How to Create a Folk Inspired Interior

The folk inspired fashion that has been seen this month at London Fashion Week has transferred into the interior design world with a selection of bold and bright colours and bohemian inspired accessories that add a cheerful finish to even the most neutral of interior spaces. Vibrant fabrics and quirky gypsy inspired ceramics can be placed alongside more 1970s tribal inspired prints to give a mix and match of styles and designs.

This current folk trend features many aspects that we also associate with vintage interior design such as artisan and handmade accessories, heavy clashes of fabrics and patterns but with a more colourful festival inspired colour palette. These hues can include bold pinks and reds, sunshine yellow and green as well as vibrant turquoise and blue that create a pop of colour around the home. This look is all about mixing and matching so don’t be afraid to go a little wild with your choices.

Folk interiors are not only bright and eye-catching but also create a cosy and relaxed ambiance that is inviting and laid back. Create layers of pattern and print with layered piles of cushions in embroidered of knitted tribal and vintage designs and choose knitted blankets, throws and bedding with pom poms and tassels and place alongside natural linen or cotton fabrics for a natural ‘unrefined’ look. Ethnic patterns and artwork look great on a feature wall and work fabulous in creating a snug living room, bedroom or library area where you can curl up and relax.

Crochet, crochet, crochet! There is nothing that screams ‘folk’ more that heavy yet elegant crocheted fabrics that make a fabulous alternative to traditional net or voile curtains. Choose bold colour choices and classic vintage patterns that will add a sense of warmth and love that we associate with the homemade richness of our grandparent’s houses. Not only does crochet make great curtains but it can also be used to create, bedding, rugs, table cloths and even a classic tea cosy for added eccentric style.

Animal and nature inspired elements are prominent features in folk inspired home interiors and add a sense of character to this rich and colourful design. Woodland animals are a popular choice for this trend with hedgehogs, squirrels, badgers and deer making great visual details on cushions curtains and furniture. Birds are regularly depicted on folk inspired accessories such as ornaments, vases and artwork and can be displayed in natural hand painted forms or more abstract designs for a more unique and quirky look. Also opt for branch and leaf designs in bright and vivid colours in artistic formations that will look amazing on curtains or wallpaper patterns.

Folk interiors are all about vintage and unusual ceramics that will give a cluttered yet cosy look and finish to your chosen interior space. Green, blue and orange are popular choices for folk inspired ceramics, with abstract leaf and animal designs or bold bohemian floral prints creating a truly eye-catching finish. Try grouping together a selection of items with the same prints but varying colours on a sideboard, table or windowsill area for a cosy homespun look that is typical of this trend. For a real statement feature select a large dresser and display a mix and match of crockery patterns, prints and colours on typical vintage items such as teapots, cups and saucers and platters.

There are no hard rules when it comes to picking out furniture items for a folk home interior. You can opt for cosy natural materials such as oak and rattan or go for more bold and striking designs such as coloured painted furniture in blues, pinks, oranges and greens from local craftsmen and artisans. Why not try your hand at some up-cycling by using bold chalk paints and stencils or if you are feeling artistic try some freehand painting to create a unique and personalised furniture look.

For more ideas on creating a folk inspired home interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Folk Interiors