylish and modern.

Lighting 

Lighting is one of the most important features in the castlecore, because it sets the mood and atmosphere. Warm layered lighting, chandeliers, candles, wall lights and soft lamps help create a space that feels dramatic without feeling cold. The main aim is to create a glow that is inviting and luxurious. 

Fireplace 

A grand fireplace is a perfect addition to fully embrace the castlecore. Large stone or dark wood fireplaces instantly make a room feel cosy and historic. The fireplace can be decorated with vintage decor and stacked logs, giving an aesthetic castle feel. 

Stained glass 

Replacing a standard window with a stained glass one can help create the castlecore aesthetic. The coloured light and decorative patterns evoke the atmosphere of historic castles and cathedrals, which can make the space feel more authentic.

Exposed brick 

This is a great idea for a feature wall in the bedroom or living area, where you can incorporate this rustic look in your home. This can be done by stripping back the plaster and exposing the brick wall. Ideally, getting in a qualified tradesperson is recommended as they can check if the brick is suitable. If it isn't suitable or you dont wanna strip the wall, you can buy brick slips or brick-effect panels that can provide a similar aesthetic with less disruption.

Outside 

For the outside of the house, you should ensure it feels as dramatic as the inside. Consider feature windows with an arched or grid style design, as this instantly gives your home that grand and historic look often seen in castles and manor houses. Additionally, it will help bring more natural light into the dark interior. 

For a bigger budget, consider pitched porches as they add height, structure and a more traditional look to your home. Added features like stone textures, wooden doors, lanterns, ivy and a gravel path create a deeper sense of medieval aesthetic.