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While trends in interiors rise and fall, chairs are often seen as the most mundane piece of furniture. They’re also interesting sites of opportunity for reinvention. The simple and universal chair tells the story of design more clearly than any other object. Its evolution maps shift in power, technology, domestic life, and our changing relationship with comfort. A quiet constant of our lives, it waits for us at the dining table, holds us through long conversations, caters towards community, supports us as we work, and receives us at the end of the day when the body finally asks to rest. More than any other piece of furniture, the chair captures how we live. To understand the chair is to also understand ourselves as people. Let’s take a look at this item through the ages. 

1800s: Status and hierarchy

In the 19th century, chairs were markers of status. Heavy, carved wooden seating reinforced class distinctions and social order. Sitting upright was a moral and cultural expectation, particularly in public and formal domestic spaces. Then in 1859, Michael Thonet’s Chair No. 14 changed everything. Using steam-bent beechwood, it reduced the chair to six components that could be mass-produced and flat-packed with ease. Affordable and lightweight, it suited cafés, restaurants, and growing urban life. Culturally, this chair reflected a society moving towards industrialisation and shared public space, where sitting was no longer reserved for royals or the elite. 

1920s: Modernism and a new way of living

The inter-war years embraced technology and structure. Designers rejected ornament and tradition, favouring efficiency and rational design. Chairs became expressions of the machine age, embracing geometry and strong symmetry. The iconic Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer (1925), made from tubular steel and thick leather or canvas, embodied this shift. Inspired by bicycle frames, it used strong industrial materials that were not associated with domestic furniture or reflective of Bauhaus design philosophies. Its functionality and linear openness suited modern apartments and progressive lifestyles, suited towards the optimism in industry as well as the belief that design could reshape society. 

1950s & ’60s: A modern family home

Post-war, society turned inward and homes became spaces that sought solace, introspection as well as family time. Design became more human-centred and emotionally engaging. The Eames Lounge Chair (1956), redefined luxury as comfort. A design we all know and love, its moulded plywood shell and leather upholstery embraced the body rather than correcting it. Around the same time, Arne Jacobsen’s 1955 Series 7 chair, offered a lightweight, stackable solution for modern living, perfectly suited to smaller homes and communal spaces. Together, these designs reflected a culture balancing new hopes, desired peace and stability. 

1970s: No rules, but experimentation

The 1970s rejected rigid social structures. Living became more casual, and interiors followed suit. Seating moved closer to the ground, encouraging relaxed postures and a sense of communal living. Michel Ducaroy’s Togo (1973) playfully represents this cultural shift, formed entirely out of a soft, unstructured foam. Earlier in 1967, Verner Panton’s Panton chair captured the era’s fascination with new materials as well as expressive form in a sculptural, single-piece plastic chair.

These designs suited a generation questioning tradition and embracing the extraordinary. 

@alexandyuyu Episode 2 | Design You Need To Know: The Panton Chair 👽 Alex & YuYu are breaking down the “impossible” 1960s icon that took 10 years to perfect. Verner Panton wanted to kill the traditional chair legs and replace them with this Space Age cantilever curve. It took a legendary collaboration with Vitra to finally crack the code of the world’s first single-mold plastic chair. From broken prototypes to the Pop Art legend it is today, this is the history of a design that was decades ahead of its time 🪑✨ Follow for episode 3 Masterpiece of too edgy for your home? 👇 #designtok #designhistory #pantonchair #spaceage #designyouneedtoknow ♬ original sound – Alex & Yuyu

1980s: The chair as art

In the 1980s, furniture became a statement. Chairs were no longer a neutral piece of functional design, but rather grew to express personality, ideology and wealth embraced through colour, exaggeration and symbolism. The Carlton Chair by Sottsass (1981) challenged the idea that seating had to prioritise comfort. It functioned as a cultural artefact, reflecting postmodernism’s spirited rejection of traditional modernist restraint. Gaetano Pesce’s UP5 chair (1969), was made popular in the ’80s with its anthropomorphic form that turned seating into art.

These designs mirrored a decade obsessed with visibility and self-expression made possible through design and technological innovation. 

