AfrikBoutik Blog

The African Decor Influence: How African Decor Inspires Other Style Trends

African decor continues to fuel patterns, styles and designs of interior fashion throughout the world. Year after year the continent of African continues as one of the world’s largest resources of new home decor ideas.

The exotic design motifs has the benefit of complimenting almost any room atmosphere or environment. Multitudes of designers use it to create rooms of spice, excitement and pizzazz to a relaxing room filled with tranquility, peace and calm. The only limit to your mood? Your imagination.

You can confidently use it as the dominant theme for a room ,or as a bold accent piece to add excitement to a dull space. African home decor celebrates its appeal by adapting to large mansion-like rooms to a cramped single apartment. Whatever your bank account, there’s a unique accent piece just right for you.

For instance, In days gone by African art sat idly in stuffy museums throughout the world. Now more people find they can give a cultural lift to their home, office, or apartment – without adding a sense or feel of stuffiness.

The visual impact of Africa themed decor continues slowly impacting more home interiors each day. As a result, African home accessories continue growing toward more mainstream home designers and interior decorators. Many use the colors, textures, patterns and designs to create their own styles and moods.

You’ll often find the African inspired styles reflected in more contemporary design choices. More elements continue to expand and cross into other interior styles, cultures, and themes as a result. Whether it’s the fabrics, the materials, or the hand-made craftsmanship, African interior design tastefully mixes creativity with centuries of culture and history.

The quiet spiritual connection to the continent remains a popular theme of people who favor African decor more and more. “The style quietly grows on you “, said one converted shopper and collector. That’s the feeling of a growing number of people across the globe.

Most of the craftsmen and women who fashion African decor view their skills and talents one-way. They see it not just as a commercial endeavor or idle hobby of leisure, but as a spiritual endeavor and life’s mission or purpose. Because of this commitment they patiently work to fashion the wooden sculpture, the figurine, weave the colorful basket or any other piece to reflect their pride and mastery to the world.

The rich culture of Africa home accents comes from proud generations of people. These working people take the spirit of nature contained in the wood, clay, stone, metal and other natural materials. Next they give back by chiseling, crafting , and polishing beauty from the piece of wood, clay, stone, metal or other natural material they’ve taken.

It’s predicted more will grow to appreciate and use the exotic interior themes and elements to enhance a space or room in their home. More interior designers will continue to receive inspiration and adapt many of the patterns, designs and textures to the growing consumer demand of African decor.

Using African Decor For Entryways

African decor can add spice and zing to any sleepy or boring entryway in your home. For example, an African framed or textured mirror on an entryway wall can add an element of space and openness. A mirror placed correctly on a sleepy entry wall can give any dreary space added life and sparkle. A skillfully placed mirror can perform multiple interior design duties. For example, an African styled mirror can add the illusion of space and depth to your entrance.

If placed across from a window, a mirror will help to reflect sunlight and make your entryways lighter and brighter. Nothing greets a guest to your home better than a bright and cheerful entrance. For your entryway consider an African patterned or Moroccan flavored rug or other floor covering. You’ll find rugs or other types of floor coverings with colored patterns work to hide dirt, scuffs and wear.

For that African feel, you can give your entry a warm, cozy feeling by using natural or organic floor coverings. Natural materials like wool, cotton, even sea grass and many other organic floor materials will give any floor the African interior look many people desire.

Greet Your Guest With A Touch of African Flair

African textures and designs for an entry provides an exciting and spicy first impression for visitors. African wall decor can help to great your guest without taking up valuable space. African wall accents is a quick way to add depth and uniformity most boring and fractured entryways lack. One of the first places someone walking into your home looks is on your walls, do they reflect the right mood to your guest?

African mosaic wall or floor decor, such as mosaic tiles can give a boost to your depressing entrance. The exotic and adventurous look of North African Moroccan tiles feel of a Moroccan palace.

Planning African interior designs and accents will help to add character and clarity to any listless entrance. With so many colors, textures, patterns and styles to choose from, you’re limited only by your creativity and vision. With so many choices available, you have the benefit of adapting an element of African decor to any interior design challenge you may face, whether it’s big or small.

African Accents Can Balance Other Design Choices

Most African decor blends well with any contemporary or traditional interior decor you may already have. You can use an African accent to enhance your other design choices. You can often use certain African design pieces to help balance the rest of your decor choices.

African home decor can do more to create the mood you want your entrance to convey. For example, your entryway can reflect a bold and exciting atmosphere, a warm and cozy mood or a combination of styles. The flexibility continues as a popular benefit of using African accents.

Yes, the entrance to your home reflects the mood and personality of it’s owner to visitors. What does your entryway say about you to your quest? By using African decor you have a variety of ways to express your mood, attitude or sense of adventure.

