Image Credit: Ruggable
Gilmore Girls interiors are the Autumn aesthetic we’ve been craving – 11 ways to get the look in your home
There’s something about Gilmore Girls that makes you want to stick the kettle on, throw on a chunky jumper, and hunker down.
Maybe it’s the seemingly eternal golden-hour glow of Stars Hollow, or perhaps it’s Lorelai’s perfectly imperfect home – all mismatched china, vintage lamps, and a sofa that you want to sink into and never leave.
It’s fair to say, then, that the interiors of Gilmore Girls are the visual equivalent of a steaming mug of hot chocolate, with whipped cream and marshmallows – comforting, a little bit indulgent, and absolutely impossible to resist.
It seems we’re not the only ones wanting to channel our inner Lorelai with Google searches up 173% over the past quarter.
But what is it about autumn that makes us want to adopt the chaotic energy of eccentric female characters, like those in Gilmore Girls.
According to Claudia Kampmann, Europe Brand Manager at Ruggable, it’s all about the way their homes are imperfectly curated to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
“Autumn is a time when we start to slow down and get cosy, and that is reflected most within our homes,” she explains.
“Interior design has been moving away from more minimal and plain designs for quite some time; however, maximalist decor in particular thrives throughout the autumn and winter months.”
From eclectic heirlooms to layered textures, Claudia says it’s the season of embracing more is more.
“Beloved TV homes like the Gilmore Girls’ household embody this aesthetic perfectly,” she continues.
“It’s a lived-in haven of floral lampshades, antique collectables, and mismatched artwork that captures the heart of small-town charm.
“It’s no wonder viewers feel such a sense of nostalgia and comfort because the warmth of that world feels like coming home.”
So as the nights draw in and we properly enter snuggle season, this cosycore-meets-eclectic look feels more appealing than ever.
Think: Rory’s book-strewn bedroom, a jumble of floral quilts and fairy lights, or the Dragonfly Inn’s country charm, which is a masterclass in mixing pattern, personality, and the odd antique that probably shouldn’t work, but somehow does.
This autumn, we’re all channelling Stars Hollow spirit and leaning into the clutter, the coffee, and the kind of charm that feels a little chaotic, but with a bucketload of comfort.
Embrace a warm, earth-toned palette
Nothing says Stars Hollow chic quite like a warm, earth-toned palette – latte hues and pumpkin-spice shades that make your living room feel like Luke’s Diner, minus the grumbling.
Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors suggests incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, olive, and deep burgundy, colours that wrap you up the moment you step inside.
“These tones evoke the essence of crisp leaves, steaming coffee, and fireside evenings, the ultimate cocoon for autumn,” he explains.
Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys suggests using soft neutrals as a base, then adding accents in mustard, burgundy, and sage green.
“For kitchens, mint green and pale yellow evoke Lorelai’s eclectic style,” she adds.
Channel modern nostalgia
Evoking a feeling of modern nostalgia is at the heart of the Gilmore Girls aesthetic – blending vintage finds, cosy textures and familiar comforts with a contemporary practicality.
It’s about recreating that sense of warmth and memory, to fit 2025 homes and without feeling stuck in the past.
“This look is all about blending old and new,” explains Kunal.
“A vintage armchair beside a contemporary lamp, or classic wood panelling softened with modern artwork.
“It feels familiar, but fresh. The goal is to create a home that tells a story, and that doesn’t resemble a showroom.”
Claudia agrees that one of the easiest ways to channel that lived-in, Gilmorecore aesthetic is through a mix of old and new.
“Think second-hand floral lampshades perched atop sleek modern bases, or vintage mid-century teak furniture grounded by a freshly bought rug,” she explains.
“It’s the contrast that creates character.
“A curated kind of chaos that feels warm, familiar, and full of nostalgia for the 90s and early 2000s.”
Create cosy, inviting seating areas
No Gilmore-inspired home would be complete without an inviting seating spot.
Because, let’s face it, most of life in Stars Hollow unfolds on a sofa.
Incorporating comfy seating areas captures that same easy warmth: deep, sink-into-me armchairs, layered textiles and well-loved upholstery that invite you to while away an afternoon.
Kunal recommends trying to incorporate sofas that you can snuggle into, love seats made for two, and generous throws casually draped across armrests.
“Comfort is key,” he adds. “Picture the sort of space where conversations linger long after the coffee’s gone cold.”
Embrace a bit of lived-in busyness
Homes are meant to be lived in, and this autumn, it’s all about embracing those busy corners in your home and making them feel more curated.
