Meet 8 African Designers Influencing International Home Decor
A fabulous trend in home décor around the world is the ability to creatively transform a setting using contemporary textiles and furnishings with a distinct African influence.
Although African décor was previously limited to gory tribal masks and animal prints, today’s African artisans have elevated their craftsmanship.
They have re-introduced the world to a collection of artistry that marries the traditional African theme with contemporary designs.
The result is a magnificent array of culturally inspired accent pieces, eclectic furnishings that infuse elegance and boldness into any space.
Here are eight influential African designers who are commanding international appeal to contemporary African home décor.
This is an update of an AFKInsider article that appeared August 30, 2013.
Natalie Anderson, Ghana
Company: Design Express, décor
Minimalism at its best
Natalie Anderson is renowned for her minimalist-but-vibrant touch to corporate interiors.
Since 2007, her company, Design Express, has developed a reputation for converting bland, function-driven environments into inspiring spaces of creativity. She works with local and regional artists to design pieces for her commercial clients.
Eva Sonaike, Nigeria
Company: Eva Sonaike, www.evasonaike.com
Cultural luxury
Before she established the eponymous lifestyle company, Eva was inspired by her rich Nigerian heritage to create a luxurious line of home furnishings. She has successfully carved a niche in high-end home accessories by projecting an African theme on luxury velvet and high-grade leather. Renowned for offsetting traditional African textiles with contemporary designs, the Eva Sonaike collection is stocked in elite boutiques in Europe and Nigeria.
Chieck Diallo, Mali
Company: Diallo Design, www.evasonaike.com
Textured and woven furniture
Chieck Diallo is determined to preserve and promote the richness of his Malian heritage and he does this by weaving intricate patterns over chairs. As an avid traveler, his work is inspired by images and colors from various African cities. Diallo’s work is showcased in galleries and museums around Europe. He is also the founder of the Association of African designers.
Josephine Forson, Ghana
Company: Tekura
Glow of wood
Tekura was established in 2000 to provide a sophisticated avenue for authentic, hand-crafted furniture made from solid wood. The award-wining manufacturer creates functional, high quality products for homes, offices or hotels. Deliberate in paying homage to Ghana’s cultural heritage, Tekura’s success has expanded beyond the Western African region. Its pieces are exported across Europe and North America.
Ousmane Mbaye, Senegal
Company: Ousmane M’baye Design, www.ousmanembayedesign.com
The power of metal
In Ousmane Mbaye’s studio in Dakar, he welds and molds metal sheets and recycled iron into artful furniture pieces. His passion for this rare art was honed during years of apprenticeship with his father. He is sought after in the interior design world for his unique ability to soften metal using primary colors. Every work that Ousmane produces depicts his fiery passion to present art in an unconventional form. His pieces are showcased in art exhibitions around the world.
Zizipho Powsa and Andile Dyalvane, South Africa
Company: Imiso, http://www.imisoceramics.co.za/
Ceramics
In Cape Town, Andile and Zizipho are bringing art to life through the ancient craft of clay molding. They make decorative bowls, plates and vases tastefully adorned with a pattern inspired by the richness of South Africa. The bowls are a fusion of creative design and vivacious art on clay. Catering to mid- to high-end homes in South Africa, this duo’s handiworks are reflective of a myriad of African stories that capture the happy moments desired by homes around the world. They manufacture world-class quality products that infuse the perfect cultural statement into any home.
Muthoni Ndungu and Will Chege, Kenya
Company: Azizi, http://www.houzz.com/pro/muthonin/azizi-kenya
Azizi is a full service interior design firm owned by Muthoni and Will Chege. This creative team has impressed the East African market with its ability to transform an interior from basic to exhilarating. They offer innovative solutions for space planning with a creative approach to the use of space, lighting and colors and textures.
Sara Abera, Ethiopia
Company: Muya
With a nod to elegance and culture, Ethiopia’s style guru, Sara Abera, has been inspired by a desire to incorporate the skillful tradition of garment weaving into modern textiles.
The end result is an array of high quality soft furnishings such as cushion covers, runner rugs, and cotton throws for the home. Sara employs a group of local weavers who create artistic accents for private homes or commercial interiors.