Team KBB

What does the Arts and Crafts movement look like now?

Posted on 15th November 2024

The answer: wonderfully varied! But what underpins the multifaceted Arts and Crafts movement, and how can you bring it to life in your home? We’ve asked the experts…

From its distant beginnings in the late Victorian era – where it sprang up as a reaction against the mass-produced pieces of the Industrial Revolution – the Arts and Crafts movement has always been rooted in authenticity and tradition. It celebrates craftsmanship, and the simple beauty of natural materials.

KBB journo Rosie Smith has found that this movement made its mark on architecture too, inspiring homes filled with earthy tones, exposed beams and a rich variety of materials.

Green kitchen design with patterned wallpaper. — Sandra Tabet, designer at Tom Howley, shares the details behind this project: “The homeowner had a beautiful William Morris wallpaper with green leaves, terracotta details, and hints of gold that they wanted to incorporate into the space.”

Green kitchen design with wood accents. — “To complement this palette, we used Tudor Oak – a rich, traditional wood by Tom Howley – on the island, paired with deep Avocado green cabinetry and brass handles for a cohesive, timeless look,” she says. The Devine collection in Avocado and Tudor Oak, from £25,000, Tom Howley.

But what does it look like now – and why are we seeing such a resurgence?

Jorge Hernandez, head of design at Bathroom Brands Group, feels that it’s a reflection of today’s hectic pace of life. “The Arts and Crafts revival reminds us that design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating meaningful, lasting connections with the spaces we inhabit,” he says. “In an era where many aspects of life feel increasingly fast-paced and disposable, this return to craftsmanship and artistry offers a refreshing alternative.”

Green bedroom with Arts and Crafts influence. — Gustavian Dark low footboard upholstered bed, from £1645, French Bedroom.

The brilliant English textile designer and artist William Morris helped to drive the success of the Arts and Crafts movement, believing that people should be able to enjoy life surrounded by well-made and beautiful things. From wallcoverings and soft furnishings to ceramics, today, many brands carry on his legacy through heritage-inspired collections brimming with archive prints.

“The Arts and Crafts revival is all about cherishing your most loved furniture pieces and building design schemes around them,” says Jess Clayworth, lead designer at Morris & Co. “There’s also an element of versatility to the style. It feels as relevant and beautiful now as ever, owing to its connection to nature and the depth of the designs.”

Pooky lighting collection with Morris & Co. — 35cm straight empire shade in leafy arbour Rambling Rose linen, £66; 40cm straight empire shade in indigo and barbed berry Bower printed cotton, £117; 25cm empire block printed card shade in inky fingers Borage, £46, and 14cm tall tapered shade in slate blue Wallflower printed cotton, £33, all Pooky x Morris & Co.

Arts and crafts bathroom with floral tiles and a statement bath. — The Folly porcelain matt tiles in Moss are a nod to the Arts and Crafts movement, £85.08 per sq m, paired here with Victorian Style Floor Anthracite Field tiles, £98 per sq m, both Ca’ Pietra.

How to welcome this style into your home

When it comes to recreating the concept at home, be bold. “When designing an Arts and Crafts scheme, the key is not to be afraid of the pattern,” says Jess. “Layers of paint help to bring a story to life, coordinating small and larger scales for layers of heritage mixed with newer pieces.”

Arts and crafts kitchen with colourful cabinetry. — “In this kitchen, we wanted to play into influences from the Arts and Crafts movement, so we used a colour palette of blues to echo the natural tones associated with this design style,” explains Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs. “We opted for shaker-style panelling which gives a handcrafted feel and helps to reflect the movement’s focus on quality craftsmanship and straightforward design. Textiles in bold florals helped to incorporate organic motifs which is a hallmark of this style, so we chose a bold and colourful blind for the window to bring warmth and character to the space.”

Bedroom design drenched in heritage prints. — A selection of heritage fabrics from the Simply Morris collection by Morris & Co.

Arts and crafts bathroom with floral tiles and blue vanity. — Meticulously crafted Cottage Garden Blue 18-tile panel, £49.96, Original Style.

Rather than recreating a home from years gone by, piece by piece, the focus is on combining fittings, finishes and furniture in a complimentary way. “Once considered a nostalgic nod to the past, the rich Arts and Crafts movement is redefining luxury and making a stylish, thoughtful comeback,” says Jorge.

Colourful kitchen design with a butler sink and patterned roller blind. — William Morris Blackthorn Summer Garden Roman blind, from £20.92, Blinds 2go.

Colourful cloakroom design with red panelling and patterned wallpaper. — Marlborough two tap hole cloakroom basin, £465, Thomas Crapper.

The colour palette and materiality

As Jayne Everett, creative designer at Naked Kitchens, notes: “The style has moved on considerably from simpler, minimalistic designs to allow homeowners to really showcase their personality and push the boundaries.”

So, lean into a simple colour palette that ties the space together — whether that’s earthy and warm, or bright and playful — or cherry-pick accent shades you love, and combine them in a joyful, eclectic mix.

Yellow cabinetry with a butler sink and brass tap. — Kitchen by Shere Kitchens. Prices for custom kitchen cabinetry start from £25,000, excluding appliances. Photography: Julia Currie.

Bathroom design with patterned wallpaper, twin mirrors, matching basins and taps. — Hedgerovia wallcovering from the Off The Wall collection by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, £50 per roll (10m x 53cm), Galerie.

As natural materials are an important part of many Arts-and-Crafts spaces, consider bringing wood into your design. “Timber plays a large part within the Arts and Crafts movement, beautiful materials being combined with bold and striking colour,” explains Jayne.

Lisa Cooper, head of product at Thomas Sanderson, says: “Add rustic charm, with a handcrafted wooden dining table and vintage-inspired light fixtures. You can also use open shelves to display hand-thrown pottery, artisan bowls and handmade wooden spoons, giving your kitchen an imperfect, lived-in feel.”

Rustic kitchen design with freestanding island. — Buttered Toast Oak from the House Nine collection, £105.85 per sq m, Chaunceys Timber Flooring. Design by House Nine. Photography: Joey Kendal Brown.

Arts and crafts kitchen with rustic dining area. — Alfama dining table, £1149; Thurso wing chair, £469; Wood sphere pendant, £425, and Round slotted table lamp, £159, Barker and Stonehouse.

Bedroom design with patterned fabrics. — The William Morris Design Weaves range from Clarke & Clarke.

Classic bathroom design with traditional sanitaryware with Arts and Crafts movement flair. — Carlyle Green unit, from £795, Burlington.

The finishing touches

Don’t forget to team wood with tactile surfaces and hardware. “Brass hardware and marble surfaces complement this design style, and work well with the natural timber cabinetry often found in Arts and Crafts kitchens,” says Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune.