2 minute read
AFRICAN INSPIRED DÉCOR
Africa is trending. We are in the spotlight for everything from fashion and film to visual arts and design. Creating a space in your home that is inspired by the African aesthetic is a great idea if you’re keeping up with décor trends. African décor and design elements can give your home a warm, sophisticated feel .
A few trends we picked up from the Designer Spaces Challenge at the Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Expo, is that African inspired decorative elements are easy to achieve and never go out of style.
Incorporating raw elements and hand-crafted items like woven baskets and mats are a good start. Bright beadwork, monochromatic prints and well thought out colour schemes help to create the perfect African ambience. Here are a few elements you can include to get the perfect African inspired look.
Raw Materials Raw wood, leather, and stone are three key elements to incorporate into your African inspired space to give a sense of earthiness. Earthy colours can be found in natural metals like gold and brass too if you prefer a more industrial style.
designed wall tapestries or carpets. Wall tapestries are great because unlike wall art, you do not have to frame it to make it look stylish.
Bright Accents Bright colours may be a given when creating an African inspired room, but balance is key. Consider using monochromatic items in your furniture and artworks and add bright accents with artisanal crafts, scatter cushions and lampshades or vice versa.
Indoor Plants Surrounding yourself with typically African greenery is a sure way to create the illusion of being outdoors. Africa is all about spending time outdoors and taking in the fresh air and warm sun. Recreate this feeling inside by incorporating indigenous house plants placed at different levels around your home.
Handmade Goodies Handmade is usually local and local is lekker. We have so many creative artisans in South Africa that it’s a must to support local artists. Include handmade art or crafts to bring subtle flair to your space.
Sometimes it’s the small things that put the big picture into perspective. Handmade items picked up on your travels or adventures around the country are also a great talking point that shows off your personal style.
The African aesthetic is not just for upmarket guest houses and game lodges anymore. Balancing modernity and authentic African design is easier than ever because there’s so much to choose from right here on our doorstep. The trend has taken over the world, but unlike other continents, we do not have to search far and wide to find exclusive African pieces that authentically celebrate the continent we call home. Enjoy Africa in Africa.
