A Love Affair with Lace: How I Turned a Childhood Obsession Into the Heart of My Boho Designs

A Love Affair with Lace: How I Turned a Childhood Obsession Into the Heart of My Boho Designs

Some Loves are Sewn into Your Soul Before You Even Know They’re There

For me, that love is lace. Growing up, I was surrounded by generations of women who made everything from clothes to toys to home decor not just because they had to, but because they loved to. Playing with fabrics, rummaging through the vintage metal cookie jar full of hundreds of buttons, and helping Mum choose colour combinations for her latest craft project were just everyday joys for me.

But not everything was for little hands to touch. There were a few things kept safely behind glass in the china cabinet — too delicate, too special. Any guesses what they were?

If you guessed vintage lace, you’re right. Among those treasures was a small collection of heirloom lace made and some also collected by my great-grandmother and other family members, lovingly passed down through generations.

It goes without saying that from a very young age, I was completely enchanted by lace. There was something about the delicate details, the soft texture, the way light played across the patterns — it felt like art you could hold in your hands. I’d often find myself staring at the lace trim on tablecloths and pillows or peeking into drawers and cabinets where vintage pieces were carefully folded or displayed. I didn’t know it then, but I was falling in love with a material that would later shape my creative world.

From Fascination to Material: How Lace Became an Integral Part of My Design Language

When I started Boho Baby Heaven, I knew I didn’t want to just make beautiful things — I wanted to make pieces that carried meaning. I wanted to create decor and toys that felt special, thoughtful, and timeless. Lace, with all its elegance and nostalgia, was the perfect material to bring that vision to life. But not just any lace would do. I didn’t want overly modern or synthetic-looking trims — I wanted pieces that felt vintage, story-rich, and beautifully bohemian. I grew up fascinated by their detail and artistry, and I carry that inspiration with me when I handpick each lace trim today — always hunting for pieces that feel just as special.

A Short History of Lace: From Royal Courts to Handmade Heirlooms

Lace has captivated hearts for centuries. Originating in the late 15th to early 16th centuries in Europe — with Venice, Flanders, and France as major lace-making hubs — lace was originally made entirely by hand using techniques like bobbin lace and needle lace. It was an incredibly time-consuming craft, and for centuries, lace was a luxury reserved for the aristocracy and royalty.

In the 17th century, lace became a symbol of wealth and status — adorning collars, cuffs, and gowns worn by kings, queens, and nobility. But it wasn’t just about opulence. Lace making also became a meaningful home craft for women, especially in countries like Hungary, where folk traditions and needlework went hand in hand. Generations of women created lace decor pieces as part of their everyday lives — combining patience, skill, and creative joy.

The Industrial Revolution brought machines into the mix, but even modern-day lace factories often keep the artistry alive by combining handcraft with mechanical precision.

A Peek Behind the Seams: Lace-Hunting at a Small European Lace Factory and Warehouse

One of the great privileges we've had over the years is visiting a small lace factory with my Mum here in Europe that supplies countries all across the continent. Walking into that lace factory warehouse is like entering wonderland — one filled with shelves upon shelves of trims in every shade, texture, and pattern you can imagine. It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking!

Sometimes, I’d be chasing a specific style or color that was nearly out of stock, and the joy of finding it again? Like unearthing a hidden treasure. Other times, I stumble upon a brand new design that immediately sparks an idea for a pillow or a toy. It just never gets old. There’s a thrill in being able to handpick the lace that will become part of our products — to touch it, match it to fabric, and imagine the home it will end up in. Every trip feels like a treasure hunt, and every roll I bring home holds the potential for something magical.

What’s most surreal is standing there and having a quick peek at how lace is made. The machines are precise and impressive, but my thoughts always wander to the past — to the days when women like my great-grandmother made lace by hand, with nothing but needles, thread, and quiet determination. The contrast is striking.

Why Lace Still Captivates Me (and Always Will)

Lace isn’t just a material. It’s a mood. It brings softness and charm to any design. It's our signature element. The way it layers, the way it whispers elegance — it just fits. And it speaks to the kind of spaces I want to help people create — filled with warmth, story, and a touch of old-world beauty and elegance

Looking back, I smile at that little girl who used to stare at lace as if it were treasure. In many ways, nothing has changed. I’m still hunting for beauty in the delicate details — and I’m endlessly grateful that I get to share that love through almost every piece we make at Boho Baby Heaven, side by side with my Mum. The very person who, without even realizing it, made me fall in love with lace and design in the first place.

 

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