About African Home Decor
African home décor is an exciting and appealing style whether your taste is modern, traditional, minimalist or eclectic. There are so many textures and colors in African fabrics, carvings and art work it is easy to incorporate into your current design style.
Significance
African decor is inspired by nature, wild animals, colorful fabrics and wood carvings. People are inspired by African culture for a number of reasons. For some, it is the dream of a photographic or hunting safari, and others appreciate it from a cultural history perspective. Whatever it is that inspires you about African decor, there are plenty of ways to incorporate some timeless pieces into your own space at home or in the office.
Identification
The animals of Africa have and will always be a central theme in the continent's artwork and fabrics. The animals that appeal to most decorators are elephants, lions, leopards, zebras and giraffes. From wood carved animal napkin holders to a faux zebra rug, the possibilities are truly endless.
The colors of these animals will also help you in determining your overall pallet. Grey, brown, black, white and beige are all fairly neutral colors which make great wall and floor colors. But if you want a dramatic splash, paint a wall bright red to showcase a fantastic dark mahogany mask or black and white zebra print curtains.
Black and white animal photography or original African artwork of animals always makes a bold statement when decorating. The everyday reminders of these magnificent, wild beasts conjure feelings of strength, power and virility.
Types
Africa produces a number of types of art that can be easily incorporated into your African decor. Original tribal beadwork is becoming quite scarce as the art has not been well taught to younger generations. In the past, it was traditional for a woman to create a bead collar for the man she loved and as it was a prized possession, he would also be buried wearing it. Beads have been used to create lampshades, wall hangings, bowls and napkin rings as well as many other objects of art. Adding African beading to your dining room will bring an elegant ethnic touch.
Considerations
There are a number of textile options from the various countries within the great continent of Africa. From Zimbabwe, you will find hand painted and batiked options in pillowcases, tablecloths, table runners and place mats. Look for Mali handwoven mud cloth for a culturally rich, distinctive look. For a very interesting piece of fabric art, use a Weya story quilt as a wall hanging depicting the village life of an African tribe or an Asafo flag with hand appliques.
Carved wood sculptures are a strong tradition in Africa. Place a well-crafted sculpted bowl on your hearth or dining room table. African artifacts such as handmade leather purses and pouches, walking sticks, smoking pipes and even warrior masks and shields make interesting decorative pieces.
Potential
Our world is getting smaller every day and it is easier than ever to find one of a kind pieces of African art to enhance your home. Don't settle for cheap imitations, help this struggling continent and try to buy original pieces. Originals of any type will always be a good investment and many of the original art forms of African are slowly dying.
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