We're calling it: Wonkacore is the home decor trend set to dominate this festive season

Deck the halls, because this trend inspired by our favourite chocolatier is coming to town

Decorated Christmas tree with baubles
(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Deck the halls, because there's a festive new trend on the horizon that we predict is set to be the 'it' trend of all trends this Christmas – and its foundation? Everything candy-inspired.

In fact, we think it's one that's come as timely as ever, ahead of the release of the new movie iteration of our favourite chocolatier. Have you guessed it yet? That's right: this year we're diving headfirst into the Wonkacore home decor trend (also synonymous with the Candycore trend) unapologetically for the Christmas season.

Decorated Christmas tree with baubles and decorations

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Wonkacore home decor trend

'We're predicting a Candycore craze this Christmas!' starts Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert at Etsy.

'After a year dominated by the colour pink it's only right we round off the year with a trend that heavily includes, you guessed it – pink and as we head into the Christmas season we see it entwined with a festive red.'

Candy-inspired Christmas tree bauble

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

This candy stripe motif is one that we've seen primarily pop up in many of our favourite homeware retailer's Christmas collections, thus bringing us to coin the term, Wonkacore as a nod to the Wonka movie's December release.

'The Candycore trend is inspired by a sugary fantasy world filled with lollipops, candy canes and gumdrops, and with the upcoming release of the film featuring the most iconic candymaker of all, I think we'll see this trend take centre stage this season,' confirms Dayna.

We imagine this is a trend that we'll see high and low in Christmas living room decor ideas or hallway decorating ideas alike.

Wrapped present using red ribbon and candy striped wrapping

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Commenting further on the trend, Katie Derry, brand marketing manager at George Home says, 'Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a candy stripe, but in anticipation of this year's Wonka release it's a theme we're enjoying more than ever!'

'At George Home, we're a big fan of striped bedding and this year's pink and red iteration is the most Wonkacore yet; bold, bright and festive with an additional frilled edge it's the perfect addition to any interior style and sweeter than chocolate itself.'

Candy striped linen napkins

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Cox & Cox's Holiday Christmas collection follows suit as well as the look is 'all about bringing back childhood excitement and memories,' says Danielle Le Valliant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox.

'It perfectly complements the Wonkacore trend, which celebrates everything quirky and whimsical. The look is inspired by the grand American houses that we see in movies, where everything is a little over the top and oversized.'

Wire standing Christmas tree

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

How to bring Wonkacore into your home this Christmas

There are many ways to bring the Wonkacore touch into your home without having to overthink it. Whether it's a tablescaping addition, decorating a Christmas tree, to Christmas wall decor, you can dip your toe into the trend worry-free.

Dayna starts, 'Due to the popping colours entwined in the trend, it's super easy to incorporate it into your existing home decor, from little touches on a table setting like striped napkins and candy-shaped candle holders (ideal for tablescaping) to gorgeous little peppermint tree decorations, or candy-inspired wall art.'

'If you don't already have a traditional red and white scheme, it's easy to add a subtle candy stripe here and there by opting for a softer red and pairing the decor with biscuit tones for a more sophisticated feel, dropping the silver,' advises Danielle.

'Or, if you're looking to make less of a splash, the candy man says you can with a cushion, towel or even just a Christmas bauble,' concludes Katie.

Jullia Joson
Junior Writer

Jullia is Ideal Home’s Junior Writer and the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums, having spent over 60 hours testing different models. She’s always loved all things homes and interiors, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Nottingham where her love for writing blossomed following her internship at ArchDaily. Now focused on home tech and cleaning, Jullia works on writing features and explainers to help people make the most of their home appliance investments, putting the newest launches through their paces. When she isn’t writing, she loves exploring the city, coffee shop hopping, and losing hours to a cosy game or book.