Discover the Humble Beauty of Folk Art

Folk art interior design has gone from a trend to a look that's here to stay. It celebrates techniques from across the world and the relationship between maker and object. Folk art provides a way to create meaningful stylish interiors with real personality.

The most widely agreed upon definition of 'folk art' is that, as opposed to ‘high art’ created by trained professionals, it's an ‘art of the people’. These people are namely those who are self-taught or have learned techniques handed down through generations.

Creators of folk art are often considered craftspeople rather than artists. They typically hailing from modest rural locations, from which their inspiration is drawn. Their work takes many forms, from pottery or metalwork to quilt-making, but is almost always characterised by an endearingly naïve style and abundance of pattern and colour.

The motifs that appear most commonly in folk art are those derived from nature. Rural scenes featuring animals, workers or depictions of the local flora are often popular. There's also repeating designs such as those seen on ikat or kilim rugs. These themes contrast with more abstract designs often showcasing the craft itself, such as intricate needlework or fascinating dyeing methods.

Folk Art has recently provided the inspiration for several fabric and wallpaper collections. These include Gaston Y Daniela’s African Queen which draws on African textiles, and Andrew Martin’s Hacienda, which celebrate Mayan crafts and textiles, to Nina Campbell’s Les Rêves Collection, encompassing a selection of designs inspired by ceramics and paintings.

This look has also long been championed by designers such as Kit Kemp and William Yeoward, who have demonstrated its effects beautifully in both contemporary and traditional spaces. Then there's MINDTHEGAP who champion their native Romanian folk art amongst their eclectic ranges.

While it may not be most polished of looks, therein lies its charm. It speaks of a strong relationship between maker and object, and will appeal to those enjoying the ‘craft revival’ currently taking the art and design world by storm. As opposed to the more refined, uniform designs and colour palettes often seen in interiors, folk art provides a more laid-back, lived-in style, perfect for creating a highly original scheme that celebrates the wisdom and imagination of the humble craftsperson.

As this is such an eclectic style, it can be difficult to know how to incorporate it in your home. While there are certainly endless ways to make it work for you, here are three very different looks you should consider: