designbuzz.com

Crafting a home: How native arts and crafts can improve your interiors

Whether you have just finished decorating your home, redecorating your home, or if you are always in the process of enhancing your home’s decoration, traditional native crafts from cultures all over the world might be exactly what you need to add that extra bit of authenticity to your interior design.

As Houzz says, “Arts and Crafts home interiors have a wholesome, organic appeal.” Depending on your designated decor, certain arts and crafts will be more suitable, but really it is hard to go wrong with any of the following options.

Japanese crafts

These days Japan is perhaps more famous for its ultra-futuristic electronics and anime creations than for its folding fans and woodwork, but any of the country’s traditional craftwork will do much more for a living room than a Sony television or Samsung surround sound system.

For items to place on tabletops or other surfaces, nothing will add more mystique to a room than a Japanese puzzle box. As the experts at Japan Craft tell us, Japanese puzzle boxes date back to the Edo era, and they have remained popular ever since. Aside from their authentic woodbrush appearance, Japanese puzzle boxes lend a room an added level of interactivity as guests can pick them up and attempt to solve them.

Japanese room dividers are another great way to add authenticity to an interior design, and these have a practical use too. Known natively as shoji screens, these bamboo barriers can carve a room up into several sections. Traditionally they have been used to cordon off changing areas, but in a modern context they could do anything from providing shade to encourage guests to walking around the house in a certain direction.

Native American folk art 

Less practical than shoji screens but no less authentic, Native American folk art is some of the most unique cultural craftwork you can add to your home. With the hugely diverse Native American population around the continent, there are countless variations to draw from.

Navajo folk art, for example, is often quirky and cute. These Navajo chickens, for example, will add a unique whimsy to any room they inhabit. Then, of course, there are Native American rugs. Created using a renowned weaving process, Native American rugs date back to before the 1900s and carry with them a prestige and durability that will impress you every time you re-enter your room.

Nepalese pottery
 

Your house may already have pottery on display, but it is never too late to switch it out for a more authentic alternative. Nepal has a long history of pottery, with clay creations coming in the shapes of various animals, gods and of course pots.

Unlike some of the other crafts we have looked at, these pots and sculptures can be placed inside or out, adding authenticity to your home’s entrance or garden, and displaying respect for this great cultural work.

Native tourism organisation Discover Nepal encourages visitors to try Nepalese pottery out for themselves; though those not fortunate enough to be travelling to the mountainous country will be able to find the genuine article with enough scouting around.

Russian dolls

Russian dolls are making a comeback as works of artistry with ornamental value. Known as Matryoshka dolls in their native land, these ingenious models, most commonly of women in traditional Russian peasant dress, have been carved from wood for more than a century.

Like the puzzle boxes, these ornaments are interactive, which can provide entertainment for guests. Their innate customisability allows you to arrange and display them in a variety of creative ways.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top