Kate Cox of HÁM Interiors also believes this movement marks a shift towards pieces that feel homespun: “The sign of the maker’s hand brings a sense of craftsmanship and calm, which people really appreciate,” she explains. “These details offer a softness and imperfection that work well in homes that feel lived-in, rather than overly modern or polished.” These textile techniques are deeply steeped in history—for example, the earliest known examples of embroidery date back to 30,000 B.C. Perhaps it really is that simple: In a world increasingly shaped by tech and AI, why not gravitate towards objects that feel crafted and a little old school?
“For me, being able to help preserve and celebrate this kind of craftsmanship–often in danger of disappearing–is a real luxury,” says the interior designer Marta de La Rica, who weaves these fabrics throughout her richly layered interiors: “I love using them because they evoke a nostalgic, feminine mood where detail takes centre stage.” As a Spaniard, she is especially inspired by the embroidery traditions of Lagartera, a small village in central Spain’s Toledo, where the craft dates back to medieval and Renaissance times. “The technique, the symbolism, the sheer level of detail… it all moves me deeply.”
So, how to emulate the look in your own home, without going full frou-frou and veering into ’80s Laura Ashley territory? The key is balance and simplicity. Cox suggests juxtaposing these linens with grounding, natural materials like timber, stone or aged brass–that way, frills feel fresh, rather than fussy. Alice Moyland, designer and creative director of ruffled lampshade brand Beauvamp, similarly uses the romantic detailing as a soft counterpoint in spaces dominated by clean lines or harder surfaces for an element of surprise: “Subtlety is key,” she says. Her pieces, which take inspiration from the Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Art Nouveau glass lampshades, look especially compelling over a sleek dining space or brutalist coffee table.
Courtesy of Tekla
