Homeowners

What is Resortcore? A Home Design Trend to Relax into This Summer

The word “core” has given rise to numerous design trends over the past decade. Think charming and cozy (Cottagecore) to bright and unapologetically pink (Barbiecore).

While those styles still thrive in storybook bungalows and Malibu mansions, a new aesthetic is rising—one with a pampering, transportive spirit: Resortcore.

“Resortcore is all about channeling the ease, elegance, and luxury of a high-end tropical resort into your everyday home,” said Courtney Batten, owner and lead interior designer at boutique residential firm Paige Studio in Dallas. “It’s not overtly beach-themed decor, it’s more subtle and refined.”

So, forget seashells and anchors. This trend leans into how a space makes you feel: refreshed, comforted, and yes, a bit indulged.Homeowners who want to try out the trend may want to consider taking out a home equity loan to help fund the home improvements and décor. Home equity line of credit (HELOCs), cash-out refinances, and second mortgages are popular loans that may help homeowners tap into the equity in their properties.

Ready to feel like you’ve just reached your perfect escape in your own home? Here’s how to bring resort vibes inside.

How to create resortcore in your home

To make your home feel like you’re always at your favorite boutique retreat, start with materials like rattan, bamboo, or linen. These natural, breathable textures create a room that feels airy and sun-drenched.

“Resortcore is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle mindset rooted in ease and understated luxury,” said Kristen Proctor, founder and principal designer at Edge and Ethos Designs in Atlanta, Ga. She described the look as “balancing the serenity of nature with curated elegance.”

She suggested homeowners use airy linens, textured sheer drapery, and big woven area rugs to make a light, layered base. Look for Belgian flax or cotton-linen blends to start.

“Then add in accent furniture with rounded edges, open wood grain, or stone finishes to evoke the relaxed architecture of luxury resorts,” she added.

Vacation color palettes are in

Resorts often lean on palettes that soothe like cool blues, golden ambers, and soft, sandy hues.

“Choose interior design elements that are inspired by the allure of distant travels,” said Peter Yera, director of design and development at Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting in Hialeah, Fla. These include decor “in rich amber gold reminiscent of beautiful sunsets, coastal blues of a calm ocean, and neutrals reminding you of the most relaxing sandy beach you can think of.”

Use this palette on walls, upholstery, and accent decor. For a quick update, swap in throw pillows, curtains, or removable wallpaper in coastal tones to achieve a similar effect without the commitment.

Add a glistening effect to your home decor

When you’re away from it all, everything feels a bit more radiant.

To add that feeling to your home, Yera suggested looking for design elements with a glistening effect.

“For example, vases, bowls, and lighting that incorporate a radiant glow, silver or brass elements, mimicking the reflective shimmering quality of the sun bouncing off the ocean waves,” said Yera.

Create hotel-like bedrooms to lean into resortcore

Resorts are all about bedrooms that double as sanctuaries.

“Crisp white linens, light wood tones, and layered neutral textures will create that calm, airy aesthetic in your bedroom that your favorite resort has,” said Batten.

Functional luxuries throughout the room are just as important as that fluffy pillow, though.

“I love using integrated bedside lighting and designing outlets into nightstands (just like you’d find at a hotel), and motorizing shades and draperies in the primary suite to bring some of those conveniences into my clients’ bedrooms,” said Batten.

And for the bed itself, “opt for an upholstered headboard in a performance velvet or bouclé and layered throws that make the space feel both elevated and effortless,” added Proctor.

For clients who want to take it a step further, Proctor suggests sourcing custom-branded details, like a monogrammed throw reminiscent of your favorite hotel suite.

Many online stores and design studios now offer customization services that let you choose thread color, font, and fabric weight.

Bathrooms you want to linger in are key to resortcore

Bathrooms are another key space for this relaxing decor trend.

“Consider installing a rain head shower, adding built-in towel bars (bonus points if they warm your towels as you shower!), and ledges in your shower for convenient but hidden spots for your toiletries,” said Batten.

Use a variety of natural materials, such as stone slabs or a wooden stool, to enhance the ambiance and create a spa-like atmosphere.

“Even small upgrades like plush towels, better lighting, or reorganized vanity storage can bring a little slice of vacation into your daily routine,” said Batten.

Ditch harsh lighting for this seasonal trend

Resortcore lighting is soft, not sterile.

“Swap harsh lighting for warm, diffused sconces or sculptural pendants in organic materials like rattan, alabaster, or matte ceramic,” said Proctor.

Also consider switching to frosted smart bulbs and adding plug-in wall sconces with linen shades for a subtle, moody glow.

Another simple trick? Avoid turning on harsh overhead lighting and opt for floor and table lamps (and perhaps a candle or two) instead.

Greenery and water features accentuate resortcore

Incorporate lush indoor plants or small water features to evoke a slice of resort environments. Think a tabletop fountain or a fiddle-leaf fig in a sculptural pot.

Ferns, monsteras, and peace lilies all thrive indoors and provide a green backdrop without requiring constant upkeep. Consider clustering multiple planters of varying heights for a resort-worthy vignette near windows, entryways, or even bathrooms.

“Ultimately, the Resortcore trend is about designing for experience,” said Batten. “The goal is for your home to provide a sense of calm luxury and make you feel like you’re permanently on holiday.”