Introduction
The African Style is inspired by the culture and traditions of the lovely continent of Africa. Africa is composed of many countries with their own unique take on design and decorating, but each of these designs combines earthly and neutral tones with splashes of vivid and bright colors. The climate, natural conditions, and materials local to the continent can be incorporated into the design. The design is heavily influenced by nature, and this can be seen through decorations of tribal art, wooden figures, and animal prints.
7 Living Rooms That Will Inspire You
This colorful living room exemplifies a very traditional living room. Vivid colors are used throughout the wall, a concept favored in Africa. Blue is the primary color and can be seen through the walls and windows. Stained glass is also used in the windows. Bright and colorful fabric is also used for the couch and curtains. The elements are very eclectic, yet it is still cozy.
Warmer colors are used for this traditional African-style living room. Natural materials are used for the floors and ceiling of the space. An ethnic design is used for the carpet, and fabric with muted florals, a staple in Africa, is used for the couch. The area is decorated with wooden animals and classic light fixtures.
Another traditional African-style living room can be seen in the photo. The floor finish is a classic concrete floor that is widespread all over Africa. The walls are decorated with bamboo, while chairs are made of woven rattan. Textile fabric and wooden figures are also used as decor for the living room.
This fairly traditional living room starts to transition to a more modern one. Warm colors are still used in the room, and wood is still evident. A zebra skin is used for an ottoman, which adds to the room’s safari feel. Classic African-style fabrics are used for the couch, and a mask is used as decor in the room.
This living room is an example of a very modern African-style design. Earthy tones are used throughout the space, and wood is the primary material of the area. Throw pillows with tribal patterns sit on top of a modern gray couch, and similar designs can be seen in woven baskets as well. An illustration of an African woman is used as decor for the room.
A modern African-style design is depicted. White walls and light wood are used for a more modern feel. The gray couch also adds to the modernity of the living room. The carpet and pillows have different tribal patterns. Similar patterns can also be seen in the decor. A woven basket is also integrated for a traditional;l feel.
The modern and minimal living room utilizes earthy and neutral tones. A woven carpet is placed on the wooden floors. A beautiful brown color is used as wall paint, and two leather chairs and an ottoman complement the color palette. The cabinets have identical tribal patterns, and dried plants are placed around the room.
This modern African-style living room uses a black-color theme. Like the cabinet and a couch, black pieces of furniture are placed against the stunning black wall. Tribal patterns are found in the said cabinet and couch. A lighter-colored wood is used for the floors and furniture. Dried plants are also used as decor. The combination of black and light wood provides a cozy space.
How to Design an African Style Living Room
Furniture
The furniture of African-style living rooms uses one material: wood. Wood is practical, sustainable, and functional. It also comes in different variations, like light and dark wood, and can be painted. The material is very versatile and can be easily used in any design.
Pieces of furniture also includes center tables, ottomans, and cabinets. Tribal patterns can be incorporated through this furniture. Animal skins can also be used for a more safari African style.
Couch
Couches are seating areas that can be easily customized. Whether the color is vibrant or muted, tribal patterns and floral prints can be used. If the couch is a plain color, throw pillows with such prints can be used.
Simple chairs can also be used for a seating area.
Paint
The walls of an African-style room can be painted with neutral or vibrant colors. It helps with pulling the theme of the space altogether. When a vibrant color of paint is used, neutral elements can be used throughout the traditional African-style room. More neutral color paint is used for a modern African-style room.
Curtains
Along with other fabrics, curtains can have a neutral or printed design. Printed designs include tribal designs. More traditional African-style living rooms use curtains with tribal designs while the modern African-style living rooms stick to more neutral colors.
Decor
Since wood is the main material in African-style designs, the decor is mostly made out of wood. More traditional designs opt for wooden carvings and figures. They also incorporate decors with tribal designs. Animal skins and heads can be used as decor for living rooms inclined to the safari African-style designs. Modern African-style designs use little to no decor. This decor usually includes dried plants.
Components of African Style Home Decor
Traditional African Decor Style
This style is heavily influenced by the culture and traditions of Africa. It depicts traditional African homes all over the continent. Floors can be made of wood, but concrete floors are usually used, just like in Africa. Walls are made of neutral colors, giving a much warmer character. Fabrics used in the couches and curtains usually show tribal patterns and muted florals. Almost every decor is made of wood, and designs with tribal references are used. Religious masks are used as decor, and wood carvings are placed around the space. Animal skins and heads are also used for decor.
Modern African Decor
A modern and minimal touch is incorporated into traditional African-style design. The floor finishes are more practical and suitable for everyday living. Woven baskets and carpets are used as decor. Pieces of furniture have tribal designs to retain the traditional features of African-style decor. Couches and seating areas can also use tribal designs, but neutral colors are usually preferred. Unlike traditional decor, modern African decor has little to no wooden carvings. Instead, illustrations and photographs can be used to incorporate such. Dried plants in vases are also used as decor in modern African-style design.
Top Accessories to create an African Style Living Room Design
Vibrant colors can be used for a more traditional design
Traditional items and decor can be incorporated in the design
Tribal and safari designs can be used in traditional African-style spaces
Wooden material is utilized for the bookcases and furniture
Neutral and earthy tones can be used for a more modern African-style area
Dried plants and woven baskets are usually applied in modern African-style areas
Conclusion
African-style living rooms may be traditional or modern and customized to the user’s preference. This unique and diverse style is filled with creativity. Explosions of color create energy while retaining contrast. The African style is very dynamic and versatile. Whether it is traditional or modern, the design makes a space feel warm yet exciting.
