Decorating
6 Style Shortcuts to Get the Folk Look
Go back to basics with your home's decor by embracing the handmade and homespun charm of simple folk style
The folk look is a trend that comes and goes in interiors and fashion, but what exactly is it? Well, it’s a feeling as much as a bunch of specific elements, but boho style, rich colour and traditional, handcrafted pieces often feature, inspired by other cultures and simpler times.
Think Russian dolls, embroidered peasant tops, bead curtains, crocheted blankets, kilim rugs, Scandi rocking chairs, charity shop art, carved wooden spoons and hand-stitched tablecloths – all folk in different ways. If it has history and personality and you’d find it in a vintage store, boho finca, gypsy caravan or fairy-tale cottage, it may be folk. If it’s slick, production-line and tastefully beige, it probably isn’t.
Think Russian dolls, embroidered peasant tops, bead curtains, crocheted blankets, kilim rugs, Scandi rocking chairs, charity shop art, carved wooden spoons and hand-stitched tablecloths – all folk in different ways. If it has history and personality and you’d find it in a vintage store, boho finca, gypsy caravan or fairy-tale cottage, it may be folk. If it’s slick, production-line and tastefully beige, it probably isn’t.
… or try granny chic
If your gran was more crochet fanatic than patchwork queen, see if she has any old blankets going spare. A classic square crocheted bedspread adds folk-filled colour, warmth and character in a jiffy.
It’s also an ideal beginner’s crochet project if you feel like creating your own unique piece.
Cosy up your home with DIY knits and crochet
If your gran was more crochet fanatic than patchwork queen, see if she has any old blankets going spare. A classic square crocheted bedspread adds folk-filled colour, warmth and character in a jiffy.
It’s also an ideal beginner’s crochet project if you feel like creating your own unique piece.
Cosy up your home with DIY knits and crochet
2. Celebrate Traditional Icons
Bring on a babushka …
Cute and colourful Russian doll motifs are still popular, turning up on everything from jumpers, mugs and pencil cases to rugs and screen prints, as seen here.
Use one or two images boldly for an injection of traditional iconography. Don’t forget to bring out your more authentic souvenir nesting doll sets too.
Bring on a babushka …
Cute and colourful Russian doll motifs are still popular, turning up on everything from jumpers, mugs and pencil cases to rugs and screen prints, as seen here.
Use one or two images boldly for an injection of traditional iconography. Don’t forget to bring out your more authentic souvenir nesting doll sets too.
… or a folk horse
The Swedish Dala horse, like most things Scandi, is effortlessly stylish. These traditional painted wooden ornaments often come in red, blue, white or black and were originally hand-carved for children in the Swedish county of Dalarna centuries ago. Today they make a lovely bright addition to a mantelpiece or shelf.
The Swedish Dala horse, like most things Scandi, is effortlessly stylish. These traditional painted wooden ornaments often come in red, blue, white or black and were originally hand-carved for children in the Swedish county of Dalarna centuries ago. Today they make a lovely bright addition to a mantelpiece or shelf.
3. Use Art Decoratively
Mix and match …
Folk art is less about cutting-edge expression, more about a recognisable, decorative quality, often associated with a particular culture or era. Mix up naive paintings and quirky prints for an eclectic, gallery feel. Trees, birds, flowers and animals are all timeless folk icons.
Mix and match …
Folk art is less about cutting-edge expression, more about a recognisable, decorative quality, often associated with a particular culture or era. Mix up naive paintings and quirky prints for an eclectic, gallery feel. Trees, birds, flowers and animals are all timeless folk icons.
… or follow a vintage embroidery theme
Embroidery is a classic folk staple, whether on a peasant blouse or your walls. This wall of embroidered flowers creates a cosy, cottagey atmosphere. Also frame vintage cross-stitch samplers. Hunt for gems at vintage fairs and in charity shops and build up a unique collection. And it’s never too late to take that embroidery evening class…
Embroidery is a classic folk staple, whether on a peasant blouse or your walls. This wall of embroidered flowers creates a cosy, cottagey atmosphere. Also frame vintage cross-stitch samplers. Hunt for gems at vintage fairs and in charity shops and build up a unique collection. And it’s never too late to take that embroidery evening class…
4. Hang Things Up
On the walls …
No longer just for student house-shares, wall-hangings are looking surprisingly fresh again. Hang up screen-print sarongs in lieu of conventional posters, and combine with tapestry cushions and vintage tablecloths for old-school boho chic.
