If you’ve caught The Traitors fever, you’re not alone. While most eyes are glued to the drama of the finale, there’s another star quietly stealing the show: the jaw-dropping home at its heart, The Traitors’ Ardross Castle.
Set on a sprawling estate in the Scottish Highlands, Ardross Castle delivers peak stately-home energy. Think old-money elegance with a surprisingly modern edge. It’s grand without feeling dusty, dramatic without being overdone. No wonder this look has been everywhere lately. The same luxurious, slightly moody aesthetic has popped up in pop culture hits like Saltburn and Fool Me Once, proving that classic interiors with a twist are very much having a moment.
What makes Ardross Castle especially inspiring is how its countryside setting amplifies the interiors. There are clear nods to dark Victorian style and grandmillennial details throughout, but it never feels intimidating. It’s layered, character-filled, and undeniably beautiful. The best part? You don’t need a castle or Highland estate to borrow the vibe. With the right mix of rich colors, traditional touches, and a little confidence, that Scottish stately feel is surprisingly easy to bring into an everyday home.
With the The Traitors finale just around the corner, The Traitors has everyone talking, not just about the twists, but about the interiors too. To mark the moment, the team pulled together a few easy, real-life ways to bring a hint of Scottish magic into everyday homes. No sprawling estate or castle keys required, just thoughtful details that capture that cozy, character-filled Highland feel.
1. Deep, earthy colors that make a room feel warm and expensive
The grandeur of Ardross Castle might feel a little intimidating to recreate at home, but according to Sarah McCann, product and trend expert at Scottish interiors brand Voyage Maison, it’s more achievable than it looks. She explains that capturing that regal, stately feel really comes down to smart choices in colour and fabric rather than scale or architecture.
Sarah suggests leaning into a palette of rich, heritage-inspired shades when styling a Sco
ttish-style living room. Deep magentas, royal blues, and emerald greens instantly add drama and depth. To keep things feeling warm and lived-in, she recommends balancing those bold colours with earthy tones like rich browns and soft sunset oranges. The result feels layered, cosy, and timeless, exactly the kind of atmosphere that gives a home that unmistakable stately charm without tipping into over-the-top territory.
2. Mixing patterns in a way that feels cozy, not chaotic
You can’t really talk about Scottish interiors without mentioning tartan. It’s deeply woven into the country’s cultural heritage and brings an instant sense of warmth and nostalgia to a space. Even somewhere as grand as Ardross Castle, tartan manages to soften the look and make it feel more welcoming and lived-in.
Amy Wilson, interior designer at 247 Blinds and 247 Curtains, notes that tartan has a timeless quality that works just as well in traditional homes as it does in more modern spaces. It can ground a classic scheme or add an unexpected contrast to a contemporary one. To really level it up, she encourages homeowners not to shy away from mixing patterns. Pairing tartan with other bold, intricate designs adds depth and personality, making a room feel collected rather than coordinated.
For a slightly different take on heritage style, look to one of Scotland’s most influential creatives, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His signature blend of floral and organic motifs offers a softer, more artistic approach. As Sarah explains, think bold florals, symmetrical shapes, and flowing lines in your patterns and prints. It’s a great way to honour tradition while keeping the overall look fresh and expressive.
3. Soft velvet pieces that instantly add a touch of luxury
Velvet furniture has been having a moment for years now, with green velvet sofas in particular becoming a firm favourite. While some might say the trend is fading, those chasing that classic Highland, heritage feel can relax. Velvet is very much still on point, especially when it comes in a timeless shape like a Chesterfield.
Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS, explains that velvet has long been a staple of regal interiors thanks to its elegant, enduring appeal. It’s the kind of fabric that instantly adds depth and softness to a room, which is why it shows up so often in period-style living spaces. In fact, a traditional living room can feel a little unfinished without at least one velvet piece, something that’s clearly on display throughout Ardross Castle in The Traitors.
To push the look even further, Sarah suggests leaning into the details. Think subtle embellishments, fringing, or jacquard fabrics that bring texture and interest without feeling over the top. It’s those small, thoughtful touches that help a space feel layered, cosy, and quietly luxurious.
4. Hints of gold that catch the light without looking flashy
A quick glance around any stately estate makes one thing clear: gold is never really out of style. It’s a classic detail that quietly signals elegance, and it plays a big role in the polished look seen throughout places like Ardross Castle.
Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS, points out that brass and gold accents are having a real moment right now, largely thanks to their timeless appeal. These warm metallics work beautifully as accent pieces, whether that’s through floor and table lamps, light fittings, or even smaller details like switches and hardware. They’re an easy way to lift a room without having to overhaul the whole space.
Pairing gold or brass with rich, earthy colours really seals the deal. Deep greens, warm browns, and jewel tones instantly feel more luxurious when offset with a touch of shine. The end result is a living room that feels thoughtful, layered, and quietly expensive, even if it’s been pulled together with just a few well-chosen details.
5. Dark wood furniture that adds depth and character
Dark wood interiors are one of those design choices that never really date, and it’s easy to see why they work so well in Scottish-inspired spaces and vintage-style living rooms alike. They bring warmth, depth, and a sense of history that instantly makes a room feel more grounded and considered.
Jeannette Hudson, furniture expert at Online Sofa Shop, explains that antique furniture and dark wood finishes are a nod to Scotland’s rich heritage. Woods like mahogany, oak, and walnut naturally add sophistication, helping to create strong focal points that give a home that subtle sense of opulence. It’s less about being flashy and more about letting quality materials do the talking.
That’s also why second-hand shopping makes so much sense here. Vintage and pre-loved pieces often have far more character than anything brand new, and they fit this look effortlessly. Even Mark-Francis Watson of Made in Chelsea has championed the idea, calling second-hand furniture “the way forward.” And honestly, it’s hard to argue when those darker wood tones bring so much charm into a space.
6. Lots of layered cushions, throws, and rugs for a snug, lived-in feel
No Traitors-inspired interiors roundup would feel complete without a nod to Claudia Winkleman and her famously bold knitwear. Those cosy, oversized jumpers have become part of the show’s identity, and they translate surprisingly well into interiors when it comes to soft furnishings and finishing touches. Think comfort, texture, and a little bit of playful excess.
Layering is key here. Chunky knitted throws, generously sized blankets, and an unapologetic mix of accent cushions in different shapes, colours, and patterns all help build that warm, lived-in Highland feel. Because Scottish-inspired interiors often celebrate pattern and texture, soft furnishings are the easiest place to experiment. Throws, cushions, and rugs let you introduce bolder designs without overwhelming the space, keeping things modern while still feeling characterful.
Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS, points out that soft furnishings are also a low-commitment way to transform a room. Unlike bespoke curtains or large furniture pieces, they’re easy to swap out, yet they have the power to pull everything together. A few well-chosen layers can instantly give a room that cosy, heritage-inspired vibe, no castle required.
Jeannette wraps things up by reflecting on how naturally Scotland’s heritage lends itself to interior design. She notes that the country’s rich history and dramatic landscapes translate beautifully into the home, with traditional styles that are grounded in practicality and comfort. It’s this balance, she explains, that makes Scottish-inspired interiors feel so timeless and genuinely inviting.
In the end, it’s all about how far you want to take it. Some might lean fully into the drama of The Traitors with bold colours, layers, and heritage details, while others may prefer a lighter touch. Either way, the sweet spot comes from mixing authentic elements with personal style, creating a space that feels both characterful and completely your own.