Africa has long remained a “conserved” continent that has not been exposed to other cultures. Therefore, the style that has formed in these open spaces has retained its primitive and archaic character. The homes of indigenous tribes, as a rule, are laconic, as the locals could not afford luxury and sophistication. It is this simplicity that attracts the attention of spoiled representatives of a more civilized society. Of course, the modern African style in the interior combines the features of many European trends with elements of local culture, that is, the atmosphere does not claim authenticity. We will talk about how to correctly add elements of the “black continent” to the situation.
The history of the formation of style and its main directions
The history of Africa has chosen a unique path for itself. The continent has not been subjected to the cultural influence of an intensely developing Europe for a long time, so the atmosphere of the typical dwelling of the native has preserved archaic features. The real “boom” in the African style came at the beginning of the last century. Although progressive European countries from the Middle Ages colonized part of these territories (mainly the North), the "race for Africa" began only towards the end of the 19th century. Until then, the black population was treated exclusively as a free labor force. No one was interested in the culture of local residents and the colonialists were in no hurry to bring something new to it. The whole continent was literally cut into zones of influence by France, England, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy. The expansion continued until the 60s of the last century. Although hungry for new territories of the state did not want to give up their possessions, a number of African tribes finally began an active struggle for independence. Ultimately, it grew into civil wars and an endless redistribution of land along with the locals living on it. African style, in fact, can be attributed immediately to two large groups of directions:
Ethnic
Colonial.
Ethnic is considered the maximum imitation of the authentic "interiors" of African homes. Since, unfortunately, most Africans live far below the poverty line, people who are accustomed to the benefits of civilization are unlikely to convert their comfortable apartments into mud huts. The colonial trend is the quintessence of African and European culture.The cultural founders of modernism, cubism and abstractionism contributed in large part to the popularization of style. Among artists, Africa was praised as a continent that managed to maintain a strong connection with nature. In this style, it was easy to find simplicity, to which painters of the new era gravitated, and inimitable color, admiring its light naivety. Even so far, African culture is considered exotic. In interiors, its influence is not so common. Designers consider the African style as an option “for a brave lover”, which is chosen only by those who are passionately attached to the “black continent”.
Features and Key Features
Two sub-directions were separated from the ethnic African style:
Moroccan;
Egyptian.
Moroccan is characterized by striking features of Arab culture. The Egyptian trend in this regard is more individual, as the interiors are unique. The African style in the broad sense of the word is characterized by common features:
Warm atmosphere through the use of yellow, brown, red colors.
Light walls covered with plaster (possibly with irregularities).
The use of only natural decor (from the usual plastic and glass will have to be abandoned).
Handmade textile.
Angular furniture made of wood, the surface of which was subjected to rough processing.
The abundance of natural materials in the decoration. As a rule, wood prevails.
“Animal” prints and patterns: “giraffe”, “zebra”, “leopard”, “lion”.
In the African style, a large number of thematic ornaments are used. They are used in textiles, decor and decoration. Also, the trend is characterized by an abundance of symbolism, since religion and traditional cults occupy a special place in culture.
Color spectrum
The color scheme of the African style consists exclusively of natural shades. Local residents have never sought to bring new colors to the interior palette.Only clothes can be motley in Africa, most of which are imported from developed countries. The color scheme of the interiors displays all four elements: water, earth, air and fire. The base base is collected from shades of brown: terracotta, ocher, chocolate, brick, sand, nut, sepia, coffee with milk, brown. It is supplemented with black, red, sometimes gray and surfaces painted blue or green using the “color mixing” technique, that is, with characteristic stains. The last two colors are used as bright accents. Since the African landscape consists predominantly of bare, cracked land with rare spreading trees, green crowns or blue springs with water are rare on it.
The choice of materials and finishing methods
African huts are usually a very unattractive sight. They are built from accessible materials, which primarily include branches, clay and straw. In fact, for the life that the local tribes lead, more is not required. Luxury apartments in the "wild" corners of this continent would look extremely inappropriate. But for the designers, who have to make adobe huts from comfortable apartments, the task is complicated, as from modern materials you need to create something similar to a primitive finish.
