Global Artisanal Finds: Unique Pieces from Around the World That Elevate Your Home
By Katie Renné, Founder/Lead Designer of Wanderlust Home Interiors
Let’s get one thing straight: True luxury isn’t mass-produced.
In a world where fast furniture and cookie-cutter interiors flood your feed, the real standouts—the homes that stop you mid-scroll—are curated with intention, soul, and a little bit of wanderlust. I’m talking about homes layered with global artisanal finds: the handwoven textiles from the Atlas Mountains, the carved teak consoles from Bali, the porcelain from a centuries-old atelier in Limoges. These are the pieces that whisper stories of far-off places and impeccable taste, the kind of pieces you simply can't buy from a warehouse showroom.
When I design homes for my clients—dynamic, cultured individuals who crave more than just a pretty space—I’m not just selecting furniture. I’m curating a narrative. One where every corner hints at a passport filled with stamps, a life well-traveled, and a spirit unapologetically untamed.
Why Global Artisanal Pieces Matter
It’s not just about aesthetics (although, trust me, the right vintage Berber rug will wreck you in the best way). It’s about authenticity. Handcrafted pieces carry a certain imperfection, a life, a vibration you feel immediately when you walk into the room. Machine-made things can’t compete with the subtle variance of a hand-thrown ceramic bowl or the way sunlight dances differently through a hand-dyed silk curtain.
Artisan-made pieces elevate your home because they elevate your energy.
They remind you—and everyone who steps into your space—that you're a collector of experiences, not just things.
My Favorite Global Finds Right Now
Moroccan Zellige Tiles: Forget the subway tile look. Zellige brings an old-world elegance that’s both gritty and glamorous. I’ve sourced deep emerald and soft blush versions that look like they belong in an impossibly chic riad.
Handwoven Ghanaian Kente Cloths: I’m using these as wall tapestries lately—framed in oversized lucite for a fierce, unexpected statement.
Japanese Boro Textiles: These indigo-dyed, patchwork beauties tell stories of resilience and artistry. Draped over the back of a moody velvet sofa? Chef’s kiss.
French Antique Gilded Mirrors: But make it unexpected—hung asymmetrically, layered with contemporary sculpture to avoid any whiff of “shabby chic.” (We’re not doing shabby. Ever.)
Brazilian Agate Slab Tables: Raw, high-gloss, and cut to perfection. Earthy meets edgy in the best possible way.
How to Source Like a Pro
Anyone can click "add to cart" on a mass-market site. But the truly iconic spaces? They’re built by people who know how to hunt. Here’s my advice:
Go Local When You Travel: Flea markets, artisan collectives, tucked-away ateliers. Trust me, the best finds are rarely on the main street.
Cultivate Relationships with Global Galleries and Dealers: A good dealer is worth their weight in gold—and they’ll give you first dibs on treasures before they ever hit the showroom floor.
Trust Your Instincts: The best pieces are the ones that make you gasp a little. Don’t second-guess.
The Ultimate Power Move
Designing with global artisanal finds isn’t about cluttering your home with tchotchkes. It’s about layering meaning into your space. It’s about creating a home that feels effortlessly cosmopolitan, unapologetically bold, and deeply personal.
So go ahead—book the trip, find the treasure, tell the story.
Luxury isn’t bought. It’s curated.
And darling, you deserve a home that’s every bit as unforgettable as you are.
