First, there was granny chic; then there was cottagecore. Now? There’s “folklectic.” Over the last year, designers and homeowners alike have embraced a revival of nostalgic, folksy interiors.
From hand-painted details to primitive antiques, the charming imperfection of handmade pieces is more treasured than ever.
Here's a deeper dive into what the folklectic aesthetic is, why it’s trending, and how you can bring the look to your own home.
What Is “folklectic”?
You’ve probably never heard of “folklectic” before, but you’ll definitely know it when you see it. Let’s start with the name: a portmanteau of “folk” and “eclectic,” “folklectic” is a true mishmash of styles. It’s rooted in primitive design – think Shakers and Quakers – with a bend toward folksy, handcrafted aesthetics and utilitarian whimsy. Silhouettes are hardworking but not totally devoid of personality. The colour palette is basic-yet-bold. Add a dash of ’60s and ’70s retro, and just a sprinkle of midcentury modern, and you’ve got a good picture of what this contemporary folk movement looks like.
Much of this style can be traced to a renewed embrace of traditional crafts. Tess and Alfred Newall, and Cressida Bell are exemplars of this new generation of traditional craftspeople, and their work has quickly been embraced by designers with an appreciation for whimsy.
Is it trending?
Undoubtedly, yes. Whether it’s a much-needed response to the rise of fast furniture and AI or a sign of a deeper reverence developing among the younger generation is hard to tell, but a love for and appreciation of all things handcrafted are certainly on the rise.
What to Read Next
Designers, of course, have been talking about various elements of this style for years, but the main components have finally hit the mainstream, priming the average home decorator to seek them out and embrace them, too.
The four key elements of “folklectic”
While the folklectic style is deeply personal – as personal as the hands that create it – there are a few pillars of the style worth noting. Below, are four must-have pieces for crafting a space that strikes a folklectic note. Before diving in, it’s important to note that these four elements aren’t all that is required for a space to feel folklectic. In fact, it’s best if these pieces are mixed with other eras and styles to fully embrace the folklectic style.
Hand-painted details
Hand-painted motifs, whether inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch’s fraktur art, Norwegian rosemaling, or classic Victorian stenciling, serve as the jumping-off point for many folklectic adopters. Whether they’re found on antique trunks or newly painted onto floors, these details are beloved by designers and homeowners alike for their whimsical appearance and historic gravitas.
Patchwork quilts
Endlessly chic, antique patchwork quilts have quietly become the coolest textile you can own – and they are at the centre of the folklectic movement thanks to their ability to seamlessly blend utility and art. They’re just as at home hung on a wall as they are topping a bed, and the sheer breadth of patterns means there is something for everyone, no matter where you fall on the style spectrum.
Framed Needlework
Framed needlework – whether it’s crewel, cross-stitch, embroidery, or needlepoint – excels in bringing a collected, lived-in look to any space, which is exactly why it’s one of the hottest items at the antiques store in 2026.
These handmade pieces are key in crafting that imperfect, nostalgic feel that is so inherent to the folklectic aesthetic.
Braided Rugs
Originally crafted from scraps – clothing or woollen mill waste – in working class homes of the 19th century, braided and rag rugs have become an enduring waste-not design for thrifty homeowners. Once a staple of Grandma’s living room, they’re quickly becoming another signifier of the growing heritage craft revival.
Shop Braided Rugs at The Braided Rug Company.
Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