Walls
The walls in authentic interiors are usually made of clay. They can have various light shades: from the soft color of baked milk to ocher or sepia. In order to imitate the clay surface in a qualitative way, they use Venetian plaster, which has a special texture, texture wallpaper, or a combined version, where the relief is obtained using rough putty strokes.
The accent wall can be decorated with murals that depict a landscape with a savannah before sunset. A stylish solution is a coating that simulates cracked earth from drought.
Floor
When styling an interior in African style with the floor, problems can arise, since in huts it is usually earthen. Nobody will import soil into the apartment, so they use simple modern options: ceramic tiles, parquet boards. Tile, by the way, is used in Moroccan interiors, as it pleasantly cools the room, helping to escape from the heat. The coating is traditionally chosen in dark shades: brown, red, chocolate, dark brown.
Ceiling
In budget options, the ceiling surface is simply plastered without frills. If its height allows, then use decorative beams made of dark wood. It will be in perfect harmony with light stucco and give a special charm to the room. Stylish glossy stretch ceilings or frame constructions, sheathed with drywall, are used only in eclectic interiors, where modern details are mixed with ethnic ones. On such surfaces, sources of decorative lighting are additionally fixed, which emphasize the special relief of the walls and unusual, themed decor in the room.
Lighting Features
The African style uses soft, diffused light. An ideal option would be candles or bulbs, securely closed with shades of yellow or orange glass. The ceiling chandelier is chosen laconic from simple materials with a simple configuration. Particular attention is paid to additional and decorative lighting. The walls are decorated with paired sconces that emphasize the surface texture and decoration. Elongated lamps are placed on tables and on the floor.
The value of textiles in the interior
Textiles in primitive African huts are considered the main decoration. The floor must be covered with long tracks with transverse lines that are woven independently. As a rule, threads of various bright shades are used.In large rooms, the floor can be covered with short pile carpets or products that mimic the “thatched” texture. Curtains are used from coarse, plain fabrics. Sometimes resort to convenient rolled bamboo curtains. Although the material is not peculiar to Africa, windows and doors in many local huts are closed with similar canvases.
Furniture selection
For furniture sets, exclusively wooden elements with roughly processed surfaces are chosen. It should give the impression that each object is made handicraft. It is recommended to use stools typical for African interiors, chests for storing things, low tables. In the color palette, dark shades of brown are preferred. Upholstery of upholstered furniture is decorated with “animal” prints imitating the skins of African animals. If you choose leather surfaces, then with a complex texture for a crocodile, snake or hippo.
Decor Elements
Decor in the design of African interiors plays an important role. Locals love to decorate their homes with symbolic objects, which most often relate to religious cults. The main emphasis should be on small sculptures and masks. Figures of people (mainly women) have the wrong proportions, which does not mean the poor work of the master. It’s just that this area is characterized by wooden sculptures with elongated legs, necks, noses and elongated faces. In fact, in such art, primitive ideas about the “ideal” person are displayed. Suffice it to recall that in some tribes they specially put rings on their necks so that they become longer over time. A stylish addition to the decor on the walls will be masks. You should not get those images in which eyes are closed or clear animal features are traced. Such masks symbolize the deceased or are used in rituals by people who create a "temporary refuge" for evil spirits.It is better to choose elements that represent deities or certain characters in religious cults. Pottery will take a separate place in the decor: plates, pots, cups, jugs, vases. They decorate all rooms, regardless of functional purpose. Also in the decoration often use animal heads that adorn the walls. Of course, this is not about real animals, but their high-quality imitation (let's be humane). Do not forget to complement the interior with a living palm tree or a composition of dry twigs in a vase.
You can complete the decoration of the room with a spectacular panel or a picture on which symbolic signs are depicted. This decoration can be done with your own hands.
