During the height of the pandemic, many of us had a bit (OK, maybe a lot) of extra time on our hands, and to cope, a lot of us picked up a few new hobbies—some in the form of crafts. While crafts and handiwork are excellent ways to keep ourselves busy during downtime, they're also wonderful ways to channel our creativity into something beautiful, also worthy of displaying in our homes.
This increase in crafting has naturally spun off into its own home design aesthetic—meet craftcore. This decor trend celebrates the homemade decorative arts that some would argue have been overlooked for far too long. It also coincides with fan-favorite styles like cottagecore, which became a way of life for some people during the pandemic pause and beyond.
Craftcore not only allows homeowners to display the fruits of their creative labors, but it also allows you to fawn over one-of-a-kind decor that'll make your home unlike any other. If you, too, want to add elements of craftcore to your space, read on for some tips on adding touches of handmade designs to your rooms—even if you aren't an avid crafter.
Why Is Craftcore Interior Design on the Rise Now?
Craftcore elevates the many different handicrafts that soared in popularity during lockdowns—and weren't considered very cool or trendy beforehand. Their popularity was also fueled by TV shows like Bridgerton, in which characters embraced traditional techniques like embroidery. But craftcore encompassed more than just soft goods—art forms like woodworking, pottery, and painting can all be a part of craftcore.
Creating has now become a social activity as well, something to share with a community. There are stores where people can learn traditional crafts—from making candles to weaving their own rugs—as part of an experience instead of simply purchasing something premade. Because of these crafts' increase in status, people also want to display their projects in their homes, showing off the impressive skills that they’ve gained.
Taking up hobbies such as knitting, sewing, or cross-stitching can give you an appreciation for just how much work goes into making the small, decorative elements in our homes. This renewed awareness might also lead us to take a little pause and think about how we can repair items instead of throwing them out—visible mending techniques are part of craftcore, too.
How Can You Highlight Craft-Inspired Design Elements in Your Home?
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS
There are so many ways to display your handicrafts that are sure to take your home decor to the next level. Some items (a crochet blanket, for example) are perfect for everyday use and can be left draped casually over a couch to bring a pop of personalized color to any room. Candles or pottery can also be displayed and used daily, making a meaningful part of everyday life.
However, many pieces are more delicate and probably shouldn't be used quite as often. Elaborate works featuring needlepoint or embroidery can be used as part of decorative pillows or can be framed and hung on the wall like other pieces of art displayed in your home. Maybe try creating a themed gallery wall featuring various crafts and highlight it with picture lighting to elevate its overall look—the options are truly endless.
Another key element of craftcore is letting nothing go to waste. Instead of getting rid of an item that has ripped or become damaged due to daily wear and tear, repair it instead! You can attempt to return the item to its previous appearance or use small patches of fabric to create a quilted effect with colorful, contrasting materials. When leaning into craftcore, don't be afraid to mend items with visible stitching. You can even experiment with techniques like sashiko, a form of Japanese stitchwork that has recently gained popularity in the slow fashion community.
For those of you who don't really craft but still would like to introduce some handmade items into your decor, there's no need to feel left out. These days, you can find endless amazing artisans on sites like Etsy, where you can search for the perfect, one-of-a-kind piece to finish your room. You can also ask friends and family who craft if you can commission a piece for your home. This way, you'll be able to work with them directly for something personalized to your space—and more meaningful because you know the maker.