Folk and Traditional Craft
Perhaps as a reaction to the rise of AI, spaces that feel homespun and unmistakably human are having a moment. “People want surfaces with a maker’s hand in them, as well as personal adaptations of products that are entirely their own,” agrees Lauren Geremia, founder of Geremia Design. “It’s the kind of detail that makes a small room feel like it belongs to someone.”
This artisan spirit is well-embodied by the return of modern folk, a design philosophy rooted in craftsmanship. “It brings authenticity and narrative to a room–and there’s a real appreciation for it at the moment,” says Tom Cox, principal and chief creative at Hám. “Whether the piece is hand-painted, not overly refined, or simply shows the maker’s hand, it lends a lived-in quality.” He points to needlepoint cushions, printed artworks, stitched textiles, and furniture that still shows its brushtrokes as easy ways to embrace the look.
In fact, it might not be about buying anything new at all, but rather repairing pieces that have been worn or damaged by daily life, says the interior designer Nicola Harding. That might mean using vintage fabric to patch holes in armchairs or rugs, rather than replacing them altogether. “Being able to trace different personal stories gives more meaning to a home,” she adds.
