Pearlcore: 10 Ways to Use This 2022 Aesthetic in Interior Design

You might have heard this term thrown around online in design-centric discourse – but what exactly is pearlcore? This trendy aesthetic, predicted to dominate in 2022, takes elements of old Hollywood glamour and gives it a modern facelift. The main character? Pearls, of course! Pearlcore currently refers to a fashion trend, but we’re showing you how to weave this style into your home, too. Check out these 10 refreshing ways to incorporate this timeless gemstone into contemporary design, for a touch of old-world glam in modern times.

Pure white pearl hexagon mosaic tile backsplash in kitchen

Tile Club

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Make a Splash

One of the loveliest ways we’ve seen pearl used in the home is in statement-making backsplashes. If you’ve got a kitchen reno in the books, consider swapping out conventional subway tile for this iridescent option. A pearl backsplash means you can maintain a neutral colour palette while still adding a trendy touch of whimsy and personality. Plus, this glittering surface will scatter light across the room, brightening up the entire space. Pure White Mother of Pearl Hexagon Mosaic Tile, Tile Club, $36 per sheet.

Wallpaper Mural

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Statement Maker

If you’re looking for something less permanent than tile backsplash and significantly more budget friendly, consider wallpaper that makes a statement. To achieve the same glamorous, light-reflecting result as pearl tile, you’ll want to look for “pearlescent” or “mother-of-pearl” wallpapers. While not pearlescent, we still love the magnified mother-of-pearl wallpaper mural pictured above – it achieves pearlcore glam while introducing some fresh colour. Nacre – Detailed Pearl Texture Pearlcore Wallpaper Mural, Wallpaper Mural, £29 per square meter.

Wayfair

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Furnish with Flair

If tile or wallpaper is too permanent for you, consider cultivating your pearlcore aesthetic with furniture featuring mother of pearl inlay. A similar alternative is furniture with bone inlay, which is also often iridescent and has the same effect as pearl. These gorgeous pieces most often come in bohemian patterns that add immense visual interest to any space. For example, check out the Mankato 2 – Door Accent Cabinet, Wayfair, $2,500. The best part? While these pieces may be a huge upfront investment, they tend to hold their value or appreciate, thanks to the precious pearls used in their design.

Wolf & Badger

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Dining Table Details

You don’t have to shell out thousands of dollars for pearl-inlay furniture to invoke the essence of pearlcore in your home. These gorgeous coasters prove it. While pricier than your average set of coasters, we believe this splurge is worth it if you’re serious about bringing high-end old Hollywood glam into your home. Handmade by artisans in the Philippines, these shiny discs are hardier than they look and, with proper care, will maintain their luster and value forever. Pieza Mother-of-Pearl Coasters – Nude Brown Set of 4 by LIKHÂ, Wolf & Badger, $73.

Pearl oyster shell ring and pearl necklace on trinket dish

Slowboat Studio

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Natural Beauty

These oyster shell trinket dishes capture the essence of pearlcore like nothing else. As if the lustrous, silky-white mother-of-pearl inlay isn’t fabulous enough, each little dish is rimmed in glamorous gold. Because these are made from real oyster shells, they come in a variety of sizes and no two are the same, so you’ll be sure to have a truly one-of-a-kind piece in your home. Use the larger versions as a catch-all on your foyer table, and keep smaller ones on your vanity or sink to hold rings and other everyday jewelry. Pearl Oyster Shell Ring Dish, Slowboat Studio – Etsy, starting at $9.

Pearl & Brass Eastern Inspired Cupboard Handle, cabinet door knobs and drawer pulls

DesignInFocus

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With Knobs On

Elegant design comes down to the details, and that’s where these gorgeous handles, knobs and drawer pulls come in. Replace your builder-grade hardware with these gold and ivory cabinet knobs for an eye-catching upgrade on a minimal budget. Inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl in geometric patterns, we love how these evoke art deco charm. Mother of Pearl & Brass Eastern Inspired Cupboard Handle, Design in Focus – Etsy, $9.

BestofHandicrafts

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Mirror Mirror On the Wall

A mirror is the perfect opportunity to sneak some pearl into your decor. Not only do mirrors themselves reflect light and open up spaces, elevating any room, the pearl frame bordering this mirror will help to brighten the wall on which it hangs. We love how cleverly the pearl was used in this frame to create an elegant floral pattern. Handmade Mother of Pearl Mirror Frame – Floral Pattern – White, BestofHandicrafts – Etsy, $524.

Lizsroomdecor

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On Trend

Have you seen these adorable clamshell lamps everywhere? We have too. A perfect whimsical touch to an adult vanity or the sweetest night light in a nursery or kid’s bedroom, this little lamp casts off a warm glow of magical, ambient light. While a little different from the other items in this checklist that mostly feature real pearl, this still fits the pearlcore aesthetic. Ceramic Clam Pearl Night Light, Lizsroomdecor – Etsy, $56.

Pottery Barn

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Shine Some Light

If you’ve been upgrading your whole space and still can’t put a finger on what element of glam may be missing, ask yourself if you’ve updated your lighting fixtures. This is a great opportunity to inject some pearlcore into your space, considering the market for light fixtures features many stunning options using pearl. For example, this Art Deco-esque chandelier stopped us dead in our tracks. With long, elegant individual pendants handcrafted out of capiz shell, this lampshade doesn’t just house your lightbulb – it’ll softly cast light off of its iridescent surfaces all day long, too. Astrid Capiz Round Chandelier, Pottery Barn, $940.

Getty Images

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A Little Accessory

If you aren’t 100% sold on pearlcore but would like to dip your toes, a scented candle is perhaps the perfect option for you. These bubble candles, reminiscent of gigantic pearls, are totally on-trend this year. And don’t worry if pearlcore doesn’t end up working for your tastes. This candle is versatile enough in style to suit basically any aesthetic – from adding visual interest to minimalistic spaces to blending in with the organized chaos of maximalist themes. ACITHGL Bubble Candle, Amazon, $24.