From African Kente cloth patterns to Japanese shibori textiles, and from Native American tribal motifs to Indian block-printed fabrics, the traditional home design has shifted from European, French, and British standards to incorporating design elements from Black, Asian, Native American, Indian, Hispanic, and many other cultural traditions into home decor.
More interior designers are embracing a broader definition of heritage, and designs are becoming even more diverse and inclusive. The fusion of cultural and modern designs is the new gold in interior decoration.
Cultural Heritage Can Be Expressed In Different Forms
Cultural heritage is usually expressed through various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and woodwork. These art forms vary across different regions, communities, and periods.
Adding traditional styles into interior design adds character and diversity to modern living spaces. Crafted objects like embroidered textiles, hand-painted ceramics, and metalwork would always contribute to the aesthetic of a home. Several designers now make use of this design approach, as it connect individuals and communities to their cultural roots, traditions, and history.
Interior Designers Who Have Adopted The Traditional Home Decor Style
One interior designer who has spread her wings into traditional home design is Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow. She is an interior designer who is based in Atlanta, yet has her origin in South Carolina and Africa. Guyton says her designs are inspired by her African culture and heritage. Guyton recently launched a traditional wallpaper pattern line. In designing, she also helps her clients add objects, artifacts, and photographs related to their cultural heritage into their home.
Also, Atlanta designer Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis, who has a Chinese American heritage, she has incorporated her culture into her design practice. She grew up surrounded by items and objects her parents collected during their travels.
According to Davis, most of her clients ask for artworks and furnishings that reflect their cultural heritage. She also suggests to people who want to have a traditional home decor, that even if their original family pieces are no longer available, it’s possible for them to recreate heirlooms by exploring resale sites and antique stores to find similar items.
