Author – Steve Hackenberg
We live in a world that is continuously bombarded by new technologies, trendy fashions, and an endless array of consumer products. In such a modernist world, it seems strange that an age-old Amish décor is slowly becoming a leading trend for interior home design. Despite our yearnings for progress and development, there is obviously something deep within us that holds in high esteem that simple, eco-friendly lifestyle of villagers in rural areas.
Particularly, there is a fascination about the simple lifestyle of the Amish people living in rural America and their craftsmanship that is born from their hard-working, agrarian way of living. Whether you live in a 1880s farmhouse in rural Virginia or a modernist high-rise apartment in Chicago, Amish décor can certainly add character to your home.
The Amish Culture and Way of Life
During the past two centuries, there has been a slow and steady movement of people from the countryside to cities. Way back in 1900, around 60% of people lived and worked in rural areas, while today that number has dwindled to about 14%. The industrialization of our economy opened up new jobs in cities, and many people found that agrarian lifestyles were simply not affluent enough.
The Amish people, on the other hand, are one of the few communities in the world who have made an honest attempt to measure the advantages and disadvantages of technological progress. While some people mistakenly believe that the Amish simply reject all sorts of modern technologies, the reality is the Amish people deeply value their sense of community belonging. They have obviously taken notice of the swift decline of rural communities around them, and they find that the so-called ‘advantages’ of urban livelihoods often come at the expense of the close-knit community of rural areas.
Amish communities collectively debate the pros and cons of certain technological progress. Instead of blindly accepting all new technologies, they carefully consider whether or not a certain technology will strengthen their sense of community and connection to the land. This attentiveness has led the Amish to an agrarian lifestyle that values the ecological integrity of their land and the hard-working agrarian values that holds their community together.
The Allure of Amish Décor
While the vast majority of people might find it strange to see a group of people plowing their fields with horse-drawn plows, few people would deny that Amish décor offers quality and craftsmanship that is simply unmatched.
Durability and Quality
Most of the products sold by our consumer-oriented civilization obey the mantra of ‘planned obsolescence’. Simply put, we try to produce as much stuff as possible for the least amount of money. Of course, this results in flimsy products that are cheaply made from shoddy, mostly synthetic materials that only last a few years at best. In the home décor industry, many products are made to look like they’re made from natural materials, though they are simply synthetic imitations.
Amish décor, on the other hand, is made from natural organic materials and is handcrafted to last a lifetime. For example, this amazing furniture from Amish Tables is all made from solid hardwood and will last for a lifetime. While most furniture options on the market today are made from plywood, medium or low-density fiberboard, or other fragile and substandard wood products, Amish décor is almost always sourced from durable and high-quality wood material.
Connection to the Natural World
Since the Amish people maintain a resilient agrarian livelihood, the materials they use for their products they make are often locally sourced and handcrafted. Amish wicker furniture, for example, are made from willow branches or rattan reeds that were grown and harvested by a local Amish farmer. The leather lining of your couch is most likely handcrafted from cattle raised by an Amish family. This connection to the natural world allows the Amish to assure the ecological integrity of their manufacturing processes.
Amish Craftsmanship
Amish décor is not only durable and eco-friendly, but it also displays amazing craftsmanship. Amish furniture and other home décor items are often handcrafted by artisans who have dedicated their entire lives to a certain craft. Among the Amish, skills and knowledge are passed down through generations, and younger people often work as apprentices with elders who have mastered a certain art or craft.
Beauty and Functionality
Lastly, Amish décor seamlessly brings together beauty and functionality. The high-quality natural materials along with excellent craftsmanship allow Amish décor to maintain a stunning natural beauty. However, Amish furniture items are also highly functional and practical as a result of the Amish agrarian lifestyle that places a high priority on functionality and workability. A hand-crafted Amish table might be more expensive than a plywood table you would find on sale at Walmart. However, Amish décor is built to last a lifetime and will add a touch of originality and attractiveness to any home.
Author’s bio – Steve Hackenberg is a connector with a passion for content writing, love for the outdoors and his dog. You will often find him jogging around, or drinking a cup of joe whenever he’s not at his desk.