by Jemma Pearson Homewares that remind us of simpler times are this season's hot interior trend. So grab your knitting needles, throw a crocheted rug over your knees and get craft this winter.

Furniture shaped like old-fashioned cotton reels, Aztec-inspired embroidered fabrics, melamine plates illustrated with tapestried scenes and rough-hewn pottery vases. The interior trend for winter is all about crafty, homemade homewares that remind you of the days when caftans, crochet and macramé filled every home. Here are a few ideas to introduce to your interior.

Material world

Hemp is a sustainable, eco-friendly, natural fabric that is long lasting and breathes well. And the best thing about hemp fabrics is that they get better with age. Choose bed linen, throws, cushions and clothes made from hemp in natural, unbleached tones. Organic cottons, silks and linens also match the crafty trend. Use these as a base to layer up more colourful crafty finds.

Thread it

Channel your nan – and everyone else’s – by embracing the lace doily. Contemporary designers have been busy creating new items with a lacy theme. Porcelain wall clocks, plastic lampshades and woollen rugs with the delicate lacy look are cropping up in cool homes.

Wicker man

Wicker and cane chairs are nothing new – op shops and furniture stores and are full of the stuff. But wicker and cane baskets reworked as lampshades are wonderfully cool and crafty.
Choose hand-woven pieces – or better yet, make something yourself.  While you’re looking at your lights, Japanese paper lanterns are an affordable way to dress your lightbulbs. Still in Japan, grab a book on origami and line a bare windowsill or bookshelf with colourful paper cranes.

What on earth?

Ceramic art is experiencing a renaissance as proud home owners snap up clay vases, earthenware bowls and terracotta platters from celebrated artists in Sydney and Melbourne. Want an original that won’t cost the earth? Grab some clay, hire a wheel and throw your own creation. Or buy air-drying clay from the craft store and get the kids involved.