How to Bring the Dreamcore Aesthetic into Your Home

In the world of aesthetics, Dreamcore has emerged as a unique and captivating trend. It blends elements of surrealism, nostalgia and whimsy. It draws inspiration from dreams, turning spaces into otherworldly environments that evoke a sense of wonder and ethereal beauty. With its roots in internet culture, Dreamcore has transcended the digital realm, finding its way into interior design.

What is Dreamcore?

Dreamcore is a visual and conceptual style that taps into the subconscious mind, often invoking a dreamlike, almost uncanny atmosphere. It’s characterised by a mixture of familiar and bizarre elements, creating spaces that feel simultaneously comforting and unsettling. This aesthetic often plays with soft, muted colours, vintage objects and surreal – sometimes distorted – imagery. It’s a style that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, inviting you to explore the fantastical and the nostalgic.

Simply put, Dreamcore is about creating a sense of otherworldliness. It’s not about decorating a room with pretty things; it’s about inducing a feeling of being in a dream where anything is possible. This aesthetic is deeply personal, allowing individuals to express their innermost thoughts, fears and desires through the design of their living spaces.

Necessities of Dreamcore Interiors

• Colour Palette: Dreamcore typically features a soft, pastel colour palette. With shades of pink, lavender, mint green and baby blue being particularly common. These colours create a soothing, ethereal atmosphere; one that’s reminiscent of a dream. However, Dreamcore also isn’t afraid to incorporate darker, more mysterious tones like deep purples, blues and blacks, which add a touch of intrigue and surrealism.

• Vintage and Nostalgic Elements: Objects from the past, especially those that evoke a sense of nostalgia, are central to Dreamcore. Vintage furniture, retro toys and old photographs can all be used to create a sense of familiarity that’s slightly off-kilter. The juxtaposition of these items with more modern or fantastical elements is what gives Dreamcore its unique, dreamlike quality.
• Surreal and Uncanny Imagery: Dreamcore often incorporates surreal or uncanny imagery – think of floating objects, distorted perspectives or strange contrasts. This can be achieved through artwork, wallpapers or even the way furniture is arranged. The goal is to create a sense of disorientation or wonder, like what one might experience in a dream.
• Nature and Organic Shapes: Dreamcore spaces often feature elements of nature, such as plants, flowers and organic shapes. These natural elements help to soften the surreal aspects of the aesthetic, grounding the space while still maintaining a sense of otherworldliness.
• Whimsy and Playfulness: There’s a certain whimsy to Dreamcore, a sense of childlike wonder. This can be expressed with playful objects like oversized stuffed animals, quirky lamps or whimsical art. The key is to create a space that feels imaginative and unrestrained, where the usual rules of design don’t apply.

Creating Your Dreamcore Home

• Start with the Colour Palette: Begin by choosing a colour palette that embodies the Dreamcore aesthetic. Soft, pastel colours should dominate the space, but don’t be afraid to include darker, moodier tones to create contrast. Consider painting an accent wall in a dreamy pastel shade or incorporating these colours through textiles like curtains, rugs, and cushions. Complement these colours with dark hardwoods to make the pastels pop.
• Curate Vintage and Nostalgic Pieces: Visit thrift stores, flea markets or online vintage shops to find nostalgic items that resonate with you. Look for pieces that have a story or evoke a sense of the past – old telephones, vintage cameras, retro posters or even antique furniture. These items don’t have to match perfectly; in fact, the charm of Dreamcore lies in its eclecticism.
• Incorporate Surreal Artwork: Artwork is a powerful tool in creating a Dreamcore space. Look for pieces that challenge perception or feature surreal elements. Think of paintings where the sky is purple or photographs where objects appear to float. You can also experiment with DIY art projects, creating your own surreal pieces that reflect your personal dream world.

• Add Organic Elements: Incorporate plants, flowers and organic shapes to soften the space and introduce a touch of nature. Hanging plants, oversized ferns or a small indoor garden can bring life to your Dreamcore space. Consider adding furniture with curved lines or soft, flowing forms that mimic the shapes found in nature. Alternatively, light parquet flooring can create a cohesive, tranquil environment that enhances the organic flow of the room.
• Play with Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood in a Dreamcore space. Soft, diffused lighting is key to creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Consider using fairy lights, lava lamps or LED strips that change colour. Experiment with unconventional lighting fixtures, like cloud-shaped lamps or lights that cast unusual shadows, to enhance the surreal feel.
• Mix and Match Textures: Dreamcore is all about creating a tactile, immersive experience. Mix and match different textures to add depth and interest to your space. Pair soft, plush fabrics like velvet or faux fur with smoother materials like glass or metal. The contrast between these textures will enhance the otherworldly feel of the space.
• Create a Focal Point: Every Dreamcore space should have a focal point that draws the eye and sets the tone for the room. This could be a large piece of surreal artwork, a unique piece of furniture or a collection of vintage items displayed on a shelf. The focal point should encapsulate the dreamlike quality of the aesthetic, serving as the centrepiece of your space.