African Print

Off the runway and into your home

  Images from VLISCO's fashion collection 'Nouvelle Histoire' 

African designers are presently stepping up their game with the daring choices of fabrics and texture in both the fashion and interior design world. Its not rare to see fabrics switch lanes from fashion to interiors but it is rare to see one set fire so fast to both worlds. African print has been passionately embraced not only in Africa but in the European countries as well. From bold fashion pieces, to footwear, to upholstery, African print has earned its glorious moment in the spotlight in various elements of design. 

 Colourful African wax print fabrics and kente cloths. (left), (centre), (right).

The beauty of African print is that it has the ability to transform the character of your home with great ease. It can be used to play up a rather dull setting, accent the colours within the setting or give detail to a plain piece of furniture.  Below are a few examples of how African print can be used in the home.

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Subtle use of African print in as accents (source)

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Warning: The last image above is for the daring, especially those who have massive amounts of African print fabric lying around.

Home accessories:

African wax print throw pillow (source)

Pillows and cushions from SISTERBATIK &SHADDERS (source)

A very common and easy way of introducing African print into your home is though accessories; pillows or cushions are just what you need . Experiment with various colour and patterns at the drop of a hat.

African print table cloth (source)

African print bowls, Designer: Nicci Drzewicki Producer: Wola Nani (source)

Afro-owl home accessories (source)

In addition, African wax print can be stitched into clever and characterful accessories as illustrated above by Catherine Tough's Afro-owl doorstops filled with lavender buds and wheat .

African print fabric chairs (source unknown)

African print fabric chair from SHADDERS.

Its also interesting to see African print used in quirky and unreserved ways like in the case of interior stylist Irina Graewe. Her styling for 'African meets neon' gives the rooms a whimsical quality. See more of this collection visit her website. 

'Africa meets neon' by Irina Graewe (source)

Whether you want to create accents or go all out, African print will give your home character. Therefore, be bold and daring with your choices. With so many patterns to choose from, one can never be out of options. Go ahead and celebrate the beauty of African print; our African print. We dare you.