Folk decor: instructions for use
Folk decor draws its sources from folklore. In other words, it is inspired by traditions, customs and popular arts: notions which vary considerably from one country and one region to another. Folk decor is therefore inherently very varied!
Boho decor (not to be confused with bohemian decor!) mixes Wild West spirit and elements borrowed from Native American culture. Iconic from the southwest of the USA, the boho look is bright: we favor white walls, and we play with textiles to add relief. Among the iconic pieces of this variation of the Folk style: the buffalo head, the cactus and the dream catcher.
Folk decor can be inspired by the different cultures of South America. Vibrant colors and rustic furniture are, for example, among the basics for creating a Mexican atmosphere at home. We don’t forget the Ex Votos, absolutely essential wall decorations.
On the European side, the Folk look is often inspired by the English countryside. It then flirts with the Cottage Core trend which attracted a lot of attention last year. A more colorful trend is inspired by Central European craftsmanship, which gives pride of place to painted rustic furniture. We don’t forget Scandinavian art and crafts, which also constitute beautiful bases for creating a Folk interior.
To adopt the Folk style at home, it is possible to choose a specific region and take inspiration from it. If you’re not afraid to mix colors and patterns, there’s nothing stopping you from stealing ideas from all over the world! Eclecticism is even the best way to create a unique and original decor.
How to adopt the Folk look at home?
Folk decor is one of the styles that advocates mix and match: antique pieces, revamped and new elements come together, giving maximum authenticity to an interior.
Wooden chairs are perfect allies for inviting the Folk spirit into your home. Dress them in vibrant colors and set them around the dining room table, and voila. In the entrance, think about the wooden bench: another easy piece to revamp!
Latino atmosphere, Native American spirit or British inspiration: textiles are essential elements for adopting the Folk style. In the bedroom, we love the printed duvet, favoring a traditional pattern like the tartan pattern, for example.
To give more personality to the bedroom decor, the ideal is of course to adopt a piece of artisanal textile. To highlight the weave, you can use it as a bed throw or wall hanging – a very trendy option.
Kitsch, crochet? Certainly not ! Especially not in the Folk interior, to which it gives color! And if you create your blankets and cushion covers yourself, it’s even more in tune with the Folk spirit!
Patchwork is also one of the handcrafted pieces found in the Folk interior. We particularly like the quilt, which brings a cozy touch to the bedroom in winter.
In winter, we rely on another classic, but essential piece: the wool blanket, which you buy or knit yourself. In summer, think about the fouta, a versatile piece that fits perfectly with Folk decor.
Regardless of the region of the world that inspires it, Folk decor generally involves pieces of rustic wooden furniture, painted or not, but rather massive. To bring a little lightness, think about the combo of rugs and cushions or floor mattresses.
Although it requires a little elbow grease, it is not very complicated to paint wooden furniture. If you are afraid of not adopting traditional vibrant colors, you can create personalized pieces, in colors more in line with your desires. Think about chalk paint: easy to apply, it gives a very authentic aesthetic to painted furniture.
Spruce up the white interior by giving it a Folk look? Nothing could be simpler: just opt for the frieze (preferably painted!). To make it, you can work freehand or opt for a stencil.
Mixing influences is a very sure way to create a Folk and very original atmosphere at home. Before you start, however, think about creating a MoodBoard. The trick is to choose a colored palette which serves as a basis for the decor, and which ensures greater coherence.
The Folk look is in essence a bit vintage. To give it a touch of modernity, you can introduce more contemporary pieces of furniture and decorative accessories. And why not an iconic piece revisited in a modern version?