If you’ve found yourself admiring more than just the scheming and scenery while watching The Traitors, you’re certainly not alone.
Filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the programme has put dramatic Scottish interiors firmly back in the spotlight. Rich colours, traditional patterns, beautiful old furniture, layered fabrics and plenty of character all help create that unmistakable country-house feel. And it seems to have struck a chord.
Sometimes called ‘Highlandcore’, the trend takes inspiration from traditional Scottish and country living, mixing tweed, tartan, wool, leather and velvet with warm woods, heritage colours and furniture that looks as though it has a story to tell.
A return to interiors with character
For a while, interiors were dominated by pale colours, clean lines and a fairly minimalist approach. Now, we're seeing a real appetite for homes that feel warmer, richer and more individual.
Rather than everything matching perfectly, the Highland-inspired look is about layering different textures and materials. A beautiful leather chair can sit alongside a tweed sofa. Tartan, checks and traditional patterns can be introduced through cushions, throws or an occasional chair, while natural wood brings warmth and helps pull everything together.
The result doesn't have to feel dark or old-fashioned. Done well, it's comfortable, welcoming and timeless.
Tweed and leather are a perfect combination
There’s a reason tweed and leather have worked together in British interiors for generations. Tweed brings warmth, texture and pattern, while leather adds richness and character. Both are materials that can feel even better as part of a relaxed, lived-in home, rather than something that has to be kept pristine.
We've recently welcomed some beautiful pieces to Duncan's that embrace exactly this look, combining traditional tweeds and British wools with rich leathers and patchwork detailing.
From statement armchairs to sofas and footstools, they have the character of traditional country-house furniture but work just as well in contemporary homes.
You don't need to live in a castle
Thankfully, recreating the look doesn't require a Highland estate, a suit of armour or your own round table.
One of the easiest ways to introduce the trend is with a single statement piece.
A tweed or leather armchair can completely change the feel of a living room, bedroom or reading corner. If you love a more eclectic look, mix different fabrics and patterns rather than trying to make everything match.
For a bigger change, a tweed or leather sofa can become the starting point for the whole room. Add warm lighting, wooden furniture, textured cushions and throws, and a few traditional patterns to create that relaxed country-house feel.
The key is to make it your own. You can embrace the full Highland look or simply introduce a hint of it into an otherwise modern room.
Furniture made to be lived with
Perhaps that's why this trend feels particularly right for Duncan's. We've always believed that choosing furniture is more than following the latest fashion. The best pieces are the ones you love living with, that make your home feel comfortable and that develop character over time.
Tweed, wool and leather have been used in furniture for generations, so while The Traitors may have helped put the look back in the spotlight, these are materials and styles that aren't going to suddenly disappear when the next interiors trend comes along.
If you've been inspired by the interiors of The Traitors, or simply love the warmth and character of traditional tweed and leather furniture, come and have a look around Duncan's of Banchory.