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Why Handmade is Having a moment

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, design was largely dominated by industrialization and mass production. Sleek, minimalist aesthetics, highly standardized products, and fast manufacturing became the norm. Though this has improved affordability and accessibility, it has resulted in a growing sense of disconnection from the items we surround ourselves with.

Craftsmanship, on the other hand, offers us a different experience. It embodies a slow, deliberate process, where every detail is thoughtfully considered. The imperfections of a handmade item are not flaws but markers of its authenticity and sign of the uniqueness of things, in contrast with mass production.

This human element—knowing that a real person spent time, energy, and care creating something—adds emotional value that’s often missing in mass-produced goods. And it’s what makes the difference now, in a moment where technology is going so fast that is almost overwhelming, a moment where we are seeking more and more for uniqueness, slowness and personal touch.

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/ Authenticity and Uniqueness: as already mentioned, in fact, with our lives become increasingly digital and standardized – it’s natural to seek for items that feel real and personal. Handmade goods offer this sense of uniqueness, because there are not two handmade pieces which are exactly alike. This has strong appeal in a world full of identical, factory-made products.

/ Sustainability: another crucial point to mention that goes hand-to-hand with the rediscovery of craftmanship is the growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion, fast furniture, fast things. Artisans often use local, responsibly sourced materials and production methods that are kinder to the environment. Other than this, craftsmanship promotes longevity, with items are built to last, unlike their mass-produced counterparts, which often prioritize speed and cost over quality.

/ Connection to Tradition: objects are not just simple objects, but they carry a story. And they are more and more chosen by customers because of the story they carry with them. Craftsmanship also has deep roots in traditional cultures. Whether it’s Japanese woodworking, Scandinavian knitting, or Moroccan tile-making, handmade goods are steeped in history and often passed down through generations, giving additional value to contemporary design.

/ Wellness and Mindfulness: In an age where stress and burnout are unfortunately more and more common, the process of crafting can be therapeutic. The physical act of creating something by hand, from pottery to weaving, offers a form of meditation and connection. This mindfulness is reflected in the finished product, where the time and care invested in the object are tangible.

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Craftmanship rediscovered in the furniture industry

This trend speaks to a larger movement towards intentionality in design. Whether it’s through carefully selected materials, labor-intensive processes, or the celebration of imperfections, craftsmanship is becoming a way to counteract the impersonal nature of today’s mass production. It’s about storytelling, authenticity, and creating a deeper emotional connection between the maker, the object, and the consumer.

As consumers increasingly seek out meaning in the things they buy and use, the rediscovery of handmade goods represents a new era in design – set to redefine also the furniture design industry. It’s about giving value to quality over quantity, by celebrating the human touch, and honoring the heritage we proudly have in our own countries. A good example of how this shift is happening in the furniture industry was clearly shown by egoitaliano at the last Salone del Mobile.

|| Discover more: Upcycling in interiors and design

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