If a distant country haunts you, but there is no way to go there yet, do not despair! African passions can also be created at home. How? Decorating the interior with a colorful scale. And do not be afraid to experiment – there is never too much exotic! We will tell you how to decorate an apartment in an unusual African style.
Ethnic interiors are becoming more and more popular lately. However, in order for the exotic ethnic interior not to turn into blatant bad taste, it is necessary to follow some rules. So, for example, when combining bright elements that are just inherent in the African style, it is necessary to maintain a sense of proportion. And if you are not yet ready for such drastic changes, try creating sultry Africa at home using exotic accessories and bright textiles. Fortunately, they can now be found in the collections of both luxury and democratic brands specializing in interior design.
To begin with, two ethnic styles are distinguished from the pan-African ones: Egyptian и Moroccan… Therefore, before running to the store for wallpaper and paint, decide whether you want to bring some colorful shades into your home or if you plan to recreate the main characteristic features of an African home as accurately as possible.
On photo: 1… Dining chair Tigris, Crate & Barrel, price on request. 2. Poster “Watercolor Lion”, DG Home, 349 rubles. 3. Ceiling lamp, Westwing, 8300 rubles. 4. Teapot Carla, Westwing, 1400 rubles. 5. Ina separate table-console “Edmond”, Deco-Home, 58 475 rubles. 6. Stool “Stockholm”, IKEA, 19 rubles. 7. Decorative figure “Panther”, Zara Home, 2299 rubles. 8. Napkin rings, H&M Home, 699 rubles.
Since the main theme of the African-style interior is a reminder of the scorching sun and the impenetrable jungle, the appropriate color scheme should be chosen. Preference is given to sand, brown, terracotta, orange, yellow, brick and marsh green shades. It is these colors that imitate wood bark, charred wood, saffron, honey, baked milk, cinnamon or amber that will be able to achieve not just a warm, but a hot interior in the spirit of sultry Africa! It is allowed to use black and gold tones, but it is better to refuse blue altogether – it will be inappropriate here.
When choosing wall finishes, you should give preference to wallpaper with a pattern that imitates the skin of reptiles or the color of wild animals, decorative plaster, fabrics with African patterns or mosaics and tiles with an imitation of the texture of reptile skin (for example, when cladding walls in a bathroom or kitchen).
To decorate the floor, it is better to choose a stone (large-sized porcelain tiles are ideal), matte parquet boards, carpet-mat or bamboo flooring (in the form of large-format slabs or laminate). And don’t forget to put a bright handmade carpet on the floor – this is also part of the African style.
The ceiling should be painted warm white, draped with a special fabric or special dark wood beams should be fixed and bamboo stems should be carefully placed on them.
In the photo: 1. Fireplace set with a firebox, “Leroy Merlin”, 2990 rubles. 2. Round pouf cylinder, Missoni home, about 37 rubles. 3. Wall clock SWATCH POPWALLI, Swatch, about 2800 rubles. 4. Book holder “Elefan”, Deco-Home, 9625 rubles. 5. Decorative pillow, Missoni home, about 18 400 rubles. 6. Multi-colored ceramic vase, Zara Home, 4599 rubles. 7. Decorative figurine, DG Home, 5530 rubles. 8. Round metal tray, H&M Home, 1299 rubles. 9. Morocco table, Crate & Barrel, 53 rubles (at a discount). 10. SHEV goat skin, Westwing, 2650 rubles.
When choosing furniture, pay attention to what it is made of. It is better to choose natural materials (or very high quality imitation), for example, reed, bamboo, rosewood, sandalwood, rattan, clay, natural leather, reptile skin, animal skins, palm bark. It will be better if the furniture is made of wood and has simple geometric shapes. The presence of forged, wicker or furniture made of dark brown leather is also allowed. As a decor, you can choose massive chests or racks suspended on special ropes.
As for textiles, it is better to choose deliberately bright shades that attract attention. Variegated ornaments, zigzag or diamond patterns are also welcome. Animal skins, bamboo curtains, various ivory figurines and figurines, African masks, amulets, wicker lampshades, wooden blinds, hunting trophies and live plants will help make the interior more colorful and ethnic.