As minimalism takes a back seat, designers are looking to the past more than ever for their design inspiration. As we shift to characterful and eclectic ways of decorating, interiors across the globe are embracing tradition and starting to feel like homes once more.
There’s one style in particular that we’ve noticed designers loving – folk. Typically distinguished by playful colors and bold patterns, this interior design trend nods to nature through its whimsical rustic charm. Folk style is a form of storytelling and a traditional way of making a space feel characterful through craft.
We’ve noticed designers incorporating all kinds of folk pieces in their projects so we turned to them to explain the history of the enchanting style and their favorite ways to bring the look into the home.
7 folk decorating ideas
‘For me, folk style is an eclectic approach to interior design that draws from traditional crafts, cultural heritage, and storytelling. It comes to life through handmade, artisanal pieces and rich textures in vibrant colors, all working together to create spaces that are warm, inviting, and full of depth and detail,’ explains designer Kit Kemp
1. Try a painted mural
(Image credit: Tess Newall, Amanda Austin)
Mural painting is a traditional folk decorating technique that you often find featured on the walls, floors or, ceilings of a home. Used to tell a story, painting is an important part of the folk style as it’s all about creating a narrative through craft.
Tess Newall creates bespoke furniture and murals, often taking inspiration from the traditional folk style. ‘”Folk” is by the people, for the people,’ she says. ‘While murals were mostly the preserve of high society, folk art was accessible to everyone. I love how resourceful folk art is, and it is wonderful that we are now celebrating the charm of a naive painting style.’
Eppie Thompson, founder of embroidery company A Fabled Thread says, ‘If you’re considering a folk art mural, I think it’s important to be intentional about where you draw inspiration from. Rather than looking exclusively at decorative artists or antique folk furniture, start with your own narrative or aesthetic.’
2. Introduce handcrafted furniture
(Image credit: Kit Kemp)
Painted furniture is a popular and long-established way of bringing the folk style into the home. Even those unfamiliar with the folk style will likely recognize the one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces typically illustrated with flora and fauna motifs.
Sophie Salata from second-hand furniture website Vinterior describes folk style furniture as ‘Instantly recognizable due to its elaborately painted, colorful, folk art inspired design. It also often includes characterful carved wooden elements. Decoration techniques vary by region, but some of the most popular are Swedish and German styles.’
To create an interesting contrast, try styling a piece of folk furniture beside an opposing piece. The beauty of folk furniture is its individuality meaning it looks great next to almost all styles. ‘I also love mixing furniture, combining modern pieces with vintage or antique finds, as these items bring charm and character to a space,’ says Kit.
Folk Art Wedding Chest, Circa 1870
Dating back to the 19th century, this wedding chest is a classic example of early folk-style furniture. Despite its age, its whimsical qualities still shine through.
Wooden Painted Cupboard For Living Room Side
Lovingly handpainted, this richly decorated cupboard is the perfect cheerful statement that harnesses folk design principles.
Lykins Hand Painted 1 Door Accent Cabinet
Covered in floral motifs, this handpainted cabinet would make the perfect addition to a bedroom. Decorate with a lamp and stack of books for a cozy, eclectic corner.
3. Hang handmade tapestries
(Image credit: The Fabled Thread)
Historically, folk tapestries were designed to tell a story and were embroidered with nature-related symbols and designs. Tapestries are an easy, yet eclectic wall decor idea as they bring a sense of coziness and character, uplifting an otherwise bare wall.
Kit’s ‘Friendly Folk’ fabric line was inspired by medieval tapestries and ‘tells a whimsical story of rural life.’ Traditional wall hangings were created using the Appliqué method, ‘Folk style can also be evoked through the layering of decorative details such as applique finishes, which can create a wonderful narrative as a statement headboard, chair back, or cushion detail,’ says Kit. ‘Appliqué adds a folkloric and personal touch through a collage of color, pattern, and texture.’
Eppie has created a handmade tapestry (pictured above) that tells a story that’s personal to her. She’s not been afraid to style the hanging with other whimsical pieces and has created an eclectic entryway filled with handcrafted pieces.