Author: Roy Primm

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.

The Spiritual History of the African Mask

The creation and history of the African Mask is one steeped in meaning and tradition. The art of carving the African mask was often taught to young men who were apprenticed to master carvers. In other cases, the art of making masks and sculptures to be used in spiritual ceremonies was passed down in families from one generation to the next.

Rich with symbolic meaning, the African mask was treasured for its spiritual quality, as opposed to its aesthetic appearance. People living in different parts of African would produce art unique to their own culture. Here are some fascinating examples:

The Goma Mask

The Goma African mask was produced by people living near Lake Tanganyika, which is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This style of mask is elongated, with a dome at the top of the face. This style of mask also features a pattern of shapes carved into the forehead and face.

The Punu Mask

This style of African mask captures what is considered a beautiful female face by Gabon’s Punu tribe. This style features hair pulled up high on top of the head, with eyes carved in a shape that reminds one of an Asian woman. A Punu mask is sometimes painted white to represent the spirits of long-dead ancestors.

The Ligbi Mask

This celebratory African mask comes from the Ivory Coast. It features an elongated shape with wings on the side. The mouth is carved in the shape of a rectangle. Ligbi masks are used as part of Islamic holiday celebrations.

The Baule Mask

The Baule people carve African masks to be worn while dancing during harvest festivals. The mask’s round shape is a reminder of the Sun, the source of all life. These people respect the tremendous power possessed by the water buffalo which is represented by the horns carved into the top of the mask.

The remarkable thing about the African mask is that each culture has created a unique version to represent the spirit of its tribe. Today westerners appreciate the African Mask for its history, artistry, and ability to represent the owners unique taste and appreciate of diverse cultures.

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Creation and Communication in a Djembe Drum

The African Djembe drum is a traditional instrument that is used for communication, healing, and the spiritual joy inspired by movement. A Djembe drum is an African percussion instrument which the player holds between their legs. A strap attached to the drum is placed around the musician’s neck to stabilize the instrument while being played. Some players choose to sit with the drum tilted slightly forward.

Today’s Djembe drum is fashioned out of wood from the Djem tree. The wood is carved into an hourglass shape in one piece using a method that has been carefully handed down through the generations. The method of creation is important since the artists believe that drums made from several pieces don’t have the soul of the tree in them. The soulful aspect of this instrument is essential to the musicians who use it. To complete the aesthetic and acoustic properties of the djembe drum goat, antelope, zebra, or calf skin is stretched over the top of the drum; this is referred to as “be” skin. The name “Djembe” is taken from the combination of the two words.

The drum is played with bare hands; part of the experience of playing a djembe drum is in the tactile nature of the experience. The thickness of the wood and the quality of the skin chosen to fashion it both affect the tone of the instrument when completed, and the feel experience by the musician.

The Djembe Drum as a Means of Communication

The Djembe drum was originally used as a way to send signals to other tribes since its sound could carry over great distances. In some cases, several drummers, working in a type of sound relay, would send important messages throughout the continent using this method.

A Healing Drum

The Djembe drum has been used as part of healing ceremonies for centuries. The sound of the Djembe drum is soothing to the spirit, and it is also known to inspire dance and movement. Modern people are rediscovering how comforting the rhythm of a Djembe drum can be; this instrument is being used at corporate team-building functions to bring harmony to the group. Playing the drum is also a great way to relieve stress – it can be argued that people have plenty of that these days. The combined beauty, intrinsic soulful feeling, and heart-pounding rhythm this djembe drum represents explains its continued popularity throughout the ages.

Decorating with African Art Creates Soulful Environments

Decorating with African art brings a unique look to your home or office. A number of options are available and you can feature one interesting piece or showcase an entire room in this style.

Choosing a Single Piece When Decorating with African Art

When you are planning your room, you may want to start with a single piece of art. Decorating with African art doesn’t have to be elaborate. You can start with a colorful batik wall hanging in bright colors, a hand-painted Korhogo cloth, or a Gabon mask. If you prefer not to display the art on your walls, you still have a number of options for decorating with African art. Since the piece you choose can represent your unique inner spirit; the options are highly individual and virtually endless.

Small pieces can add interest to your decor as well. Good choices include a hand-carved kisii stone elephant, a decoupage vase, or a carved chess set featuring animal pieces. Ebony bowls are available at reasonable prices and a “talking drum” displayed in your room will be certain to get conversations going.

Kisii Stone Plate Centers a Room

Another striking choice when decorating with African art is a kisii stone plate. This material is also known as soapstone. A multicolored effect is created by applying natural dyes to the surface of the stone. The stone absorbs the colors, making a kisii stone plate a wonderful option for decorating with African art. The piece can be hung on a wall or displayed on a table or a shelf using a stand.