@admiddleeast It was 1968, and Gaetano Pesce was in the shower. “I had the sponge in my hand,” explains the Italian designer. “When I pressed the sponge, it shrank, and when I released it, it returned to its original volume.”An idea occurred: Couldn’t a chair behave the same way? Today, we take a look back at Pesce’s revolutionary feminist seat. For more iconic chairs – from ones that zig-zag to others on which you perch precariously – discover AD’s selection of 7 iconic dining chairs that just make sense. #upchair #gaetanopesce #designicons #feminism ♬ original sound – AD Middle East

‘90s & early 2000s: Minimalism and global living  

 As lifestyles became more mobile and globally shared by means of a digital revolution, design grew quieter and more versatile. Homes required multifunctional and less formal design. A reimagined plastic chair, moulded out of a simple length of plastic tube, Jasper Morrison’s Air Chair (1999) offered simplicity, durability as well as adaptability made perfect for everyday use. In 2002, Philippe Starck’s Louis Ghost Chair similarly reinterpreted the chair’s historical form through transparent plastic, reflecting a new culture that valued irony, accessibility and mass appeal.  As an emerging digital landscape monopolised mainstream culture, chairs resorted to functionality as flexible living tools rather than fixed design statements. 

2010+: Soft modernism and craft

This era marked a shift away from stark minimalism toward warmth, tactility, and emotional connection. As digital life accelerated beyond belief, interiors became places of retreat as design began catering to personal refuge. Chairs grew softer, more enveloping and more expressive of craft. Patricia Urquiola’s Husk Chair (2011) exemplified this era’s desire for comfort without heaviness. Its quilted shell and modular cushions reflected a culture craving softness and adaptability. Jaime Hayon’s Ro Chair (2013), with its high back and cocoon-like form, responded to a need for privacy within open-plan homes. This decade’s seating mirrored a generation balancing online connectivity with a desire to slow down. Here, chairs became places to withdraw, not just to sit. 

The Present: Hybrid living and concious comfort

The 2020s are defined by blurred boundaries, a time where history repeats itself and the future faces us head-on. Our living situations are reflective of this, as dining rooms double as offices, or living rooms host meetings, meals and rest. Chairs must work harder than ever. Jasper Morrison’s HAL Chair (2014), ahead of its time, has become a staple of this era, unassuming, minimal and ergonomic. Herman Miller’s Gaming Chair (2020), on the other hand, is representative of today’s chronically online society, made for long hours of sitting facing a screen. Chairs today are signs of the times, hopelessly in flux, as we find ourselves relishing in nostalgic designs and planning for the inevitable future.  

Beyond: The future of sitting

The future of the chair moves beyond static form. Designers are increasingly working with algorithms, biology and responsive materials to create seating that adapts to the body and environment. Luxury brand Kartell and designer Philippe Starck have embraced AI, generating a family of chair designs that use artificial intelligence to create minimalist, structural designs made out of recycled materials. Studios like FormaFantasma challenge the industry with recycled electronic waste seating concepts, speaking to a culture grappling with overconsumption. Studio Nucleo’s bio-grown design Terra (2000) has been reborn with their infamous laser cut cardboard frame that can be filled with soil and grass seed to become a fully grown lawn armchair. Looking forward, chairs may be grown rather than built and printed rather than assembled.  

Words: Caludia Da Silva 
Photography: Getty Images, Pexels, Freepik, Future Content Hub, Shutterstock

Also read: Elegant update revives Cape Town’s Victorian charm

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A home, like a magazine, tells a story. It is incredibly personal – an extension of who we are, who we were and who we’re becoming. Our tastes are shaped by memory, culture, aspiration and instinct, but trends have always acted as gentle signposts along the way. They mark time. They mirror moods. They tell us what the world was craving in a particular moment.  

When Livingspace was born in 2010, the world – and the way we lived – was shifting. Since then, this magazine has guided readers through the evolution of interiors with curiosity, discernment and heart. From the rise of DIY culture to millennial grey, from maximalist joy to the language of African luxury, this magazine has not just documented trends — it has lived with them. As we close this final issue, we look back at two decades of decor through the Livingspace lens.  

As we closes this chapter, the story of interiors continues — evolving, adapting and reflecting not just who we are, but how we live. Trends will come and go, but the heart of a home remains constant: it is a place to return to. To express yourself. To belong.  

The 2010s  

The early 2010s were shaped by restraint and resourcefulness. In the shadow of the late-2000s recession, homes leaned into honesty: raw materials, visible imperfections and pieces with a past life. The overly polished gave way to the tactile. Texture mattered. It was the beginning of a more emotional relationship with interiors — one that Livingspace instinctively understood from its very first pages. As this sensibility grew, it paved the way for the defining home trends of the 2010 era.  

