Decorating your Home with African Art
Being the second largest continent in the world, Africa is as beautiful as it is diverse and is constantly changing. Believed to be a name originated from the latin word ‘aprica’, which means sunny, Africa is home to a large number of ancient tribes. Due to this, the tradition, culture, art forms, music form and religious practices of each tribe varies from country to country. Scientists also believe that Africa is the original home of the human race and the foundation of today’s civilization.
This vast ocean of culture, tradition and art forms have captivated the attention of lot of people and African art has found its way into our daily lives, especially in the decoration of one’s home. The African theme is a very popular decorating art with its wide range of soothing color options and earthy fabrics and other art choices. Whether a person is looking to decorate a kitchen, a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom, a baby’s room or even the whole house, using an African theme can change the look of the entire house into a faraway haven.
African artifacts include subtle animal prints, masks, statues and rich nature-based color tones. Using these tribal treasures, a room or even an entire home can be given a warm and wonderful ambiance. The most popular of African decor art is masks. African tribal masks are available in a variety of colors like bright red, green, orange, blue or dark wood shades. These masks can be placed in the living room coupled with African statues and smaller masks, teak furniture and several animal print rugs. The colors of these masks can be co-ordinated with the sofas in the living room. These masks also look great as the dining room decor with a beautiful nature inspired table linen cloth placed on a dark wood dining table along with an African mask on the wall. The master bedroom can be drastically altered by strategically placing a few ancient masks on the wall and draping the four poster bed with animal print bed linen. This decorating theme can be extended into the bathrooms also.
In case an individual is looking for African art on a budget then there are cheap options available in a large number of shops selling home decor items like antique stores, flea markets or thrift shops. Although, the items that an individual might get at these stores may not be genuine African art. In case an individual is particular about getting genuine African art forms, then the local auction house can help and at a relatively less expensive cost and also in good condition. Another option to ensure that the art is genuine African art is to consult an antique professional.
Decorating | Comment (0)Creative Decorating Ideas for Your Home
Home decor has assumed such huge business proportions that there are companies and individual firms dealing with just decorating a house. Home decorating has become a specialized field with experts advising on the kind of home decor best suited to your home. However, you are the best judge of how to decorate your home as you are living there and understand best the kind of amenities and other needs.
Over the years families have become smaller and so have homes. While decorating a home you should always keep in mind the space available in your home, the storage space that you will need and the fact that the decoration you choose for your home does not affect its functionality. Another major aspect to consider while decorating your home is your budget. Home decoration need not be expensive and at the same time can be very effective. The only thing required is creativity to utilize the space to its maximum capacity. The motto while decorating your home should be ‘No available space should be unused or under used’.
One way of creating an illusion of space is to use glass. Glass in its various forms can add elegance to a home. Add a piece of stained glass on the living room wall or a small bedroom can be made to look big by adding a huge mirror glass to the opposite wall of the bed. If your taste bends towards the rustic look, you could use earthy colors on the walls and add furniture made out of hardwood that has a rough look about it. This will add a very country type of look to your home. A tasteful blend of various styles and textures added with accessories and furniture from different origins and period can give your home an eclectic look.
In case you are looking for a very Indian traditional type of decor, a low bed seating with dark earthy shades or even furniture made out of cane wood with light and earthy wall colors can do wonders for your home. However, if your personality is more outdoorsy and you like the sun and wind, you can use floral prints on your sofa covers and table linen, plump cushions in bright colors and soft furniture with pine and oak. A city person who loves the modern way of living can use clean lines and simple contour and bold colors. Uncomplicated furniture of either glass, slate and metal define the home decor of such a person.
These are a few decorating styles that you can work with as suits your personality. You can also add curtains in soft shades with any of these styles of decorating and make your home the reality of your dreams.
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