‘Reframe’ those heirlooms that have been in your family for decades – that antique throw of your mum’s the cat slept on, or the blanket you brought back from Spain – pieces that have authenticity and memories attached.
Are wall-hangings the new bedhead?
On the walls …
No longer just for student house-shares, wall-hangings are looking surprisingly fresh again. Hang up screen-print sarongs in lieu of conventional posters, and combine with tapestry cushions and vintage tablecloths for old-school boho chic.
‘Reframe’ those heirlooms that have been in your family for decades – that antique throw of your mum’s the cat slept on, or the blanket you brought back from Spain – pieces that have authenticity and memories attached.
Are wall-hangings the new bedhead?
… or from the ceiling
In this quaint children’s room, a blue feathered dream catcher looks lovely hanging from the ceiling, along with a string of bright rosettes. Suspended by the bed, these traditional Native American ornaments are said to catch bad dreams.
Why not make one with the kids – it’s a lovely project for a rainy day. All you need is a willow hoop, beads, string, feathers and your imagination.
In this quaint children’s room, a blue feathered dream catcher looks lovely hanging from the ceiling, along with a string of bright rosettes. Suspended by the bed, these traditional Native American ornaments are said to catch bad dreams.
Why not make one with the kids – it’s a lovely project for a rainy day. All you need is a willow hoop, beads, string, feathers and your imagination.
5. Become a Curator
Feel free to eschew minimalism …
‘Stuff’ has become the baddie of interiors in recent times. But folk style means working with, not against, your trinkets, souvenirs and exotic keepsakes. These rooms could never be accused of minimalism, but everything has been carefully displayed and positioned, right down to the last detail, for tonnes of character.
And if you have a jewellery collection you want to show off, why not invest in a display table?
Feel free to eschew minimalism …
‘Stuff’ has become the baddie of interiors in recent times. But folk style means working with, not against, your trinkets, souvenirs and exotic keepsakes. These rooms could never be accused of minimalism, but everything has been carefully displayed and positioned, right down to the last detail, for tonnes of character.
And if you have a jewellery collection you want to show off, why not invest in a display table?
… but focus on the details
A handmade doily as a coaster, a crocheted cushion, a rickety yellow stool – choose items with a sense of history and a dash of vivid, super-bright colour for modern folk style. Make every detail count: go for chunky pottery mugs and bowls rather than bland china.
A handmade doily as a coaster, a crocheted cushion, a rickety yellow stool – choose items with a sense of history and a dash of vivid, super-bright colour for modern folk style. Make every detail count: go for chunky pottery mugs and bowls rather than bland china.
6. Remember Colour is Your Friend
Embrace a little gaudiness ….
This vibrant, saturated, pattern-clashing display shows how joyous colour can be. Look to your maximalist side and combine tapestry and embroidered cushions in a rainbow of colours. Mix up with patterned rugs and blankets for a riotous display.
Read more stories about colour
Embrace a little gaudiness ….
This vibrant, saturated, pattern-clashing display shows how joyous colour can be. Look to your maximalist side and combine tapestry and embroidered cushions in a rainbow of colours. Mix up with patterned rugs and blankets for a riotous display.
Read more stories about colour
… but pare back if necessary
Neutral walls stop the carnival colours overwhelming in this beautifully bold home. A row of Chinese paper lanterns adds a fiesta atmosphere, but can easily be stashed away if interiors calm is required. And the painted wooden chairs have been matched with a more sedate floral tablecloth.
TELL US
Have you gone for folk style at home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
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Browse eclectically decorated spaces
Neutral walls stop the carnival colours overwhelming in this beautifully bold home. A row of Chinese paper lanterns adds a fiesta atmosphere, but can easily be stashed away if interiors calm is required. And the painted wooden chairs have been matched with a more sedate floral tablecloth.
TELL US
Have you gone for folk style at home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse eclectically decorated spaces
Pretty up with patchwork …
An old-school patchwork quilt sums up the folk sensibility – it’s humble, handmade, has a sense of personal history and is bursting with colour.
Ideally, raid your granny’s attic for an original – or make one yourself. Look for cheap offcuts at your friendly local haberdashers, or recycle much-loved kids’ clothing into a ‘memory blanket’.