Apple cider aesthetic becomes fall design trend, blending cabincore and cottagecore

The apple cider aesthetic is emerging as a dominant fall design trend, combining rustic cabincore and cottagecore influences into a single, cozy package. Interior designers say the look resonates with homeowners who want a home that feels grounded, warm, and ready for the season, especially as sellers stage homes and buyers seek comfort. Arden Wray, creative director of Byrd Studio in upstate New York, describes the trend as 'If cottagecore and cabin porn had a baby, they might end up with apple cider aesthetic.' She says it's 'a little more rustic and homespun than the cottagecore we've been seeing for the past couple of years, but a bit softer and more feminine than the classic buffalo check and lumberjack cabin style.'

Wray notes that the apple cider look is already being requested by clients in time for fall. The style leans toward New England sensibilities—cozier and deeper, with less sweetness than earlier cottagecore but still rooted in natural textures and wood features. While cottagecore is fundamentally English, this take feels more rooted in distinctly New England country living, she says, with plenty of wood, stone, and views of the outdoors reflected inside.

Color plays a signature role: ginger, cinnamon, ochre, and pops of mulberry anchor a warm, spicy palette, with red appearing as a unifying accent. Plaids appear in blankets, pillows, and lampshades, and some homeowners even configure a plaid powder room as a playful focal point. Wood floors are often restained to deepen the look, and brass finishes add a soft glow in kitchens and on hardware. Antiques and heavily pattered wool blankets are described as essential textures that bring the aesthetic to life. Small touches such as scrupulously chosen accessories are part of the plan.

Proponents emphasize that the style hinges on layering and personalization. Personal collections on display, mismatched textiles, and favorite antique pieces are cited as elements that give a home soul. Knotty pine remains a recurring motif, paired with pumpkins, dried florals, and other fall accents that reinforce the season. The look also blends indoor and outdoor spaces, with options such as an outdoor fire pit, an indoor fireplace, or a country wood stove completing the rustic cycle.

Wray says there are five elements that make a home 'apple cider official': natural wood accents, layered textiles, warm-tone metals like brass or copper, abundant antiques and vintage textiles and art, and a touch of plaid. She notes that while the apple cider aesthetic is the latest expression, it reflects a broader, enduring preference in upstate New York for homes that feel grounded in earthy materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Industry observers say the trend fits with a broader push to connect interior spaces to the natural world, a concern shared by homeowners in upstate New York and beyond. As cooler months approach, the apple cider look offers a ready-made way to balance comfort with seasonality, whether buyers are staging a home for sale or homeowners are refreshing a room for autumn.

Practical steps suggested by designers include re-staining wood floors to a warmer tone, layering textiles of different weights and patterns, introducing warm-metal hardware and lighting, and incorporating antiques and vintage textiles and art. Plaid textiles should appear in bedding and cushions, while knotty pine and brass accents reinforce the wood-and-warmth vibe. The goal is a cozy, grounded environment that feels timeless and seasonally appropriate, appealing to buyers and renters alike as fall arrives.