Kitchen interier
The African-style cuisine is laid out according to the principles of conciseness. In a traditional embodiment, the food is cooked on a stove. Of course, in modern apartments such units have never been seen. However, under the hearth, you can stylize the hood, finishing its surface with a material that simulates clay. The floor is decorated with dark shades. A tile will look stylish, the surface of which imitates sand or cracked earth. The kitchen apron is decorated with tiles with themed African patterns or the romantic landscape of the savannah. The lunch group is separated from the cooking area using a low, light partition made of twigs by the weaving method. A group of three or four lamps in “straw” caps is hung above it. The windows are curtained with light linen curtains. The walls are finished with moisture-resistant vinyl wallpaper with a "beast" print on the surface.
Style in the bedroom
As an inspiration, use a typical African landscape when decorating the bedroom: the setting sun that gilders the tops of rare baobabs and the sharp silhouettes of giraffes marching about their business. A typical picture for the savannah can be a source for creative ideas, and most importantly, it will create an interior filled with peace and tranquility. In the colors, use warm, soft shades of yellow and brown. By the way, they will contribute to calming and sound sleep.The ceiling is decorated with wooden beams, and the rest of the surface is finished with plaster shade of "baked milk". The rough wooden bed is covered with simple textile and decorated with a pair of dark colored pillows. The accent wall at the head is decorated with wicker or clay decor. Sconces and bedside tables are installed on both sides of the bed. The floor is covered with a soft carpet with a short pile. The walls are decorated with stucco or sheathed with light wooden panels. A stylish addition to the interior will be a large floor pot with a plant. The windows are closed with simple curtains with an ethnic pattern around the edges.
Living room design
The living room in the African style has a special touch and "warm" comfort. This direction is recommended to be used in the design of spacious rooms, where the use of dark shades will be justified. Upholstered upholstery decorates an upholstered furniture set. A sofa and a pair of armchairs (or stools) are placed near a round coffee table made of wood. The accent wall with a TV is decorated with stylish panels, murals or animal skin. Around hang masks. Wooden figures, vases with dry twigs are placed on horizontal surfaces, and staves are set up on the floor. The coffee table is decorated with an hourglass, "tusks" of elephants or a composition of candles. The floor is covered with paths, rugs or skins of zebras, lions, antelopes. The interior is complemented by a pair of wicker chairs by the window next to the bookshelf for a secluded holiday to the side.
Conclusion
African style is also easy to implement in the bathroom, hallway or nursery. The ethnic interior will definitely become a wonder, since such decoration even in cafes and bars is extremely rare, let alone apartments. Perhaps the only drawback of the style can be considered a complex combination with tight spaces. Its color scheme and the special texture of the surfaces used are so specific that it will simply clutter up a small room.
Africa has long remained a “conserved” continent that has not been exposed to other cultures. Therefore, the style that has formed in these open spaces has retained its primitive and archaic character. The homes of indigenous tribes, as a rule, are laconic, as the locals could not afford luxury and sophistication. It is this simplicity that attracts the attention of spoiled representatives of a more civilized society. Of course, the modern African style in the interior combines the features of many European trends with elements of local culture, that is, the atmosphere does not claim authenticity. We will talk about how to correctly add elements of the “black continent” to the situation.
Content
The history of the formation of style and its main directions
The history of Africa has chosen a unique path for itself. The continent has not been subjected to the cultural influence of an intensely developing Europe for a long time, so the atmosphere of the typical dwelling of the native has preserved archaic features. The real “boom” in the African style came at the beginning of the last century. Although progressive European countries from the Middle Ages colonized part of these territories (mainly the North), the "race for Africa" began only towards the end of the 19th century. Until then, the black population was treated exclusively as a free labor force. No one was interested in the culture of local residents and the colonialists were in no hurry to bring something new to it. The whole continent was literally cut into zones of influence by France, England, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy. The expansion continued until the 60s of the last century. Although hungry for new territories of the state did not want to give up their possessions, a number of African tribes finally began an active struggle for independence. Ultimately, it grew into civil wars and an endless redistribution of land along with the locals living on it. African style, in fact, can be attributed immediately to two large groups of directions:
Ethnic is considered the maximum imitation of the authentic "interiors" of African homes. Since, unfortunately, most Africans live far below the poverty line, people who are accustomed to the benefits of civilization are unlikely to convert their comfortable apartments into mud huts. The colonial trend is the quintessence of African and European culture.The cultural founders of modernism, cubism and abstractionism contributed in large part to the popularization of style. Among artists, Africa was praised as a continent that managed to maintain a strong connection with nature. In this style, it was easy to find simplicity, to which painters of the new era gravitated, and inimitable color, admiring its light naivety. Even so far, African culture is considered exotic. In interiors, its influence is not so common. Designers consider the African style as an option “for a brave lover”, which is chosen only by those who are passionately attached to the “black continent”.