4. Display handmade ceramics
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
Painted with naive patterns depicting animals and plants, folk pottery is undoubtedly an example of whimsical decor. Folk-style ceramics are rustic in appearance as they’re created by hand and inspired by nature.
There are many variations of folk-style pottery. Folk is in some ways a principle more than a style, centering around the beauty of nature, it has influenced design all over the world. Hungarian folk pottery can be distinguished by its blue and white floral patterns, whilst Scanavadian pieces are often more colorful and varied in style.
Its rugged, simplified nature is part of a long-standing tradition explains Eppie. ‘The beauty of folk art is that it has traditionally been the art of the untrained – often naïve, sometimes rough, and never intended to be an exact representation of reality.’
Folk pottery is often vibrant due to its color and pattern. Its individuality makes it the perfect piece to place alone on a bedside table, entryway, or mantel. Or for a colorful statement, decorate an empty shelf or cabinet with a family of folk pieces.
5. Introduce print and pattern
(Image credit: Kit Kemp)
Pattern and print are key elements of the folk look. Typically illustrative and detailed, folk prints depict repeated plants and flowers against a backdrop of color. A folk-style interior will almost always feature patterns, most commonly seen on upholstery or soft furnishings.
‘Folk style can come through not just in the furniture pieces themselves, but also how you layer texture, pattern, and print within a space,’ says Sophie. ‘This could include patterned cushions, quilts, and artwork with a folk feel.’
Folk-style upholstery fabrics are typically handmade, achieved through a range of techniques from block printing to hand embroidery. To introduce the classic folk style into the home, opt for a vibrant patterned fabric to cover a sofa or armchair, or opt for a less permanent piece like a printed cushion or throw.
Anne-Marie Oudejans says that travel has influenced her use of folk patterns, bringing them into many of her interior designs. ‘I think by seeing folk art so much when we travel, they have some influence in some projects. We create our patterns inspired by them without always being aware that they come from folk styles.’
Penelope Handcrafted Quilted Sham (King)
Taking inspiration from folk embroidery, this quilted sham is covered in richly colored flowers. Pair with a neutral linen duvet cover for a pop of pattern and vibrancy.
Flora Block Print Quilt – Natural
Printed using a traditional method, this Floral Block Print Quilt encompasses the folk style in a subtle, sophisticated way.
Red+Blue Poppy Hand Block Printed Cotton Fabric
If you want to try some DIY upholstery, this red and blue poppy fabric is the perfect choice for a folk style headboard or cushion.
6. Incorporate personal pieces that tell a story
(Image credit: The Fabled Thread)
Character is at the heart of all folk-style interiors. As with all interior designs, it’s important to create a space that feels bespoke and meaningful, made to inspire its owner and tell a story.
Folk is a popular style of decorating due to its personal attributes. It welcomes all forms of individuality and sentimentality. ‘Incorporating additional cherished family heirlooms, artwork, or personal objects will always infuse a space with a unique narrative. Whether it’s a collection of vintage textiles or old photographs, these pieces contribute to a rich, meaningful atmosphere, and adding a handmade crafted piece of folk art in a room always makes a talking point and gives interest.’ says Kit.
Pictured above we see a handpainted cabinet depicting the story of Moby Dick, a tale meaningful to its owner, Eppie. She’s decorated with vintage, adding an antique boat and hung embroidered pictures, all one-of-a-kind pieces designed to tell a story.
7. Follow a whimsical color palette
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
The folk style is often bold and vibrant, a form of traditional decorating that uses mass amounts of color to create a warm and happy space.
Taking inspiration from the deep-rooted folk style, create a truly cheerful interior by introducing a whimsical color palette. Color-drenching is a popular way of filling a room with color and works particularly well with the folk style. For a statement look, opt for a bright scheme drenched in yellow or a bold pink. Or, for a more paired-back look, incorporate color through painted furniture or furnishings.
‘Folk art is often imbued with emotion – it is a very pure form of art,’ says Tess. Vibrant colors will create positive emotions, giving you a sense of warmth and welcome, an important feeling in any home regardless of style.
From handpainted murals to patterned furnishing fabrics, there are so many ways to follow the trend and create a folksy home. It’s the story behind the craft that’s most important, so always incorporate pieces that hold meaning and are personal to you.
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