Sardinecore Pairs Interior Design with Coastal Kitsch—and We’re Hooked

This fun, fish-centric decorating trend adds maritime whimsy to your home.

If you find yourself daydreaming about a seaside vacation, look no further than Sardinecore to capture the essence of the Mediterranean, without ever leaving home. Rising to popularity this summer, Sardinecore is a whimsy aesthetic that brings coastal charm to interior design. The style blends timeless accents with trendy motifs, all inspired by—you guessed it—tinned fish. Here, we break down everything you need to know about this timely trend so you can bring sun, sand, and sardines to your home (no matter the season).

Meet Our Expert

• Gabrielle Jolie Stratmann is an artist with her own line of ceramics.
• Grace Baena is an interiors curator at Kaiyo.

What Exactly Is Sardinecore?

According to artist Gabrielle Jolie Stratmann, aquatic decor has long been a feature in New England design, but Sardinecore puts a new spin on that style. “In 2023, the trend of ‘fake food’ surged on TikTok and other social platforms, inspiring me to create my own line of ceramics. The charming packaging of tinned fish, reminiscent of charcuterie boards (another popular trend), captivated me. I began creating small sardine trinket dishes, about the size of a real tin of fish, and their popularity soared.”

While Sardinecore can be part of a nautical theme, it can also include kitschy fish decorations in a diverse array of design styles. The aesthetic brings a playful take on coastal style and turns it on its head with funky decor finds that range from tiny touches the size of a tin of sardines to large-scale art or wallpaper featuring fish.

How to Add Sardinecore Decor (Without Going Overboard)

While fish can be fun, you don’t want your home to be mistaken for an aquarium, so it’s key to practice moderation. To achieve a sophisticated style, “combine playfulness and sophistication by tempering the amount of fish decor around your home, and add balance with more elevated pieces,” says Grace Baena, interiors curator at Kaiyo.

Mix and Match Design Styles

Some interior styles lend themselves effortlessly to this trend. “Coastal and farmhouse decor styles pair particularly well with Sardinecore,” says Baena. But you don’t have to limit yourself to those genres as long as you take a layered approach. “Mix natural textures like jute rugs, wicker chairs, marble lamps, and rustic wooden tables.”

Start Small

“A tasteful fish spoon rest can enhance your beach house kitchen, while sardine dishes make delightful snack and dip servers. Adding a hand-made fish soap dish to your bathroom can also be a lovely touch,” says Strathman. “I recommend placing these oceanic items near water-themed areas in your home, like kitchens and bathrooms.” However, be cautious not to overdo it. And if you decide to incorporate a large piece, Strathman recommends a single statement fish as a focal point versus a school of smaller fish to keep things modern.

Incorporate Color

Not everything needs to be typical seaside shades of blue. “To keep Sardinecore stylish and exciting, choose pieces in unexpected colors (like orange or dark green) and shop from small artists and businesses for unique, one-of-a-kind items.” Look for items from local artists instead of mass-produced fish decor. “Combine stripes, blues, whites, and light greens for a beachy and light aesthetic that will make you feel like you’re on a seaside vacation in Portugal,” adds Baena.

And, finally, don’t hide away your fishy finds come fall. “This may feel like a trend exclusive to summer, but those needing a little rest and relaxation can bring the feeling of the sun on their skin and sand in their toes year-round with Sardinecore,” says Baena.

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