Features and Key Features
Two sub-directions were separated from the ethnic African style:
Moroccan is characterized by striking features of Arab culture. The Egyptian trend in this regard is more individual, as the interiors are unique. The African style in the broad sense of the word is characterized by common features:
In the African style, a large number of thematic ornaments are used. They are used in textiles, decor and decoration. Also, the trend is characterized by an abundance of symbolism, since religion and traditional cults occupy a special place in culture.
Color spectrum
The color scheme of the African style consists exclusively of natural shades. Local residents have never sought to bring new colors to the interior palette.Only clothes can be motley in Africa, most of which are imported from developed countries. The color scheme of the interiors displays all four elements: water, earth, air and fire. The base base is collected from shades of brown: terracotta, ocher, chocolate, brick, sand, nut, sepia, coffee with milk, brown. It is supplemented with black, red, sometimes gray and surfaces painted blue or green using the “color mixing” technique, that is, with characteristic stains. The last two colors are used as bright accents. Since the African landscape consists predominantly of bare, cracked land with rare spreading trees, green crowns or blue springs with water are rare on it.
The choice of materials and finishing methods
African huts are usually a very unattractive sight. They are built from accessible materials, which primarily include branches, clay and straw. In fact, for the life that the local tribes lead, more is not required. Luxury apartments in the "wild" corners of this continent would look extremely inappropriate. But for the designers, who have to make adobe huts from comfortable apartments, the task is complicated, as from modern materials you need to create something similar to a primitive finish.
Walls
The walls in authentic interiors are usually made of clay. They can have various light shades: from the soft color of baked milk to ocher or sepia. In order to imitate the clay surface in a qualitative way, they use Venetian plaster, which has a special texture, texture wallpaper, or a combined version, where the relief is obtained using rough putty strokes.
Floor
When styling an interior in African style with the floor, problems can arise, since in huts it is usually earthen. Nobody will import soil into the apartment, so they use simple modern options: ceramic tiles, parquet boards. Tile, by the way, is used in Moroccan interiors, as it pleasantly cools the room, helping to escape from the heat. The coating is traditionally chosen in dark shades: brown, red, chocolate, dark brown.
Ceiling
In budget options, the ceiling surface is simply plastered without frills. If its height allows, then use decorative beams made of dark wood. It will be in perfect harmony with light stucco and give a special charm to the room. Stylish glossy stretch ceilings or frame constructions, sheathed with drywall, are used only in eclectic interiors, where modern details are mixed with ethnic ones. On such surfaces, sources of decorative lighting are additionally fixed, which emphasize the special relief of the walls and unusual, themed decor in the room.
Lighting Features
The African style uses soft, diffused light. An ideal option would be candles or bulbs, securely closed with shades of yellow or orange glass. The ceiling chandelier is chosen laconic from simple materials with a simple configuration. Particular attention is paid to additional and decorative lighting. The walls are decorated with paired sconces that emphasize the surface texture and decoration. Elongated lamps are placed on tables and on the floor.
The value of textiles in the interior
Textiles in primitive African huts are considered the main decoration. The floor must be covered with long tracks with transverse lines that are woven independently. As a rule, threads of various bright shades are used.In large rooms, the floor can be covered with short pile carpets or products that mimic the “thatched” texture. Curtains are used from coarse, plain fabrics. Sometimes resort to convenient rolled bamboo curtains. Although the material is not peculiar to Africa, windows and doors in many local huts are closed with similar canvases.
