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Writer's pictureJessica Heilman

Baskets, and the Designers Who Love Them: The Timeless Style of Baskets in Decor

Updated: Aug 13




Growing up we had a plethora of baskets in our home. With popular dishware patterns like Heartland and Cornflower, the clothing designers Laura Ashley and Ralph Lauren worked hard to bring back the popular Edwardian period in a modern way - including the use of basketry throughout the supposed English Countryside.


Check out @the_rusticpallet on instagram for more design inspiration


While we didn't live in the Cotswolds, (we lived in Milpitas, California) the interior of our home was lovingly decorated with floral wallpaper borders, balloon valances, and delicate tea baskets. The baskets would sit on top of cabinets, tables and nightstands. They would rest on the floor by the back door, or be used in the laundry room as catchalls. The baskets came in all different colors and would even be decorated with wide wired taffeta ribbons. At the time, our home was styled incredibly well - but the baskets were never intended to be center star - not like today.

BASKET WALLS


Basket walls are taking the design world by storm. Designers are going to great lengths to scour thrift shops, antique stores and garage sales to find flat or wide baskets to mount to their walls as feature pieces. The first picture I have shared by @the_rusticpallet is a beautiful basket wall turned headboard. The following pictures are continued examples of basketwall art from some of the best designers on instagram... definitely worth following!



My good friend over at @living_at_iris_ave has a basket wall which features an authentic aboriginal basket called a Sister Basket. She happily reports, the natural ochre used to dye the basket hasn't faded in over 20 years!



@thepearlmagnolia found these baskets at the Goodwill and white washed them for a more "cottagey" vibe all for less than $10.



Kendra Barber @findsndines uses her basketwall to add texture and warmth to her little Prince's nursery.



@jennys_old_house Has used ten baskets - fine examples of both the plaited and twinning weave - in varied colors as the perfect accent over the headboard in this charming space.



This living room wall design by Kate Taylor and @the_ct_colonial shows us how beautifully simple basket wall design can be.


Using the larger of the seven baskets as the centerpiece she has successfully filled out an otherwise rather large blank wall space.


Natural fiber baskets bring out the wood tones in this light and airy space.


The baskets in this featured wall by @homewithrho are used to border charming signage. Between the macrame, wicker, moss and palm in the picture this corner is textured with all the right feels.


As you can see, the basket wall trend is not only a brilliant way to highlight beautiful woven art, as a feature they can also be used to cover a great expanse of space while adding texture and warmth.


BASKETS IN DECOR



The danish designer Carina Skriver uses her baskets to enhance this antique cupboard over at her blog: https://blog.carinashyggehjem.dk/.



@rusticvintagelife Uses this Nantucket inspired basket to feature her linens up above this gorgeous chippy antique cabinet.



Amanda over at @midcounty_journal has used baskets and old picture frames to add height and interest to this charming farmhouse style storage cabinet. The creamy colors mixed with the multiple shades of white and whitewash create a homey and lovely display.



This floor basket display designed by Skye Holmes over at @houseandholm really illustrates how stunning woven textured decor items like tote baskets with leather handles can offer.


Lauren Svacina at @portlandrowstudio uses her baskets strategically throughout her home not only to store items, but to also add height and interest.


This room with its cream upholstery, walnut finished dresser and painted chest all comes together seamlessly thanks to the subtle colors featured in the antique painting hanging on the wall.


Another gorgeous basket display by @portlandrowstudio who estimates she probably has an oversized basket in every single room!


IN CONCLUSION


In the last week (sorry I missed posting yesterday on my birthday) I have learned so much about the history and beauty of baskets in design. Baskets have elevated our rooms from the practical to the divinely textural by adding intrigue and aesthetics to potentially "normal" rooms turning them into jaw dropping spaces anyone would enjoy relaxing in. Tomorrow, I on the blog I will be featuring where you too can shop these looks online.


See you then!


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