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“I’ve found that using baskets can make even the most luxurious room feel warm and inviting,” says Katie B. Graham, a renowned gardener, florist and collector. “Imagine how gorgeous Chatsworth House would look with baskets full of flowers and plants.” Indeed, baskets are the perfect decorative element, seen in Grade I listed English mansions like Chatsworth House, as well as pristine farmhouses. From wicker to rattan, reed to pine, basket weaving has been a part of everyday life for hunter-gatherers at all levels of society and has played a role in almost every civilisation throughout history, even long before pottery. However, there is a beauty of form and craftsmanship at the heart of the basket that has long fascinated collectors and captured the imagination of makers, and the trend shows no sign of abating.
The latest generation of designs seem ripe for exploration and could become tomorrow’s heirlooms. They feature exquisitely sculptural forms (like a delicate footed vase reminiscent of a classic urn), intricate openwork that highlights the natural beauty of materials like peeled wicker, and surprising color schemes (like red calfskin handles, green patterned sponge-painted plates). What’s more, the exciting new trompe l’oeil pieces once again demonstrate the craft’s revered place in history, something the ancient Egyptians knew about for a long time. They prized wicker furniture highly, even using it to decorate the tombs of wealthy individuals. As for the baskets themselves, one can assume they kept them for themselves.
A classic wicker basket never goes out of style, especially one hand-woven in Italy from raffia. Its graceful shape was inspired by vintage homewares from the collection of Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder of Moda Operandi.
The famous trompe l’oeil easel in Bunny Mellon’s Oak Spring greenhouse mural is filled with gardening essentials, including gardening tools, watering cans, and, of course, plenty of wicker baskets.
These stunning Este Ceramiche wicker plates, handcrafted by Italian ceramic masters, will make a beautiful backdrop for a colorful table setting. The emerald green color pairs well with a variety of flowers, making it perfect for a summer dinner table.
Martha Stewart has a room in her Bedford, N.Y., home dedicated to her treasured basket collection. Stewart said her basket house is located “near a grove of cypress trees, across from my clematis arbor.”
This lightweight pendant lamp adds a touch of nature to any room and pays homage to the ancient art of basket weaving. Light filters through natural wicker to create a romantic dappled effect.
Textile designer Caroline Irving showcases rustic, utilitarian vessels with painted ceramics in her Portugal home, where wicker lampshades reveal charming scenes with open shelves.
Scalloped edges add a playful touch to these classic baskets from Serena & Lily. These hand-woven containers come in a variety of sizes and easily accommodate sheets and blankets, ensuring your space never feels cluttered.
OKA rattan lanterns are made using a complex cross-weaving technique that takes craftsmen a day and a half to complete. We suggest filling the lanterns with LED candles and placing them around an outdoor dining area to create a fairytale party atmosphere.
This basket weave fabric from Paolo Moschino easily adds a layer of texture to upholstered furniture.
Charlotte Moss’s prized collection of flower baskets fills the ceiling of her flower room, and they’re always ready to go when the avid rose lover ventures into the cut flower garden.
Each Baba Tree basket is hand-woven by Ghanaian artisans from vetiver and palm leaves. Its organic design complements a variety of design styles, making it an attractive storage solution.
Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is an Associate Editor at VERANDA, where she manages the brand’s social media and video strategy. She also writes and edits monthly articles covering topics such as design, architecture, art, gardens, travel, trends, wine and spirits. Prior to joining VERANDA, she earned a master’s degree in magazine, newspaper and online journalism from Syracuse University. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, decorating, and volunteering at Desert Island Supply Co.