African style in the interior: the description and examples of 75 photos

Africa has long been "conserved" a continent that is not exposed to other cultures. So the style that emerged in these open spaces, preserved its primitive and archaic. Dwelling aboriginal tribes, usually decorated laconically, as local residents can not afford the luxury and pleasures. It is this simplicity and attracts the attention of representatives of spoiled more civilized society. Of course, contemporary African style in the interior combines the features of many European destinations with elements of the local culture, that is, the situation does not claim to authenticity. To learn how to add items to the "black continent" in the situation, and we will talk further.

History of style formation and its main directions

History of Africa chose a unique way. Continent for a long time not been subjected to the cultural influence of rapidly developing in Europe, so the atmosphere of a typical dwelling indigenous inhabitant has retained archaic features. This "boom" in the African style came at the beginning of the last century. Although progressive European countries since the Middle Ages have colonized some of these areas (mainly North), "Race for Africa" ​​began only at the end of the XIX century. Until then, to the blacks were treated exclusively as a free labor force. No one is interested in the culture of the locals and bring into it something new colonists were in no hurry. The whole continent is literally cut into the zone of influence of France, England, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy. The expansion lasted until the 60-ies of the last century. While those who hunger of new areas of the state did not want to abandon their possessions, some African tribes finally began to actively struggle for independence. Eventually, it grew into civil wars and endless redistribution of land, together with the local people who live on it. African style, in fact, can be attributed directly to the two large groups of areas:

• ethnic;
• Colonial.

Ethnic considered the maximum imitation of authentic "decor" African homes. So, unfortunately, the majority of Africans live far below the poverty line who are accustomed to the benefits of civilization, people are unlikely to convert their comfortable apartments in the mud huts. Colonial direction represents the quintessence of the culture of African and European. Popularize the style greatly contributed to the cultural founders of modernism, cubism and abstract art. Among the artists sung Africa, as a continent, who managed to retain a strong link with nature. In this style, it was easy to find easy to which gravitated painters of a new era, and a unique flavor, easy to admire his naivety. Even still considered exotic African culture. The interiors of its effect does not occur very often. Designers consider the African style, as a variant of "a bold lover", which selects only those who stuck with the soul of the "black continent".

Features and main features

From ethnic African style separate the two sub-clusters:

• Moroccan;
• Egyptian.

For Moroccan characterized by bright features of Arab culture. Egyptian direction in this regard, more individually as interiors characterized by uniqueness. African style in the broad sense of the word is characterized by common features:

• Warm atmosphere by the use of yellow, brown, red.
• The white walls covered with plaster (possibly with irregularities).
• The use of only natural decor (from the usual plastic and glass have to give).
• Handmade textiles.
• Angular furniture made of wood, the surface of which was subjected to rough handling.
• The abundance of natural materials in the finishing. Prevails, usually wood.
• "Animal" prints and patterns, "giraffe", "zebra", "leopard", "Lion".

The African style using a large number of thematic ornaments. They are used in textiles, decor and finishes. As for the direction characterized by an abundance of symbolism, as in the culture of a particular place is occupied by religion and traditional cults.

Color spectrum

The color scheme of the African style is composed exclusively of natural shades. Locals never sought to bring new colors to the palette of an interior. Variegated in Africa can only be clothing, most of which are imported from developed countries. The color scheme of the interior displays all the four elements: water, earth, air and fire. Basic foundation harvested from shades of brown: terracotta, ocher, chocolate, brick, sand, walnut, sepia, coffee with milk, brown. Complementing its black, red, sometimes gray and surfaces painted in blue or green in the art "mixing caramel", i.e. with typical stains. The last two colors are used as bright accents. Since African landscape consists mostly of bare, cracked earth with occasional spreading trees, green or blue crown water sources found it rare.

The choice of materials and methods of finishing

African hut are typically very unattractive sight. They were built from available materials, which primarily include twigs, clay and straw. In fact, for the life that lead the local tribes, nothing more is required. Luxury apartments in the "wild" parts of this continent would look very out of place. But for designers that need from comfortable apartments to make mud huts, the problem is complicated, because of modern materials you need to create something similar to the primitive finish.

Walls

The walls in the authentic interiors, as a rule, are made of clay. They may have different light colors: from soft colors of warm milk before ocher or sepia. To qualitatively simulate the clay surface, use Venetian plaster, which has special texture, textured wallpaper, or a combined version, where the relief is obtained by rough strokes putty.

Accent wall can decorate Desktop, which illustrate landscape savannah before sunset. Stylish solution would cover that mimics the cracked by drought the ground.

Floor

When styling the interior African style under the floor can cause problems, since it is usually an earthen huts. The apartment will be no one to deliver the soil, so use simple modern versions: ceramic tile, floorboard. Tiles, by the way, is used in the Moroccan interior, as it pleasantly cools the room, helping to escape from the heat. The coating usually chosen in the dark shades are brown, red, chocolate, dark brown.

