If we talk about exotic styles in a modern interior, then, of course, the African direction of ethno-style takes the first place.
African style is imbued with the original creativity of tribes of this mysterious black continent. Its impulsive rhythm will appeal to energetic people, who are tired of using high technologies.
Africa means natural minimalism: simple forms, rough textures, and also ritual masks and authentic figurines, ivory, tortoiseshell, pearl shell, and gold. All of this looks luxurious in expensive European interiors and probably fits into any style.
One of the main advantages of African ethnic style is the use of environmentally friendly materials. Saturated colors, curved shapes and unusual textures create a sense of reality with magical properties. It isn’t necessary to turn the apartment into a kind of native hut, African style will fit perfectly into a modern interior. You won’t have to get rid of the usual furniture and appliances.
The main thing in African style is the color, rich and warm, reminiscent of hot deserts and savannahs. These are all shades of yellow and brown, ocher and orange, the color of baked milk. You can add a little blue and turquoise for contrast, but only a little. It is important that all colors are natural, no synthetic tones.
When renovating an apartment, you can try to capture the spirit of African continent, dwelling on nuances. These are zigzags and circles of all colors made from straw, leather and synthetic braid. Spotted draperies, heavy bracelets and ethnic beads. Stylized afro-ornaments imitating natural skins and skins of animals, inhabitants of the African savannah. Heavy furniture of very simple, geometric shapes, which is unusually close to sculpture. A ladder made of a tree trunk with branches-steps, folding low stools, huge wooden bowls.
And, of course, a real African interior is unthinkable without furniture using the skin of exotic animals. However, in our time, "crocodiles", "pythons" and "ostriches" are made from the most ordinary cowhide. Real skin of exotic animals is very expensive and not always durable, and beautiful fakes are not much different from the originals. And there are also collections of designer wallpapers imitating the skin of reptiles.
Floors in African interiors should be made of stone, of roughly treated large slabs. In conditions of an ordinary apartment, it will be porcelain stoneware, heated, of course. Or it may be "deck" floors of dark wood, preferably ebony. Wenge tree, that is in such a fashion now, perfectly imitates oak, if you give it the darkest possible shade.
And, of course, the details with which African style is primarily associated are traditional handicrafts. The choice of accessories is truly limitless: ceramic vases with catchy ornaments of rhombuses, circles, stripes. Those can be black and white. Brinded fabrics with the same ornament. Animal skins that you can make with your own hands from faux fur, leather scraps, a shoe or clothes brush with soft bristles and horsehair. Figurines and masks, naïve paintings, batik, wooden or clay bowls and vases, ethnic musical instruments, cushions embroidered with African animals or imitating the skins of wild animals.
Interior decoration in African style excites the imagination, creates a feeling of touching a mystery, something special. As exotic and grotesque as possible, it instantly breaks stereotyped ideas about what an interior should look like. Therefore, a little bit of imagination, quite a bit of money, and your home will become a small oasis of colors and sun among the dullness of modern civilization, for your pleasure and your neighbors’ envy.