Furniture selection
For furniture sets, exclusively wooden elements with roughly processed surfaces are chosen. It should give the impression that each object is made handicraft. It is recommended to use stools typical for African interiors, chests for storing things, low tables. In the color palette, dark shades of brown are preferred. Upholstery of upholstered furniture is decorated with “animal” prints imitating the skins of African animals. If you choose leather surfaces, then with a complex texture for a crocodile, snake or hippo.
Decor Elements
Decor in the design of African interiors plays an important role. Locals love to decorate their homes with symbolic objects, which most often relate to religious cults. The main emphasis should be on small sculptures and masks. Figures of people (mainly women) have the wrong proportions, which does not mean the poor work of the master. It’s just that this area is characterized by wooden sculptures with elongated legs, necks, noses and elongated faces. In fact, in such art, primitive ideas about the “ideal” person are displayed. Suffice it to recall that in some tribes they specially put rings on their necks so that they become longer over time. A stylish addition to the decor on the walls will be masks. You should not get those images in which eyes are closed or clear animal features are traced. Such masks symbolize the deceased or are used in rituals by people who create a "temporary refuge" for evil spirits.It is better to choose elements that represent deities or certain characters in religious cults. Pottery will take a separate place in the decor: plates, pots, cups, jugs, vases. They decorate all rooms, regardless of functional purpose. Also in the decoration often use animal heads that adorn the walls. Of course, this is not about real animals, but their high-quality imitation (let's be humane). Do not forget to complement the interior with a living palm tree or a composition of dry twigs in a vase.
Kitchen interier
The African-style cuisine is laid out according to the principles of conciseness. In a traditional embodiment, the food is cooked on a stove. Of course, in modern apartments such units have never been seen. However, under the hearth, you can stylize the hood, finishing its surface with a material that simulates clay. The floor is decorated with dark shades. A tile will look stylish, the surface of which imitates sand or cracked earth. The kitchen apron is decorated with tiles with themed African patterns or the romantic landscape of the savannah. The lunch group is separated from the cooking area using a low, light partition made of twigs by the weaving method. A group of three or four lamps in “straw” caps is hung above it. The windows are curtained with light linen curtains. The walls are finished with moisture-resistant vinyl wallpaper with a "beast" print on the surface.
Style in the bedroom
As an inspiration, use a typical African landscape when decorating the bedroom: the setting sun that gilders the tops of rare baobabs and the sharp silhouettes of giraffes marching about their business. A typical picture for the savannah can be a source for creative ideas, and most importantly, it will create an interior filled with peace and tranquility. In the colors, use warm, soft shades of yellow and brown. By the way, they will contribute to calming and sound sleep.The ceiling is decorated with wooden beams, and the rest of the surface is finished with plaster shade of "baked milk". The rough wooden bed is covered with simple textile and decorated with a pair of dark colored pillows. The accent wall at the head is decorated with wicker or clay decor. Sconces and bedside tables are installed on both sides of the bed. The floor is covered with a soft carpet with a short pile. The walls are decorated with stucco or sheathed with light wooden panels. A stylish addition to the interior will be a large floor pot with a plant. The windows are closed with simple curtains with an ethnic pattern around the edges.
Living room design
The living room in the African style has a special touch and "warm" comfort. This direction is recommended to be used in the design of spacious rooms, where the use of dark shades will be justified. Upholstered upholstery decorates an upholstered furniture set. A sofa and a pair of armchairs (or stools) are placed near a round coffee table made of wood. The accent wall with a TV is decorated with stylish panels, murals or animal skin. Around hang masks. Wooden figures, vases with dry twigs are placed on horizontal surfaces, and staves are set up on the floor. The coffee table is decorated with an hourglass, "tusks" of elephants or a composition of candles. The floor is covered with paths, rugs or skins of zebras, lions, antelopes. The interior is complemented by a pair of wicker chairs by the window next to the bookshelf for a secluded holiday to the side.
Conclusion
African style is also easy to implement in the bathroom, hallway or nursery. The ethnic interior will definitely become a wonder, since such decoration even in cafes and bars is extremely rare, let alone apartments. Perhaps the only drawback of the style can be considered a complex combination with tight spaces. Its color scheme and the special texture of the surfaces used are so specific that it will simply clutter up a small room.