The Rise of the Artisanal Local Makers Market: A New Hope for the Furniture and Decor Industry

The furniture and decor industry has been showing undeniable signs of strain in recent years. From large online retailers like Wayfair, struggling to stay afloat after years of operating in the red, to the sobering predictions released by Home Depot about the slowdown in renovations and DIY projects, it's clear that the traditional furniture market is in turmoil. The failure of long-established multigenerational furniture brands and the dismal attendance at Furniture Markets, like ANDMORE (owned by Blackstone), are just a few more indicators that the industry's corporate-driven model is faltering.

But in every crisis, there's an opportunity. And right now, there's a bright ray of hope on the horizon—the resurgence of the artisanal local makers market.

A Re-emerging Trend

About 10-15 years ago, society saw a marked decline in interest in traditional craftsmanship. Fewer young people were drawn to learning trades that involved making things with their hands. The prevailing idea was that the future belonged to technology, to digital industries, and the path to success was paved through tech jobs and fast money. We tried to encourage the growth of craftsmen through "makers' studios" and campuses, but it didn’t quite catch on as expected. And by 2020, the enthusiasm for fostering craftsmanship had all but disappeared.

Then came COVID.

The pandemic led to a cultural shift, one that no one could have predicted. People, in many ways, became more reflective. They turned inward, rediscovered the value of creating things by hand, and sought out more meaningful, local connections. In the same way that trends and nostalgia in fashion cycle—think about 20-year-olds wearing 80s mustaches or mom jeans—our collective cultural interest in artisanal products and craftsmanship began to reemerge. Post-COVID, it’s clear that a new wave of local makers is on the rise.

A Cycle of Change

As an industry, we talked about supporting local makers in 2010, we invested in it in 2015, and many gave up by 2020. But now, we’re witnessing the growth of a local craftsman industry that was always meant to come back. This trend isn’t an accident; it’s part of a larger cultural cycle of renewal and transformation. As corporate giants stumble and the mass production model begins to falter, smaller, local makers are stepping in to fill the void.

Designers and Architects: Are You Looking Locally?

As designers and architects, the question becomes: if you’re seeking unique, locally driven products and decor, are you looking locally? It’s an important distinction to make. Local manufacturing is the fastest way to respond to trends and create products that speak to local needs, tastes, and values. The idea that large, multinational corporations should lead a diverse global culture with mass-produced products no longer seems to fit with what we’re seeing in the market.

Local manufacturers and artisans don’t just bring uniqueness to the table; they also offer agility and responsiveness that large corporations simply can’t match. They are more in touch with trends and can adapt quickly to shifts in consumer demand. The value of sourcing locally goes beyond just the final product—it supports a culture of craftsmanship, creativity, and community.

A New Model for Manufacturers

But it doesn’t just have to be about small, local makers. Large volume manufacturers don’t have to miss out on this wave of change. In fact, they can pivot into a new, more collaborative role. By adopting an incubator model, large manufacturers can help local makers source materials, access back-office support, and leverage their established infrastructure. This includes marketing, human resources, insurance, sourcing, distribution, and vendor accounts.

Think about it—brands like Zuo, Classic Home, and Loloi could acquire and incubate local craftsmen to build a rapidly deployable, large-scale network with a local strategy. This would allow them to offer the best of both worlds: the speed and reach of large brands, combined with the creativity and authenticity of local artisans. The potential for innovation, growth, and success is there for the taking.

Your Thoughts?

As we see the rise of the artisanal local makers market, the furniture and decor industry is being reshaped in real time. The future belongs to those who embrace change, support local craftsmanship, and provide consumers with products that are unique, authentic, and meaningful.

What do you think? How do you see local craftsmanship influencing the future of interior design and manufacturing? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going.