As one's surroundings shape the personal and collective integrity of the individual, homes decorated with beautiful, artisan-crafted objects contribute to physical and spiritual health.

Today one can experience the glory of one-of-a-kind craftsmanship and naturalism as a resurgence of the arts and crafts in home fashions. There's a definite trend toward cleaner, less ornate lines and a more natural look. People are seeking simple, classic pieces that are easy to live with.

Gaining popularity in the last decade of the 19th century and extending into the early part of the 20th, this style is a precursor to the minimalist sleekness of modernism. Emphasis is on simplicity, straight lines, and handcrafted pieces.

In this century, people are more interested in mixing exotic materials like bamboo and rattan in cabinets, tabletops and accessories. Stamped patterns in tin and copper, hand-painted motifs, coconut shell inlays, polished brass details, stained glass, and mosaic tabletops in green and teal marble are prominent. The art and craft influenced home furnishing and decor is a definite departure from the decor where colour and ornamentation were used abundantly. The colours and patterns that create a peaceful mood and a quiet atmosphere are based on natural dyes like earth tones, and various shades of blue, green and orange are being preferred. A modern spin on Arts and Crafts Handcrafted items include:

Mirrors with polished and antique brass details and a hint of embossed gold. Other embellishments include stamped brass and tin with fluid lines.

Handcrafted details in furniture and accessories. Softened edges and traces of hand tooling provoke a sense of antiquity and craftsmanship.

Striking mosaic tabletops with intricate details; distinctly different mosaic tabletops, each with its own unique vine-like botanical theme in a spectrum of earth tone colours.

Cabinets and hardware reflective of travel and discovery. Design meets function with tall, sleek cabinets accented with antique brass pulls.

Fewer trimmings like beads, feathers and fringe on decorative pillows, lighting and bedding collections.