African inspired interior style is a leading design trend.
African fabric inspired by Kuba cloth in library by Margaux Interiors
The world of high style interiors has embraced Africa in a big way. Some of the world’s most influential interior designers are using traditional African textiles and patterns in homes for design inspiration.
Kuba cloth and Mudcloth are traditional African textiles that are showing up in some of the most exclusive homes. People appreciate the specialness of Kuba cloth but probably haven’t thought about the rich history of a great and ingenious people they are adding when using it in their home.
Kuba cloth is created by the Kuba people of the Congo. They create the cloth by taking the leaf of the Raffia tree hand cut and dye them using mud, indigo and other natural resources. The fibers are weaved into strips to make the fabric using an embroidery technique that’s very time consuming and laborious. Various sub-groups of the Kuba people have different ways to make the fabric using unique patterns or patches. The arrangement of the patterns have meaning and tell a story.
Worldy Designs by Ty Pennington
From YSL’s landmark collection L’ Afrik collection to Donna Karan’s wrapped skirts and jackets the colors, patterns, cultural dress and tribal motifs of Africa have been major sources of inspiration for fashion designers for decades.
Donna Karan collection African inspired wrap jacket and leather belt
Yves Saint Laurent L’ Afrik Collection
Yves Saint Laurent Collection L’Afrik, a beaded dress
Today, Africa is inspiring home decor just as it has fashion. Rcently, Kelly Wearstler, Nate Berkus and many other influential interior designers as well as retailers have created product lines inspired by the rich, vibrant and diverse cultures of Africa.
Kelly Wearstler African inspired fabric chairs
African inspired fabrics – Nate Berkus
Ottomans cover in Kuba and raffia cloths
Pillows made of Kuba cloth
African Tribal Motifs and fabrics create intricate and unique interior decor
Bold patterns African inspired raffia lounge and baskets
Dinner plates inspired by African geometric patterns
West Elm African inspired collection of furniture and accessories
Mudcloth traditioal chair
Mudcloth mid-century modern chair
Bed with mudcloth cover
The natural color palette and patterns with a significant use of black and brown make these African textiles blend beautifully with neutral monochromatic tones.
Africa is a source of inspiration that elevates a modern room while infusing it with history and culture. This trend will continue to grow and be in vogue.
Will you include it at your home?
Until next time …
14 Comments
Sandy
I am loving this trend! I recently decided to decorate my room in a Kate Spade-inspired look and a few touches of Kuba cloth will be a great accent
Elle
Sandy,
Wow, I’m exciting just thinking about how awesome that’s going to look! I think adding Kuba cloth is going to take your room over the top. Also, thanks for sharing your love. BTW – Have you looked/read the Kate Spade book – What we love? You will totally love it and find some great ideas.
Elle
Emerald
Elle! I absolutely adore these African prints! All of them are modern, sleek and gorgeous! xx! -Emerald
Elle
Emerald,
Glad to hear you are a fan too! Thanks for taking the time to share your adoration. I’m totally with you. Hope you’ll come back soon.
Elle
Patricia
African prints are so beautiful. They can bring life to any object.
Elle
Yes Patricia African prints are especially beautiful. Also, I love that kuba cloth and mudcloth are so unique and handmade. I’m glod you enjoyed the post.
Elle
Nadeen
I love these rooms and patterns! African sophisticated looks! My parents traveled to Africa when I was younger and we had authentic African paintings and fabrics in our house.
Elle
Nadeen,
Wonderful to hear you loved the inspiration and it reminded you of growing up. Sounds like you had very enlighted parents that were ahead of their time. That’s awesome. I still have things in my home from my 1st visit to Africa 20 years ago. Culture is timeless.
Elle
Vashti (veepeejay.com)
I LOVE everything in this post! Those pillows are so chic. Makes me want to redecorate right now!
Elle
Vashti,
Thank You!! So nice of you to let me know you enjoyed the post and were inspired by it. I appreciate you and hope you’ll visit again soon.
Elle
Adanna
I love kuba cloth but I must admit that I never knew how it was made. Thanks so much for sharing. African art is very beautiful and I’m happy to see it finally appreciated.
Elle
Adanna,
Thank so much for sharing your love of kuba cloth. It is so beautiful and rich in history. I enjoyed sharing the history with you. More and more peoplw are admitting they look to Africa for inspiration and I’m glad to promote it.
Stay Inspired!
Elle
GinaB
Your opening pic is stunning. I adore African patterns and fabric. I especially enjoy seeing it paired with modern designs.
Elle
Hello Gina,
Thank you. I’m so glad to know you love the “groove”. You are right African patterns work excellent with modern decor. I hope you’re inspired to use them in your decor.
Elle