Pink had a moment 

The 2010s were bold in colour, driven by a new desire to be seen. Instagram launched in October 2010, and suddenly interiors were no longer just lived in, they were documented as well. Blush pink quietly entered our homes early in the decade but by 2016, millennial pink had become a cultural shorthand for softness, optimism and modern femininity. No season, collection or space was complete without a hint of pink – warm, playful and surprisingly timeless. 

Going green 

From 2015 onwards, greenery moved from just an accent to an obsession. As social media crowned a new generation of “plant parents”, homes began to fill with life. Monstera leaves unfurled in living rooms, palms softened hard architectural lines and trailing vines turned shelves into scenes worth photographing. Green also became the colour of the decade in more ways than one. From deep emerald to turquoise-tinged hues, it worked its way onto walls, tiles and textiles. 

Industrial core 

The industrial trend came into its own as a rebellion against the glossy interiors of the early noughties. Salvaged furniture, exposed brick, concrete floors and reclaimed wood defined the look. Upcycling wasn’t just practical – it was political, creative and cool. Spaces felt assembled rather than styled, layered rather than finished. A little more rough around the edges, and proudly so.  

Let it shine 

Once dominated by chrome, the decade quickly warmed up. Gold and brass shed their “blingy” reputation and re-emerged as refined, grounding accents. From taps and lighting to furniture and tiles, metallics brought glow and gravitas. Copper followed closely behind, first introduced through industrial piping and later embraced for its warmth and versatility. 

The 2020s 

If the 2010s were about discovery, the 2020s have been about depth. A collective shift towards comfort, sustainability and meaning redefined how we think about beauty at home. Minimalism softened and perfection loosened its grip. This is the era of lived-in luxury – where quality trumps quantity and spaces are designed to hold real life. As this new philosophy took hold, it shaped a set of unmistakable home trends in 2020.  

Off-trend, on purpose  

Perhaps the most defining shift of the 2020s has been the rejection of “fast interiors”. Instead, homeowners sought pieces that felt one-of-a-kind – collected, inherited, discovered. Art took centre stage and personality became the ultimate luxury.   

The return of maximalism  

After years of restraint, joy returned – loudly. Patterned wallpapers, vibrant colours and mixed textures celebrated individuality and creative freedom. Maximalism was not viewed as chaos, it was curation with confidence. Homes became deeply personal again, layered with memories, art and emotion.  

Mix & match 

Matching gave way to mixing – a deliberate, confident clash that felt both intuitive and elevated. Warm brass conversed effortlessly with burnished copper, while tweed brushed up against velvet. Wool softened stone, linen tempered leather and suddenly texture became the new neutral. These were spaces designed to be felt as much as they were seen: rich, tactile and thoughtfully composed, where restraint lived comfortably alongside depth and detail. 

Nature, indoors

Biophilic design also became an integral design philosophy for many. Cane, rattan, jute, raw wood and stone reconnected interiors with the natural world. Indoor gardens, living walls and earthy palettes restored balance and calm. Nowhere was this more eloquently expressed than in the rise of African luxury: organic, soulful and rooted in place. 

Words: Mecayla Maseka
Photography : Supplied

The post Livingspace: 20 years of decor appeared first on TFG Media.

1. Keep your autumn décor simple 

Sometimes simple is best! No need to splurge on big ticket items, simply rearrange the furniture in your space. Whether you are looking at your bedroom or your living room, move the couch to a different wall or perhaps rearrange the plants to create a whole different mood. We get so comfortable in our routine that we forget to look up, shake things up and give our space something new without having to spend a cent.  

@hello_alexisangela The quickest way to ‘visually’ refresh your space is to rearrange the furniture. I have 4 living room layouts that I alternate throughout the year. I swap decor pieces from different rooms. I rearrange shelves and move things around. I get creative. . This refresh just happened to align with a new sofa delivery. But you don’t have to get a new sofa 🤣 Or you can. Whatever floats your boat and budget 🙃 Sofa details: Simon from @interiordefine in color Lavender . . . . . . . . . . . #curatedhome #eclecticdecor #afrocentrichome #moodyinterior ♬ Feelings – sonder the africanime

2. Warm autumn colour palettes 

In autumn, as the shades outside start to turn from bright and bold to muted and warm, this can also be reflected in your decor. Swap out a few scatter cushions as well as adding some throws and rugs in warm shades to build a more tonal room. Colour has a remarkable effect on us – it can make us feel warmer just by turning up and deepening the tonal range in our homes. Think browns and burgundy, sage green and mustard. If you don’t want to experiment too much with colour, stick to neutrals like off-white and caramel tones.  