Ceiling

As a budget option simply plastered ceiling surface with no frills. If its height allows, use decorative beams of wood of dark shades. It will blend in perfectly with a light plaster and give a special charm to the room. Stylish glossy ceilings or frame structures sheathed gypsum board, used only in eclectic interiors where modern details mixed ethnic. On such surfaces, in addition fix the decorative lighting sources that highlight the special topography of the walls and unusual themed decor in the room.

lighting Features

The African style using a soft, diffused light. The ideal option would be a candle or a light bulb is securely closed shades of yellow or orange glass. Uncluttered ceiling chandelier is selected from simple materials with uncomplicated configuration. Particular attention is paid to additional and decorative lighting. The walls are decorated with twin lamps that highlight the texture of the surface finishing and decoration. On the tables and on the floor put the elongated lamps.

Meaning of textiles in the interior

Textiles in primitive African huts considered the main decoration. Gender necessarily dim long tracks with transverse lines that are woven independently. Typically, the use of various filament bright shades. In large rooms carpeted floor can be short-pile or products imitating "straw" texture. Curtains use of coarse, plain fabrics. Sometimes resort to convenient roller blinds made of bamboo. Although the material is not peculiar to Africa, like the paintings close the windows and doors in many local huts.

The choice of furniture

For furniture sets selected exclusively wooden elements with roughly treated surfaces. It should give the impression that each object is made handicraft. It recommends the use of typical African interior stools, chests for storage, low table. The color palette prefer darker shades of brown. Upholstery adorn the "animal" prints that mimic skin African animals. If you choose the leather surface, with a complex texture of crocodile, snake or a hippopotamus.

elements of decor

The decor in the design of African interior plays an important role. Local love to decorate their homes with symbolic objects, which often belong to religious cults. The main emphasis should be placed on a small sculpture and masks. Figures of people (mostly women) have irregular aspect ratio that is not to say a bad wizard. Just for this area is characterized by a wooden sculpture with long legs, necks, noses and long faces. In fact, in this art are displayed primitive ideas about "ideal" man. Suffice it to recall that in some tribes specifically put the rings on the neck, so that they were elongated with time. Stylish addition to the decor of the walls will be a mask. It is not necessary to acquire those images, in which the eyes are closed or animal can be traced clear facial features. These masks symbolize the dead, or used in the rites of people who pose for evil spirits "temporary shelter". Better to choose the elements that represent deities or certain characters in religious cults. A special place in the decoration will take pottery: plates, pots, cups, pitchers, vases. They are decorated with all the facilities, regardless of functionality. Also in the decoration often use animal heads that adorn the walls. Of course, we are not talking about real animals, and their high-quality simulation (let's be humane). Do not forget to complement the interior living palm tree, or a composition of dry twigs in a vase.

Complete the decoration of the room can be a spectacular mural or painting, which shows the symbolic signs. This decoration can be made with your own hands.

Kitchen interier

Kitchen in the African style is made for laconic principles. In the conventional embodiment, food is cooked on a stove. Of course, in modern apartments of units he has never met. However, under the hearth can be styled hood, finished with the surface material imitating clay. Floor decorated with tiles in dark colors. Will look stylish tiles, which mimics the surface sand and cracked earth. Kitchen apron decorated with tiles with African patterns or thematic romantic scenery savannah. Dining group is separated from the cooking zone by means of low, light partition walls, made of twigs weaving method. Above it hung a group of three or four lamps in the "straw" caps. Window curtain light linen curtains. The walls are lined with water-resistant vinyl wallpaper "animal" print on the surface.

Style in the bedroom

As inspiration for the design of bedrooms using a typical African landscape: the setting sun, which gilds the tops of rare baobab and sharp silhouettes giraffes striding about his business. A typical picture for Savannah can be a source for creative ideas, and most importantly - will create the interior, filled with peace and serenity. The color palette, 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 of the plaster trim color "warm milk". Rough wooden bed cover simple fabrics and decorated with a pair of pads dark colors. Accent wall at the head is decorated with a braided or clay decor. On either side of the bed mounted sconces and bedside tables. Sex coated soft carpet with short pile. The walls are decorated with plaster or sheathe light wood paneling. A stylish complement to the interior will be a large outdoor pot plant. Windows close curtains with simple ethnic patterns on the edges.

living room design

Living in an African style has a special flavor and a "warm" comfort. This direction is recommended to use in the design of the spacious rooms, where the use of dark colors will be justified. Soft furniture set is decorated with "animal" upholstery. A sofa and a couple of chairs (or stool) are arranged around a circular coffee table made of wood. Accent wall is decorated with a stylish TV panels, photo wallpapers, or animal skins. Hung around the mask. On horizontal surfaces put wooden figurines, vases with dry branches, and on the floor hoisting staffs. Coffee table decorated with the hourglass, "tusks" elephants or composition of candles. Paul veiled runners, mats or skins of zebras, lions, antelopes. Complement the interior of a pair of wicker chairs by the window next to the bookshelf for secluded relaxation in a corner.

conclusion

African style is also easy to implement in the bathroom, hallway and a nursery. Ethnic interior clearly become a rarity, since such a design, even in restaurants and bars is extremely rare that we talk about the apartments. Perhaps the only drawback of the style can be considered a complex combination of a confined space. Its color palette and a special texture used surfaces are so specific that will spam is simply a small room.