First, there was grandmillennial; 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. Below, I break down exactly 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 American design—think Shakers and Quakers, not so much the fancy furniture of English colonists—with a bend toward folksy, handcrafted aesthetics and utilitarian whimsy. Silhouettes are hardworking but not totally devoid of personality. The color palette is basic-yet-bold. Add a dash of ’60s and ’70s upper-crusty Americana, 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 that is happening across the pond. Britons such as Tess and Alfred Newall, and Cressida Bell are exemplars of this new generation of traditional craftspeople, and their work has quickly been embraced by English designers with an appreciation for whimsy.
This second-wave Arts and Crafts movement has slowly made its way stateside, creating the conditions necessary for a revival—and cool-girlification—of handcrafted American pieces. (It also definitely helps that one of this year’s biggest home decor trends is Americana.) American designers (and Country Design 100 honorees) like Erick Espinoza, following in the footsteps of his mentor Anthony Baratta, and Lilse McKenna are leading the charge stateside.
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.
Designers, of course, have been talking about various elements of this style for years, but the main components—more on them below—have finally hit the mainstream, priming the average home decorator to seek them out and embrace them as well.
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, I outline four of the most beloved and mention a few of the other must-have elements required in crafting a space that feels totally folklectic. Before diving in, it’s important to note that these four elements aren’t all 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 look.
Hand-Painted Details
Hand-painted motifs, whether inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch’s fraktur art, Norwegian rosemaling, or classic colonial 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.
RELATED: 30+ Brilliant Painted Floor Ideas That’ll Add Instant Charm
Pieced Quilts
Endlessly chic, antique pieced quilts have quietly become the coolest textile you can own—and they are at the center 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 a fit for everyone, no matter where you fall on the style spectrum.
RELATED: I’m a Magazine Editor—These Are My 9 Best Sources for Vintage Quilts and Blankets
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. They can also serve as a vehicle for another folklectic favorite: Adirondack frames. Prized amongst collectors of tramp art, these frames are rustic-yet-refined and chock-full of charm.
RELATED: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Adirondack Frames
Braided Rugs
Crafted from scraps and pulled together by the sheer will of “can-do” determination of early colonists, braided rugs have become an enduring style of American design. Once a staple of Grandma’s living room, they’re quickly becoming another signifier of cool-girl style.
A Few of Our Favorite “Folklectic” Rooms
The mix of warm wood tones, handwoven baskets, and upholstery with just a bit of—well—funky pattern puts this room designed by Country Design 100 honoree Katie Rosenfeld firmly in folklectic territory.
Quilts repurposed into upholstery, along with midcentury modern-inspired silhouettes, mix folksy charm with mod appeal, making designer Emily Henderson’s craft barn a perfect example of folklectic.
A hand-painted armoire lends a folklectic spin to Country Design 100 honoree Christina Salway’s Hudson Valley farmhouse bedroom.
A slight Scandinavian twist and a very folklectic table covering make this colorful Connecticut cottage’s dining room a happy one-of-a-kind space.
Anna Logan is the Senior 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.