@myhomeofzodiac Currently living my autumn aesthetic 🍂✨ Soft beige tones, warm wood, and quiet moments at home. #wooninspiratie #scandihome #japandi #interiordesign #interior ♬ původní zvuk – itgoesifyouletit

3. Faux plants and dried flowers for seasonal style 

With the change of weather, sometimes our plants can look a bit worse for wear. They lose their leaves, look a little malnourished and don’t add the pop of green we expect them to. Fresh cut blooms are also not that readily available and seem to dry up quicker than in summer. If you pop a few dried flowers in your vases, or a few faux green plants in the corner, no one will know the difference. It’s not about faking summer, but more about keeping a lush, jungle feel in your home as you transition through the seasons.

@homewithp1 Finally got a plant for my planter #indoorplants #fauxplants #jethome #homedecor #fyp #loungedecor #reset #viral #Coricraft #sama28 #homestyling #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 ♬ Ikhandlela (Acoustic) – Phila Dlozi

4. Light up the autumn ambience 

I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times over, but we will say it a million times more: lighting will always be key. Different lighting has a way of creating ambience in your space. From candles and overhead light fixtures to floor lamps and undercounter lighting, these layers add dimension to your home. When you want to create a warmer, autumnal living area, avoid harsh fluorescent light and choose warmer bulbs. Scatter the light across the room, consider adding candles on the TV cabinet and a floor lamp to add a warm glow to a forgotten corner. This lets you play around with how much lighting you need, as opposed to relying on your ceiling lights.  

@im_ericwang A love letter to lamps and cozy lighting ❤️ #homedecor #interiordesign #lighting ♬ original sound – Eric Wang

Words: Yashna Balwanth 
Photography: Pexels 

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Bushes are great, but they are limited in terms of their growth. If you want to turn your home and garden into a green oasis, vines and creepers can help you achieve this aesthetic. They are great ground-cover plants, known for growing like weeds and sprouting out over a space. With low maintenance needs and a lush look, here are five varieties that are well-suited to the South African climate (and how to care for them).  

 

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Bougainvillea 

 This creeper is best known for its vibrant pink, orange and yellow blooms. But don’t let its good looks fool you — on the stalks you will find sharp thorns, making them somewhat of a crime deterrent. When dried, the flowers (or, rather, modified leaves) are popular as a natural confetti for weddings and other celebrations. Originating from warm climates, it thrives best in direct sunlight, requiring about six hours of sun a day. Their ideal soil is sandy and well-draining, and they don’t need regular watering, but seasonal pruning can help to shape them as desired.  

Ivy  

From Christmas to nobility, ivy is an evergreen plant that flourishes throughout the year and has several associations. Not to be confused with its poisonous cousin, which can cause a rash on the skin, the common variety, which is often found creeping up onto building walls, is a resilient vine that grows best in partially shaded areas. It is adaptable to different types of soil and can withstand very dry conditions. Being a perennial plant, you can enjoy its green splendour all year long. Ivy should be trimmed regularly, though, as it can be invasive.  

Granadilla  

Few things are more satisfying than being able to harvest ripe fruit from your garden. Also known as passion fruit, this vine grows abundantly so it requires regular pruning and a sturdy trellis to support it. As for soil, it needs consistent moisture, and it grows best when it has access to warm temperatures and direct sunlight. This creeper starts to produce fruit between six and nine months after planting and, in the spring and summer months, you can expect beautiful purple and white flowers that look almost otherworldly  

Jasmine  

If it’s fragrance you’re after, you can’t go wrong with jasmine, which has a sweet and intoxicating scent often used to create perfume and is thought to promote relaxation. Blooming in the warm seasons, it’s synonymous with sunny days and balmy nights. Easy to train on trellises, fences or pergolas, jasmine is best planted where it has access to full sun and only light shade. It should be watered regularly in the dry seasons and hot weather to keep the soil consistently moist. Manipulate the size and shape, and encourage new growth with occasional pruning.  

