How to pull-off African decor

African décor is one of the unique décor styles that blends well and defines an individual when properly done. However, should it be overdone, it can make the room look crowded.
If you want to pull off an admirable African look, you need to mix it. Andrew Mbabazi, an interior designer with Erimu Limited, says, you can incorporate African and modern styles, which is called the African contemporary style.

How to achieve it
With African contemporary, you can have African print draperies with cushion covers and plain chairs or use mats for lamp covers. Who says it is only colour brown to dominate the home? African décor when properly done can elaborate a distinguished look. However, “it can be boring when overdone and if you do not want to have it for a long time, especially if you are the kind that gets bored with a particular décor type, incorporate it in the curtains and cushion covers.

Colours
Every interior décor style is defined by a colour or two that helps distinguish and define it from the various styles that exist. Consider colours such as; brown, black, white, soft white, cream and crafty grey. Depending on what you want, there are no restrictions as to which colour can go where.
Tinah Karungi, a sales executive, highlights that she incorporates African décor into her home although she confesses that she follows no specific formula.

“I just make sure that everything matches and looks good where it is placed. I have tiles in my living room that are brown similar to wood to give it an African feel,” Karungi notes.
Ronald Edmund Sesanga, an interior designer with Furniture Fittings in Ntinda recommends, “the best start for one interested in African décor in their home is to use sculptures curved out of wood since African décor is usually associated with wood. The wood creates an African feeling in the home.”

Walls
Give your walls a dark feel by using more pictures that speak African. “You can incorporate mat frames and hang them on the walls”. Sesanga further recommends that you can paint the wall to look like clay as this creates a soothing feel in the room. This will attract and appeal to every visitor you will get at your home.
Lighting
Sesanga and Mbabazi recommend the use of lanterns. You can use lanterns for lighting as this creates a traditional feeling. Alternatively, you can place bulbs in lantern holders. You can seal the look by using mats on the floor.

Caution
The advantage with African décor is that you can almost get away with anything. You can design according to your culture. However, do not clutter; avoid too much stuff in a small place and have a focal point that should act as the center of attraction, Gloria Kawuma an interior designer recommends.
Some of these items such as the area rug, the contemporary chair can be bought at Biplous Uganda limited.

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