Why Summer Camp Aesthetic Is the Coziest Interiors Trend Right Now

As design trends lean further toward warmth and nostalgia, a new aesthetic is quietly emerging: summer camp-inspired interiors. It’s not quite the rugged, utility-driven fisherman aesthetic, though they share a love for raw textures and outdoorsy charm. The summer camp aesthetic softens the edges and focuses on comfort in a tactile and memory-driven way: flannel blankets, knotty wood walls, enamel mugs, the soft thud of a screen door. Pinterest searches for “summer camp aesthetic” are on the rise, and it’s clear that this quietly nostalgic style is having a moment, one that speaks to a collective longing for simpler, slower ways of living.

It’s a feeling I recently encountered while attending a low-key retreat in the Hudson Valley, designed to channel the spirit of summer camp. There were no bunk beds or lanyard crafts, but the mood was reminiscent of what I imagined summer camp would feel like—playful, grounding, a little bit magical. Somewhere between the group hikes and communal meals, I found myself thinking less about camp as a place and more about it as a pace. And that’s exactly what this aesthetic captures so well: a softer, wood-toned way of living that invites you to unplug, settle in, and remember how good it feels to just be.

Here’s how the look is taking shape in interiors today.

Hero Image: Design by Heather Peterson, Photography by Josh Grubbs

Above photo courtesy of Les Indiennes at Camp Scatico

Textures That Tell a Story

The summer camp look leans into materials that wear well and age beautifully: wood with knots and grain, wool that’s slightly scratchy, thick canvas that softens over time. It’s about surrounding yourself with textures that your younger self might not have noticed, but still feel oddly familiar and unfussy. Think woven baskets, handmade quilts, and furniture that feels humble and hardworking.

Design by Heather Peterson, Photography by Josh Grubbs

A Palette Borrowed from the Outdoors

Instead of trending tones or seasonal colors, this aesthetic takes its cues from nature itself. Earthy greens, warm browns, blues, yellows, and sun-faded reds give it a grounded, timeless quality. It’s the color of tree bark, lake water, canvas tents, and vintage camp tees. And while it’s cozy, it’s not too dark or heavy. When paired with warm wood tones and soft neutrals, the palette feels fresh and inviting.

Design by Heather Taylor Home, Photography by Nicki Sebastian

Interior Styling by Eco Interiors, Photography by Chevaune Hindley

Photography by Floto + Warner

Sentiment Over Styling

Design has gotten a lot louder lately—more bold, more styled, more put-together. But the summer camp aesthetic feels like the opposite of that, in the best way. It makes space for things that don’t match but matter. The beauty of sentimental pieces is that when you’re designing from real life, no one else is going to have a space like yours. Maybe it’s a stack of dog-eared books, vintage postcards, a faded pennant from childhood, or a ceramic mug you picked up on a trip. Whatever it is, this aesthetic leaves room for it all.

Photography by Taylor Hall O’Brien at Wandawega

Capture the Mood

Despite its name, summer camp style isn’t about recreating a literal bunkhouse (unless that’s what you’re going after). It’s more atmospheric than literal. You don’t need canoe paddles on the wall or a row of bedrolls to capture the feeling. Instead, focus on cultivating a mood of slower mornings, softer materials, and a sense of lived-in ease. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that allows for joy, rest, and reconnection.

Design by HÁM Interiors, Photography by Alexander James

Shop some of our favorite pieces below to bring the look into your home.