Philodendron 

 Turn your garden into an elegant urban jungle with this low-maintenance, air-purifying plant. Often gifted in potted form, being symbolic of health and abundance, they can be replanted outside if you can give them access to indirect light. When the conditions are wet, watering them is unnecessary and in dry months, they only need water when the topsoil has dried out. One way to grow them is in hanging baskets — which can be indoors or outdoors -as they look especially attractive with the leaves trailing down.  

Controlled chaos  

Not every garden requires strict rows and flowerbeds. Chaos gardening — which is tossing different seeds into the soil and letting nature take its course —is currently trending, and this hands-off approach can yield spontaneous and charming results. Want to give it a go? Consider your climate and pollinators when selecting your plants, then group them based on their sun and water needs to make maintenance easier. Now you can sit back and be taken by surprise by what you’ve created. 

Words: Helen Wallace

The post How to let these vines thrive in your outdoor space  appeared first on TFG Media.

Fabric fusion 

Unlike paper, fabric can be reused again and again, reducing waste while adding a touch of elegance. A silk scarf, linen or even a patterned kitchen tea towel transforms simple wrapping into part of the gift itself. Folding and tying fabric around a box or a bottle doesn’t require tape — simply tie a few clever knots. The end result is beautifully draped packaging that feels contemporary and is still practical.  

Scent-sational 

Scent is a subtle yet powerful way to elevate gift wrapping — turning the unwrapping process into an experience. By tucking in a sprig of lavender, rosemary or eucalyptus beneath the ribbon, or lightly misting the tissue with essential oils, you infuse the package with personality and care. Fragrance evokes memory and emotion, adding a sensory layer that lingers long after the paper has gone. It signals thoughtfulness, making even the simplest gift feel indulgent. Choose a fresh, floral scent that complements the season or opt for a warm cinnamon and spiced nutmeg aroma. 

Nurture nature 

Adding natural elements to gift wrapping creates a sense of authenticity and charm that can’t be replicated. A dried orange slice, some pine cones or even a floral element instantly connects the gift to nature, offering texture and visual warmth. This organic detail feels personal and gives grounding to the gift, while focusing on sustainability and signalling mindfulness not only towards the receiver but the planet too. Weave in twine, herbs and foraged finds to level up your wrapping from decoration to storytelling that is intentional and from the heart. 

 

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A post shared by Isatu Chadborn | Calm neutral Interiors,Garden Inspo,Lifestyle (@life_of_isatu)

Reuse, recycle 

Have you got old boxes along with ribbons and extra accessories lying around in your home? Use them as gifting solutions for your next present. You can choose to decorate the boxes or leave them plain — either way, it’s a more sustainable choice! 

Words: Yashna Balwanth
Photography: Bureaux

Also read; 2025 Interior design trends to love (and leave)

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The hot list 

Hello maximalism 

Maximalism had its major moment in 2025, proving that more really can be more. Forget the sterile, all-white minimalism of the past decade – today’s homes are bursting with layered colours, bold patterns and statement pieces that feel unapologetically personal. Maximalism isn’t about mess, it’s about curating your space with attitude. 

 

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Picture velvet sofas in jewel tones, vintage lamps with quirky charm, oversized art that dares you to look twice and bookshelves stacked with treasures from every chapter of life. It’s a trend that rejects cookie-cutter interiors and instead embraces individuality, warmth and a touch of drama. People are craving spaces that feel alive, soulful and reflective of who they are, not just what’s on trend. That’s why maximalism is as much a lifestyle as it is a look, encouraging thrifting, mixing eras and celebrating imperfections that make a home truly unique. Of course, it’s not without risk. Leaning too far into the chaos can make the room feel overwhelming. But when done right, maximalism has the power to transform interiors into immersive experiences, each corner telling its own story. 

In a world saturated with fast furniture and disposable style, maximalism feels refreshingly rebellious. It’s bold, eclectic and definitely not for the faint of heart – but that’s exactly why design lovers can’t get enough of it. 

Want to see what other trends is on the list? Subscribe to Livingspace magazine to read the full article!

Words: Yashna Balwanth
Photography: Future Content Hub, Getty, Unsplash

The post 2025 Interior design trends to love (and leave) appeared first on TFG Media.

