Match Headquarters, Dallas. Photo © Thomas McConnell
The artisan economy is a long tradition that shows no sign of stopping. In fact, the demand for custom-made foods, beverages, and clothing, as well as furniture and décor, is on the rise. Part of the appeal is that artisans are not limited to any particular design style or tradition and their work has craft at its core. Consumers can find almost anything they want from an intricately hand-carved chandelier made of wood and fit for a premier ski resort to a simple industrial side table at home in any tech workspace.
The maker movement is enjoying a resurgence driven by post-boomer generations in the workforce that are purchasing items for personal use as well as home furnishings. For this new demographic, immersed in technology, artisanal products offer a balance to a fast-paced, tech-driven schedule, encouraging buyers to slow down and appreciate craft. With an aesthetic favoring earthy, natural tones, super-textural fabrics, and tactile surfaces, artisan goods reflect a more hands-on human approach to design and production.
The movement is about quality over quantity—carefully made, handcrafted pieces rather than mass-produced machine-manufactured items. Unique accents add that one-of-a-kind touch—authentic and original. Quality products require skill, time, care, and personal attention. These distinct pieces provide users with a way to express their individuality.
