Photo: Martin and Kathy Dady/Flickr
There’s something about warmer weather that compels the travel bug to come out and bite. When a summer sojourn to the souks of Marrakech or the concept shops of Copenhagen just isn’t in the cards, Etsy indulges our wanderlust with handmade wares and vintage pieces from across the globe. Searches for “international” have spiked on the marketplace platform, as shoppers hunt for the latest and greatest decor trends from nearly 2 million active sellers. A recent Etsy trend guide reveals five summer decor must-haves sourced from Europe and Asia — read on to find out which countries and items made the list.
1. Japan: Understated ceramics
Photo: Etsy
Wabi-sabi is the perfectly imperfect Japanese aesthetic that’s influenced design, fashion, food and, for some, our way of thinking. Etsy searches for minimalist and Japanese ceramics are up 15 percent year-over-year. Local sellers in Japan are crafting delicate, hand-painted pottery in traditional shapes and colors.
2. Germany: Vintage rattan
Photo: Etsy
The ‘70s are back — alright, maybe not wide collars and avocado green appliances, but rattan? Definitely. Etsy has seen a 90 percent increase in searches for “rattan” globally, with much of that interest coming from Germany. The country’s vibrant vintage scene has produced a number of active sellers peddling boho furniture and accessories.
3. Lithuania: Modern linen
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Lithuanians have been cultivating flax and spinning the fibers into linen since 4000 BC. The Baltic state is well-regarded for its production of the soft, breathable fabric, which is anti-allergy and environmentally-friendly. Dress your bed in a linen duvet cover or a set of linen pillow shams to ensure a more comfortable night’s sleep this summer.
4. Netherlands: High-concept lighting
Photo: Etsy
According to the official Dutch tourism site Holland.com, Dutch design is “minimalist, experimental, innovative, unconventional, and with a sense of humor.” Etsy’s roundup of Dutch-made light fixtures is no exception — consider this origami-inspired paper shade or this laser-cut pendant lamp reminiscent of the cell layer of a leaf.
5. India: Block print textiles
Photo: Etsy
Traditional block printing is a laborious process involving hand-carved stamps, colorful dyes and pre-washed fabrics. Because the items are handmade, each one is unique with subtle variations. On Etsy, searches for “Indian fabric” and “block print” have increased by 16 percent and 11 percent, respectively. Sellers from India offer block print throw pillows, window treatments, baby blankets and more.
