Jen Bernard, Interior Designer for Audley, shares her top tips to bring a touch of Traitors’ Castle to your own living room – no Traitors required.
With the new series of The Traitors starting on the 1st of January, it is not just the plot twists and deception that has grabbed the nation's attention but the setting - Ardross Castle - which has quietly become the star of the show. Its so-called ‘Highland core’ look mixes rich colour, heritage fabrics and a little theatrical drama. Across the UK, many have been envious of the rooms the contestants get to spend their time in - but the look is easier to recreate at home than many may think.
At Audley retirement villages, interiors are designed to feel like a luxury lifestyle experience whilst also welcoming you home, so this dramatic yet comfortable style feels very familiar.
1. Start with a moody colour moment
The castle aesthetic is all about depth and atmosphere, so begin with colour. Instead of bright whites, look at forest greens, midnight blues or deep plum on a feature wall, in a snug, or even on your woodwork to create that cocooning feel you see in the show’s panelled rooms.
To stop darker tones feeling cold, warm them up with earthy shades and natural materials - think aged wood furniture, soft lighting and a few well‑chosen accessories rather than lots of small, busy pieces. These tones create an instant atmosphere and make a space feel more intimate, especially in the evening.
2. Layer velvet, wool and heritage pattern
What makes The Traitors’ setting feel so luxurious on screen is the layering of textures: velvet, wool, leather and pattern all working together. A velvet sofa or armchair in a jewel tone immediately adds that “castle drawing room” note, but you can get a similar effect with velvet cushions, a heavy throw or full‑length curtains if you do not want to replace big pieces.
You must then be sure to add a nod to the Highlands with tartan, tweed or classic checks on cushions and blankets, and mix in a little leather, perhaps on a footstool or chair, to give a sense of history. Mixing a couple of patterns in the same colour family, for example, a check, a stripe and a plain, brings depth without feeling cluttered.
3. Go for gold and a little ‘curated clutter’
Finally, the finishing touches, this aesthetic loves warm metal and characterful accessories. If you are updating hardware, choose brass or antique‑gold finishes over chrome, swapping door handles, table lamps or a mirror frame can instantly make a room feel more like a luxurious hotel lounge than a plain living space.
Then edit in some ‘curated clutter’ stacks of old books, a traditional rug, candles in metal holders, a round table set up for banishments, games or dinner, and one or two slightly eccentric pieces, such as an animal sculpture or vintage portrait. The trick is to edit, group objects into small, thoughtful arrangements so the room looks lived in and intriguing, not chaotic.
