Get The Traitors look in your home: Interior design expert reveals how to banish the bland while remaining Faithful to your bank balance

DAILYMAIL.COM • 4h ago

By MELODY FLETCHER Updated: 04:50 10 Oct 2026

Interior designers are showing Brits how to turn Traitor on bland looks in their home – by taking inspiration from the setting of the hit series.

Ardross Castle, at the heart of the Scottish Highlands, has been host to every outrageous moment of the Traitors since the show debuted in 2022.

The show’s twisting turncoat behaviour – currently delighting viewers each week with an all-star cast – would be nothing without the £17million estate’s eye-catching interiors playing backdrop to every betrayal.

Its rooms are a lesson in maximalist Gothic aesthetic, from boldly coloured walls and ornate picture frames to statement furniture and, of course, a healthy splash of tartan.

For those craving their own slice of the Highland look, there’s good news: interior designers say you can make it happen without needing the sprawling country estate.

Crucially, you can also do it without breaking the bank.

Milena Vallier, head of design at online interior design service My Bespoke Room, says it can be as simple as being braver with colours, layering fabrics, embracing patterns and braving the second-hand market for unique finds.

‘As an interior designer, I’m captivated by the interiors of Ardross Castle and can’t help but obsess over every chair, chandelier, and moody paint colour,’ she says.

Milena has pulled together seven key ways to give your home the edge the next time you entertain. But beware: there could be Traitors in your midst keen to steal your living room’s look…

A defining feature of The Traitors’ castle is its unapologetically dark colour scheme for its interior walls: deep forest greens, navy blues and rich burgundies that all help create the moody atmosphere.

Milena said: ‘Dark colours can be a real game changer because they can instantly make a room feel more luxurious, but only when used correctly.

‘People often shy away from dark shades, particularly in smaller spaces, because they fear they’ll make a room feel even smaller.

‘But, paired with the right lighting and accents, dark themes can be so cosy and chic.’

For those ready to take the plunge, Milena recommends going with one strong shade as an ‘anchor’ for the rest of the room – even if it is as simple as painting a single feature wall or giving a piece of furniture a makeover.

If you’re unsure about a bold look, Milena recommends testing it in a smaller or less frequently used room.

Do you have a tired-looking cloakroom, bathroom or spare bedroom in need of reinvigoration?

It could be the perfect place to start experimenting with darker colours, creating a dramatic statement space without forcing family and friends to look forever over their shoulders throughout.

Starting small also gives homeowners the opportunity to test their faith in bolder colours for a period, before moving onto other areas.

The Traitors look isn’t simply about paint: much of the castle’s luxurious feel comes from the different textures layered throughout every room, from plush ornate armchairs to polished wooden panelling and vintage rugs.

‘Velvet armchairs, plaid cushions, and a tufted ottoman can instantly make a room feel sumptuous,’ Milena says.

‘Layering textures like velvet, leather, wool and even a touch of plaid adds depth and personality to a room. And, one or two standout pieces don’t need to break the bank.’

‘Different textures bring their own unique quality. Velvet feels plush and luxurious, leather adds a timeless sophistication, wool brings warmth and cosiness, and plaid nods to heritage and tradition.

‘Together, they create a space that feels rich and inviting, a place like you could safely sink into the furniture and drift off to sleep… if you dare.’

To complement bold colours, patterns can add depth and visual interest even to relatively simple rooms, giving them a more regal feel.

Plaid is an obvious choice thanks to the castle’s Scottish heritage, but it is not the only option: Milena also suggests Damask and Persian-style rugs in order to emulate the sense of history and grandeur seen on screen.

Lighting is one of the secret weapons behind the castle’s atmosphere, mixing imposing chandeliers and wall sconces with table lamps, warm-toned bulbs and softer pools of light.

While some of those options might be out of reach – literally – the same principles can be recreated on a much smaller scale by layering lighting to create ambiance.

At home, that could mean using warm-toned bulbs alongside several different light sources rather than relying on one bright overhead fitting.

Milena says: ‘Lighting can transform a space instantly. What I love about the lighting in The Traitors is how it leans into gothic elegance.

‘The oversized chandeliers, warm sconces, and subtle glows create this perfect mix of drama and intimacy.

‘You can still recreate this layered lighting effect at home: combining statement pieces with softer, ambient lighting adds dimension and creates that same sense of mystery.

‘Lighting isn’t just functional – it’s emotional. It sets the tone for how a room feels, and in The Traitors, it’s used masterfully to make every space feel like a character in its own right.’

Milena recommends adding a statement table lamp or vintage-looking floor lamp – and making use of candlelight.

One of the easiest ways to make a home look less generic is to mix new pieces with second-hand and vintage finds.

Second-hand shops and online marketplaces can be a treasure trove for the very kinds of quirky accessories and vintage furniture that help give The Traitors’ interiors their character.

Milena recommends brass candlesticks, vintage mirrors and even old books to add charm, sophistication and a touch of mystery.

She said: ‘The real trick is to find pieces that have a history – or appear to at least – rather than filling a room with matching accessories.

‘Unique finds can make a space feel more collected and characterful without a vast decorating budget behind it.’

Finally, Brits wanting to make their allegiance to The Traitors aesthetic known can take inspiration from one of the show’s most recognisable interiors – its portrait-filled dining room.

But there is no need to start bidding for expensive antique oil paintings – or to start banishing your friends and family.

Instead, homeowners can combine contemporary prints, old family photographs and even homemade artwork to create their own gallery wall.

Milena said: ‘The dining room portraits are so iconic. But you don’t need pricey oil paintings to recreate that look. A mix of modern prints, old family photos, even a DIY piece can build a gallery wall that is uniquely you.

‘You can also experiment with the frames, visiting charity shops or vintage markets to find unique frames full of charming character. It’s a great way to add personality and drama to your space.’

To find out how My Bespoke Room’s professional interior designers can help transform your home from £195 per room, visit My Bespoke Room.

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