“One thing characters such as Lorelai Gilmore have in common is not only their chaotic energy, but their chaotic homes, too,” explains Claudia.
According to Ruggable Pinterest searches for ‘cluttercore’ have been steadily rising again over the past few months, showing that the interest in lived-in, messy homes is here to stay.
“Think an eclectic mix of patterns, bookshelves filled with your favourite novels, and trinkets you’ve picked up from travels or local antique stores.”
Layer with intention
The homes in Stars Hollow may appear somewhat chaotic and cluttered, but there’s actually an art to the Gilmore Girls look.
That effortless balance of layers, textures and lived-in warmth that makes a space feel both curated and completely unforced.
“Layering is what gives Gilmorecore its depth,” explains Kunal.
“Mix tactile fabrics, such as velvet, wool, linen, across cushions, curtains and upholstery.
“The key is balance: keep the palette cohesive so the mix feels curated, not cluttered.”
Victoria suggests adding plaid throws, quilted blankets, and patterned cushions.
“Mix textures like velvet, flannel, and chunky knits for depth,” she adds.
Florals, but make them modern
Modern florals can be a charming way to hint at Stars Hollow style.
Think soft, contemporary blooms on a cushion, rug, or lampshade, rather than wall-to-wall wallpaper.
The key is keeping it fresh and understated, so the space feels warm and curated, not theme-y.
“Soft florals are a signature Gilmore Girls vibe, but avoid anything too twee,” adds Kunal.
“Choose painterly patterns or muted tones, and pair them with clean-lined furniture or solid fabrics to ground the look. It’s about creating charm with restraint.”
Mix textures and fabrics
Nothing says warm, cosy and inviting quite like a mix of soft furnishings such as fluffy or textured rugs, throws, blankets and pillows, especially for a trend that’s all about comfort.
To create this style in your home, Claudia says it is important to mix colours, patterns and textures to get that lived-in feel.
“Keep a basket of mismatched blankets in the corner of your living room, ready to grab for movie nights or chilly evenings,” she continues.
“In the bedroom, mix and match linens in different prints, such as soft florals paired with classic gingham, to add a touch of homely, cottage charm.
“A huge rug on the floor can provide a grounding atmosphere and tie everything together. Most importantly, don’t hold back on the pillows; the more, the better.
“Scatter them across sofas, armchairs, and cosy reading nooks for a space that feels relaxed, welcoming, and full of warmth.”
Create an atmosphere with lighting
Lighting in a Gilmore-inspired home isn’t just about function it’s part of the atmosphere.
Warm, layered lighting from lamps, fairy lights, and soft overheads helps create that welcoming hue that makes every corner feel inviting.
“When it comes to creating a cosy atmosphere, lighting is everything – and yes, that means the big light stays firmly off,” says Claudia.
“Instead, embrace a layered approach to lighting, scattering lamps throughout their spaces to achieve a warm, lived-in glow.
“Think small retro lamps brightening bedside tables, oversized shades in living rooms, and vintage-inspired sconces to add character and chaos to hallways.
“The goal is to create a home in which soft ambient light takes centre stage.”
Add personal touches
Display family photos, quirky lamps, and vintage mugs.
Coffee-themed decor is practically mandatory.
“Lorelai and Rory’s home feels warm and cluttered in a charming way, layered with books, knick-knacks, and personal touches that make it look collected over time rather than styled overnight,” explains Victoria.
“Surfaces are often filled with lamps, framed photos, and quirky decor pieces.
“The vibe is casual, not curated.”
Go big on the season
Leaning into the season with bold autumnal hues and carefully curated seasonal details is a subtle way to echo the warmth and personality of Gilmore Girls interiors.
Victoria suggests going big on seasonal accents.
“Bring in pumpkins, copper accents, and scented candles (pumpkin spice or coffee),” she explains.
Create a reading nook
A dedicated reading corner is basically a Gilmore Girls requirement.
Cosy seating, good lighting, and a pile of books to while away an hour, or two, on a rainy afternoon.
“Channel Rory with a comfy armchair, a stack of books, and a warm lamp,” suggests Victoria.
“Add a side table for coffee (because Lorelai would insist).”
Take a look at 12 ways to autumn-scape your home for the new season or Cafécore interiors – 10 design ideas to capture the charm of your favourite coffee shop at home. And check out The Downton Abbey effect: 10 ‘Regencycore’ interior ideas that work in real homes
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