How Social Media Has Shaped the Way We Shop for Unique, Handmade Homeware

In recent years, social media has revolutionised the way we discover, engage with, and ultimately shop for homeware. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok have transformed our feeds into curated galleries of interior inspiration—and we’re no longer just passive viewers. We’re inspired, influenced, and driven to shop based on what we scroll.

What’s most exciting? This digital shift has empowered conscious shoppers to support small businesses, seek out unique handmade pieces, and opt for interiors that tell a personal story, just like those curated by Kiota.

From Likes to Lifestyle: The Rise of Handmade Homeware

Gone are the days when big-box retailers dictated design trends. Today, influencers, stylists, and everyday interior lovers are showing off their favourite spaces, and more often than not, those spaces are filled with artisan-made items that spark conversation.

Kiota’s handcrafted pieces, like the KUNDI Natural and Black Block Woven Basket and Zig Zag Wool Cushion Cover, bring the very texture, storytelling and natural aesthetic that social users are drawn to. These aren’t just objects—they’re statements of identity and ethics.

Shopping Small, Styling Big

Social media has helped level the playing field for independent brands, allowing makers and ethical curators to showcase their offerings directly to the people who care. When you discover a beautifully styled shelf or calming corner online, you're not just buying into a look—you’re buying into the values behind it.

With pieces like our KITAMBO Large Orange, Black and White Fringed Wall Hanging and the Dpodpo Handwoven Fan, you’re not just adding beauty to your home—you’re supporting artisan weavers in Kenya and Ghana whose crafts have been passed down through generations.

The Influence of Authenticity

As algorithm-driven feeds become saturated with mass-produced sameness, people are seeking authenticity. Our most loved posts are often the ones featuring natural textures, neutral tones, and home styling that feels grounded and thoughtful.

That’s why our handmade cotton throws, like the Neutral Cotton Throw with Fringing, and our artisan storage baskets resonate so deeply. They’re photogenic, yes—but more importantly, they bring warmth, soul, and sustainability into your home.

Why We Love What We See—and Why It Matters

So next time you hit “like” on a beautifully styled space, ask yourself why it resonates. Is it the soft texture of a cushion, the organic shape of a mug, the woven history in a basket? Social media may have changed how we shop, but it’s also helped us reconnect with the importance of craftsmanship, story, and meaning in our homes.

And that’s exactly what Kiota is here to offer.

Until next time!

Kathryn