The onset of homemade or DIY inspired fashion is here in full force, and home decor is no exception. Especially popular during periods between 1950s and 1970s, Do It Yourself projects of the time included tie and dye, beading, patch work, crocheting, macrame among others. With the revival of vintage trends such as 70s bohemian, 60s retro and 50s mid century modern, DIY subculture was bound to make an inevitable comeback as a mainstream lifestyle trend.

Rooted In Nostalgia

More popularly known as Craftcore today, it was the pandemic which brought on the revival of the Do It Yourself movement. With enough time being spent at home, a natural gravitation towards comfort combined with wanting to make oneself useful led many individuals to explore their creative abilities. So much so that according to a report published earlier this year by metro.uk, the tag #HomeDIYProject had over 170 million views on social media by April 2022.

Store Bought DIY; a much loved contradiction

The capitalisation of DIY may seem contradictory to the movement, but commercially created DIY inspired pieces allow homeowners a fair chance to curate a cohesive living space that features a mix of genuine DIY, mixed with a few store bought variations. Despite the contradiction, home owners are open to investing in pieces created by sustainable brands that believe in artisanship, because the Make It Yourself movement too at its heart is about avoiding waste and salvaging the old.

The DIY movement is also an opportunity for brands to dabble in an exploration of various cultures and tell stories of diverse communities through their product offering. This bridge of storytelling centered around celebrating personalisation and craftsmanship wins over DIY enthusiasts by offering a sense of reliability and acceptance. 

The Most Prominent Craftcore Trends Decoded

Rooted in individuality and creativity, the scope of Craft score as a home decor trend is truly boundless. However, few crafts practices remain the most widely adapted by both individuals and home designers.

Patchwork

Developed as a means to repair wear & tear of old fabrics, patchwork was a common practice across various cultures and communities around the world. With diminishing fabric costs, patchwork became a lost art, only to make a comeback in the 20th century as part of the DIY movement. The style can range from monochromatic to vibrant or Victorian. In modern homes, patchwork usually makes an appearance on walls as ornamental hangings or on cushion covers, table runners, pouf covers and quilts, lending a kitschy charm to the space.

Tie & Dye

Much like Patchwork, Tie and Dye is an ancient and versatile craft which has been adapted by many communities across the world. The Japanese are known to make Shibori, a distinct shape resistant dyeing method whereas India is famous for its Ekdali Bandhani style which usually features a single tie pattern sprinkled across the fabric. Africa also has its own style of tie and dye, one of the most popular amongst DIYers due to its ease and versatility. Tie and Dye is especially reminiscent of the 70s hippie movement when notions of capitalism were widely rejected by the youth of the time. Tie and Dye was not just a symbol of rebellion but also one of self reliance and self sufficiency, all sentiments which today’s youth still resonate with. It is for this reason that Die and Dye often makes an appearance in home decor essentials, especially on curtains, bedsheets and on kitchen essentials like napkins and oven mitts for an eclectic yet modern edge.

Hand Embroidery and Stitching

Often known as ‘Grandma’s Passtime’ within the DIY community, embroidering and hand stitching embody a therapeutic charm and homely comfort which is closely associated with simpler times. For some it is a reminder of childhood and of being dressed in handmade garments, whereas for others the art of embroidery holds cultural significance.

Few variations of the Hungarian Matyo embroidery would only be created for a new bride by a group of married women. Whereas some African communities use distinct embroidery styles to denote death anniversaries or a new birth in the family even today.

Under craftcore, a plethora of embroideries and stitching styles are thriving once again, with cross stitch, running stitch, rice stitch etc being created as decor items like hoop wall arts,  gaining more mainstream exposure than ever.

Resin Art

A versatile art form, Resin has quickly gained popularity in the crafts community over the past few years due to its versatility and functionality. Not only does resin result in abstract and modern looking pieces but it is also durable and an easy material to work with. Brands and individuals alike use different variants namely plant based, acrylic and Epoxy Resin to create these pieces.

Crochet & Macrame

Other crafts which were already gaining prominence before the pandemic include crochet and macrame, also being heavily incorporated in home decor pieces by designers. These crafts are often used in combination with other materials for both a modern look and artisanal appeal. Macrame wall hangings and pot holders are especially popular home decor items, whereas crochet is seen in bed spreads, cushion covers, blankets and such.

Charms, Pom Poms & Bohemian Tassels

Perhaps the easiest, most convenient and versatile craft includes the art of making pom poms, charms and tassels which lend an instant bohemian appeal to any space. From experts to beginners, this craft is adapted to various home decor pieces by both brands and individuals. Materials such as left over wool and threads are most commonly used to make these pieces, which makes this trend both sustainable and accessible.

DIY will always find its way into home decor as comfort and creativity naturally go hand in hand. Its influence on mainstream design trends is not only encouraging but also a move in the right direction for preservation of crafts, artisanship and sustainability.