Tidens trend
Labour Lust: Sustainable Interior Design Rooted in Authentic Craft and Nature
Labour Lust is an emerging trend in interior design that highlights the fusion of plants with materials characterized by a slightly worn and raw appearance—think scuffed leather, weathered wood, rustic metals, and containers with visible signs of previous use. The style is about deliberate design choices, value for money, and a renewed respect for honest work—a sentiment captured by the name itself, as explained by Anja Bisgaard Gaede, trend editor at pej gruppen.
The Essence: Work, Craft, and Awareness
Labour Lust draws inspiration from both the mass production of the industrial era and the craftsmanship of handmade objects. In times of economic or societal uncertainty, we often become more conscious of our consumption and the importance of meaningful work. The Labour Lust trend reflects this shift: we carry these values home by selecting materials and items that signal a raw, untreated, or rustic look—such as leather and wood, which also beautifully complement the earthy tones of autumn.
This thoughtful approach isn't just aesthetic. It is born of the mindset that what surrounds us should be functional, long-lasting, and meaningful. “We have become more aware of our consumption and the significance of having a job, and we want to integrate these values into our homes,” says Anja Bisgaard Gaede.
Get Your Hands Dirty: DIY Spirit
The trend strongly encourages a do-it-yourself mentality—a chance to put on work gloves and get involved with our interiors, literally and creatively. As summer transitions into autumn, this can be seen in the way we use materials for plant displays: for example, pots or containers showing traces of earlier use are not only accepted but celebrated. This is the time to embrace hands-on creativity, repotting vibrant new plants in repurposed containers, and letting each mark tell a story.
Go Treasure Hunting in Storage
A key tip for achieving Labour Lust at home is to go on a treasure hunt among your stored belongings. When you focus on practical value and affordable luxury, forgotten objects in basements or attics can become invaluable when creating unique plant displays. Let your imagination set the limits:
- Try using an old wooden box to compose a mobile autumn garden out of your favorite plants—see examples here.
- Place the box wherever you wish, indoors or outdoors.
- Combine found objects with natural textures and colors for extra authenticity.
Unique, repurposed containers—sometimes sporting visible age or original patina—create character in any arrangement and emphasize the value of using what you have over constant renewing. See inspiration in these plant and container combinations.
How Labour Lust Fits Contemporary Living
This trend dovetails with a broader movement toward sustainability, craftsmanship, and the rediscovery of traditional techniques. In step with global design shifts, there's a renewed longing for the genuine joy of craft (hantverksglädje), authenticity, and the beauty of living close to nature. By showcasing well-used and honest materials next to thriving, colorful plants, Labour Lust creates an interior landscape that feels grounded, personal, and sustainable.
Suggested Plants for Labour Lust
To best capture the spirit of this trend, choose indoor plants that thrive in rustic or repurposed settings. These include:
- Chrysanthemum indicum
- Anigozanthos
- Beloperone
- Kalanchoe
- Campanula
- Peperomia
- Capsicum
- Solanum
Consider mixing these with air-purifying plants or tough foliage for even greater benefit and texture.
Conclusion
Labour Lust is more than just a decorating style—it's a mindset rooted in mindfulness, sustainability, and a deep respect for the value of honest materials and manual work. It invites us to look at what we already have, repurpose with intention, and surround ourselves with objects and plants that tell our own, lived stories. By embracing this trend, you create interiors that are not only beautiful and functional but also reflect an authentic and sustainable lifestyle.