Supporting African Artists

Another great reason for decorating with African art is that by buying these pieces, you are supporting the talented artisans who created them. Artists put their heart and soul into the items they draw, paint, weave, or fashion; and we give them a wonderful acknowledgment for their efforts by buying these items. The artist also benefits from the financial support we provide to them by buying their artwork.

Any decorative element you choose speaks loudly about your inner spirit, tastes, and style. Decorating with African Art gives you the chance to express your flair, passions, or social commentary without uttering a single word.

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A Jungle In Your Home With Safari Decoration

If you are interested about creating a unique jungle ambience in your home, try safari decorating. It’s an innovative way of using jungle decor, natural items, animal prints and earthwork to give a thrilling dimension to your home. Children have lots of fun with this exotic style. It all depends on your creativity and your ideas to simulate the most close-to-natural feelings with this interesting decor in your home.

To create the jungle ambience in your home, you need plants, animal knick knacks, special lights, safari accessories, jungle paintings and lots of things made of natural items like woods, twigs, and stones. Most of these items are readily available in the market. You can begin by sprucing up the windows. Curtains, drapes, shutters and blinds have everything to do with the jungle theme. Jungle printed curtains and wooden fittings are very popular. Your painting has to be commensurate with the general jungle ambience. Dark and bold shades create the most natural and stimulating jungle backdrop. Wooden furniture, floral, fern or animal print fabric upholstery and bamboo and rattan items go very well with the jungle and safari theme.

Lights create special effects in crafting the jungle theme. Animal and plant themed lights, zebra prints lamps, control devices like dimmer can really work up a terrific jungle environment right in your home. Most of these lamps and shades are available in the market. Another important item in a safari decorating theme is a rug. Rugs shaped and colored like animal skins create natural effects. You can also try rugs with animal and plant prints in sharp, striking and contrast colors. Natural sisal mats are also a great choice for the floors.

The idea of safari is never complete without the tale of African safari. Obviously, no safari decoration is complete without a special focus on the African safari and its accessories. Use the tall grassland, Savanna concepts in doing up the safari theme. Wall papers with shades in creme and visions of the tall grasses and trees can decorate the walls. Putting some items that typically represent the typical tribal African culture like masks, headgears, ethnic dresses and ornaments can really liven up a true African safari ambience. African paintings are also another great decorating item. By positioning the articles in a creative way and using appropriate light and shade effects that is very representative of a jungle, you can have a real safari feel right in your home. Though you can do most of the work yourself, you can get the services of expert safari decorators to create a perfect jungle safari ambience in your home.

How to Get Top Quality African Art at Affordable Prices

African art, crafts, and clothing are more popular than ever in North America and Europe. People love the way genuine African items let them connect with a peaceful, thoughtful world view that is the hallmark of many African cultures.

These days headlines in the West frequently report on Africa. Millions of tourists fly, ride, and even walk all over Africa every year. Because African art is so impressive and so uplifting — while being quite affordable — visitors and tourists almost always bring art, clothing, and crafts back home with them.

Why all the interest in Africa? Africa is different. Go to just about any large African city and you’ll see what I mean. The downtown area may be populated with high rise buildings and people wearing business suits. It may not look all that different from the business districts of Chicago or Paris.

But then take a look at how people are getting to and from work. Most don’t drive, they walk, often for miles. Huge freeway-sized paths filled with thousands of people walking flow in and out of the city.

That’s often a Western visitors first clue that being born and raised in Africa helps you see the world in a dramatically different way. The more time you spend in Africa, the more you begin to appreciate the open, relaxed, thoughtful, and inspired view that permeates society. It can be a big breath of fresh air for anyone who normally lives in the hustle and bustle of LA, London, or even Albuquerque.

African art items deeply capture important aspects of the cultures in which they are created. A very skilled artisan can create an African mask, sculpture, or piece of jewelry that gives you a profound spiritual boost every time you see it.

Today you no longer have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to travel to Africa in order to get truly top quality art. Art experts living in Africa are working with Western business to establish ways to efficiently export quality art to consumers in the West.

Many of these changes happened when my long-time friend Joseph Bilson, who is an art expert in Ghana, West Africa, joined with me to figure out a way to make all the great art he was seeing in Africa available to people in the West. We soon realized we could create a web site called AfrikBoutiK.com, we put high quality photos of our art items on it, and let people purchase the art with credit cards through an e-commerce system.

Rather than convince the likes of Wal-Mart or Bloomingdales to carry the art, no doubt with a huge markup, we are able to bring Africa’s best art directly to the consumer at a dramatically lower price.

More so now than ever in history, the connective power of the Internet is making even the best art in Africa readily available to interested people all over the world.