Cabbage is the star of the show in recipes for coleslaw and tangy sauerkraut, but this spring, the vegetable takes center stage in a whimsical new design trend: Cabbagecore. At first glance, there's nothing about cabbage that screams "viral trend." More ordinary than dramatic-looking, the underdog of the produce aisle is an unlikely hero. Yet cabbage-themed dishware, decor, and floral arrangements are popping up everywhere, and the annual Pinterest Predicts report named "Cabbage Crush" as one of the 21 biggest trends for 2026. The playful aesthetic is a joyful celebration of maximalism, and even though it feels fun and trendy, the look exudes nostalgic charm and classic elegance.
Cabbage dishware—a Cabbagecore staple—is an instantly recognizable icon that, believe it or not, pre-dates TikTok days—by a lot. It has been around since the late 1800's when the Portuguese Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro introduced wrinkled cabbage leaves into upscale dining rooms through a dishware collection inspired by the unassuming vegetable. The juxtaposition between fancy and familiar caught on, and the vintage dishware's popularity has not only endured, but seen a recent resurgence with retailers like Williams-Sonoma and Target carrying versions of the iconic cabbage bowls, plates, and serveware in green, pink, and white.
“Cabbage dishware is the perfect combination of traditional and whimsical—it’s playful and vibrant, but still adds so much texture and shape to anchor tablescapes without feeling too fussy,” says interior designer Amy Studebaker. Her favorite color palette to use the classic green dishes with? “Hard to go wrong with a pink and green combination in any season, but especially spring," Studebaker says. The designer points out that cabbage dishware pairs well with so many different styles, making it a timeless staple you can use way beyond cabbagecore's expiration date. "I tend to pair mine with Majolica, painted oyster plates, or even antique silver pieces,” Studebaker shares.
If you don't necessarily want to invest in a full set of cabbage dishes, or you have a couple of vintage plates, use them as decorative accents instead. Take inspiration from Katie Vail, creator of Stripes and Whimsy, and incorporate them into a charming plate wall in the dining room or dot them around your china cabinet.
Cabbage is also having a moment in florals and makes for a fun addition to spring arrangements. "Cabbage in floral design isn't new, as florists have been using ornamental kale and cabbage for texture and drama for years, especially the red cabbage," says florist Alison Fleck, the founder of Bloom Culture. She shares that it works especially well in large-scale, editorial-style arrangements, and florals where you want something unexpected and sculptural.
"Ornamental cabbage in deep purple or white paired with ranunculus, sweet peas, and loose garden roses can be genuinely stunning if the rest of the design is intentional enough to balance it," Fleck shares. She recommends using the cabbage as an accent, not a hero, and pairing it with something delicate—"so it doesn't tip into looking like a salad," the florist adds. If you're going to add cabbage to a flower arrangement, Fleck says there's something you should keep in mind: cabbage can smell, and not in a fragrant way! But while arrangements featuring ornamental cabbage may not last for very long, they are a show-stopping statement centerpiece for any spring occasion.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
