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The modern folk trend is a way to bring magic and mystery into your home
This charming and traditional aesthetic has been reimagined to create designs that will add something different and special to contemporary interiors
Whether hailing from the forests of Eastern Europe or the cliffs and coves of Cornwall, folk art has long held a fascination for designers and artists. Depicting mythical beasts, fairytale figures and graphic patterns, the deceptively simple – almost naïve – style belies the skill that goes into producing the rich embroidery and block prints that underpin the look.
‘Egret’ dessert plate, La DoubleJ
La DoubleJ looked to the fantastical symbols of 15th Century Italian art for inspiration for these porcelain dessert plates which feature fantastical illustrations of birds and flowers. An 18k gold trim adds a luxurious finish - perfect for a decadent dinner party, or just somewhere to keep your keys. £105 for a set of two, ladoublej.com
‘Trematonia’ jacquard fabric, House of Hackney
The mythology of the landscape surrounding the Castle of Trematon - House of Hackney’s Cornish base - influenced this lavishly illustrated jacquard fabric which is alive with lions, leopards and peacocks prowling through foliage. Perfect for covering an armchair or using for curtains to bring a touch of enchantment to a room. £150 per metre, houseofhackney.com
‘Mythical Creatures’ espresso cup and saucer, Kit Kemp
Fantastical beasts that have stepped straight out of the pages of a folk tale creep around this bone china cup and saucer which Kit Kemp designed with Wedgwood, bringing a touch of whimsy to afternoon coffee. £225 for a set of four, shopkitkemp.com
‘Petit Four’ napkins, Maison Balzac
There’s something about the Schiaparelli-style neon coral hands on these linen napkins that makes us smile; maybe it’s because they were drawn by Maison Balzac’s youngest team member Loulou (founder Elise Pioch’s daughter). Don’t save them for special occasions, enjoy every day. £83 for a set of two, maisonbalzac.com
‘Circe’ candle, Polkra
Botanical artist Katie Scott’s surreal illustration wraps itself around this scented candle from Polkra, with its fragrance of black pepper, basil and cedarwood. The ceramic vessel can be reused as a pen pot when the natural wax is gone. £55, polkra.com
‘Les Chats Monster’ cushion cover, Finnish Design Shop
Illustrator and designer Klaus Haapaniemi’s cushion covers show his cats frolicking against a background of exotic fruit and flowers inspired by Finnish folklore with a contemporary twist. £109, finnishdesignshop.com
Plate by La DoubleJ x Von Bartha, Matchesfashion
La DoubleJ founder JJ MArtin was so inspired by Miklos von Bartha’s Transylvanian art and ceramic collection that she created a range of homewares referencing it, including these porcelain plates which are handmade in Italy and finished with 18k gold. £80 for a set of two, matchesfashion.com
‘The Snake’ table, VGO Editions
This show stopping marble table comes from the Florentine workshop of the Bianchi family and with its vibrant decorative symbols is a worthy tribute to the alchemists that inspired its design. £10,134, vgo-associates.com
‘Ivy Shadow‘ mirror, Porta Romana
Like something straight out of Grimm’s fairy tales, this mirror appears to have been made out of twisted strands of ivy - in reality they are intricately hand-cut shapes in aluminium and steel, from the creative mind of Tord Boontje. £4,470, portaromana.com
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