African design is a mosaic of different styles, patterns, textures and expressions. Shaped by centuries of artisanal craftsmanship, oral tradition, migration and ritual, it offers a visual language that’s rooted in each of the respective locale and culture. Whether handwoven, hand carved or handed down, African design reflects the beauty of landscapes and the people who inhabit them. From Morocco’s maximalism to Uganda’s intricate weaving, African aesthetics are anchored by its people, so we’ve highlighted a few destinations across the continent that showcase this diversity and how you can incorporate these design styles into your home.  

Morocco 

Influenced by its landscapes and diverse history, Moroccan design is characteristically sensorial, blending Andalusian architecture and Islamic artistry with shapes, patterns and colours that speak to the North African country’s cultural heritage. This cultural layering is reflected in its interior design style, where colour and comfort are paramount, creating spaces that are instantly recognisable and maximalist yet curated. Tactility is what sets Moroccan design apart: surfaces are rarely flat or undecorated, and every texture tells a story. Handwoven Berber rugs ground spaces in warmth and tradition, while carved wood features and accents in brass or hammered silver are staples. Intricate zellij tiles, arched doorways, arabesque motifs and lanterns evoke a sense of tradition. They also maintain a contemporary feel, where ornate details meet earthen tones to create its distinct visual language.  

To bring this style into your own home, opt for handwoven kilims or rugs to instantly bring texture into the space or a colour palette inspired by North African landscapes, such as sand, taupe, beige, royal blue and terracotta. Add in brass accents, low-slung seating and tactile ceramics for a space that feels grounded and cosy. You can even incorporate tagines, wooden bowls and hand-painted ceramics on the kitchen counter for good measure. Moroccan style is all about colour and expression, so go wild with textures, fabrics and patterns to create a space that makes you feel like you’re in a riad in Marrakech. 

 

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A post shared by Zandra Zuraw, podcaster, author, decorating coach (@slowstylehome)

South Africa  

South Africa is where contemporary design and traditional craft coexist effortlessly, culminating in design expressions that vary from Cape Dutch architecture to colourful Ndebele patterns. The country’s style is richly layered: you’ll find interiors that embrace contrast, such as industrial materials warmed up with natural finishes, and African antiques styled alongside modern art.  

South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from the wilderness of the Kruger to the bustling streets of Johannesburg, allow for multiple design languages to be incorporated into your home. This cultural depth translates beautifully into interiors: cowhide rugs over concrete floors, carved wooden stools and headrests, and walls adorned with contemporary art or photography that honours traditional forms or places. South African style is about storytelling and the best place to start is with textiles. Shweshwe fabrics make for striking upholstery, cushion covers or table runners, while Basotho blankets over a sofa or bed add warmth and a tactile richness. For a more subtle approach, draw from the country’s natural palette: earthy reds, clay browns, ochres and muted greens. Mix these tones with organic materials such as wood, leather and stone to create a backdrop that allows handcrafted elements to shine. In a South African-inspired interior, every object holds meaning. It’s a celebration of diversity and creativity. 

@rafaels.restoration The bespoke Ndebele-inspired accent wall is complete . 🇿🇦🎨 I really had fun doing this wall and expressing South African culture with a modern flip straight into the bedroom. Sleeptite Mzanzi!!! #AccentWallMagic #FinishedProject #SouthAfrican #wallart #decor #homedecor #MzansiMasterpiece #southafrica #capetown #bedroom #renovation ♬ Mwaki – Zerb

Uganda  

Uganda may not be as internationally known for a singular interior design style as Morocco or South Africa, but it has a distinct aesthetic rooted in craft and regional traditions. Ugandan interior design is usually grounded in nature, drawing heavily from the country’s rural traditions and abundant natural resources as well as indigenous materials such as banana fibre, papyrus reeds and clay. Olubugo, commonly known as barkcloth, is made from the bark of Mutuba trees and is one of Uganda’s oldest and most distinctive materials. Traditionally, barkcloth was used as clothes to distinguish members of royalty and commoners. But its rich, red-brown colour and its soft texture make it the ideal upholstery for contemporary interior settings. Think tapestries or room dividers.  

Basketry is another key element in Ugandan design. Intricately handwoven from raffia and palm, baskets are both decorative and utilitarian, bringing warmth and texture to interiors. Although traditionally used for carrying produce, in contemporary interiors, they fit in perfectly with bohemian-style interiors. In parts of Uganda, colourfully dyed palm raffia is wrapped around a coil of bukedo, the local term for banana leaf stalks. These handwoven baskets feature one-of-a-kind designs and look gorgeous filling an entire wall, or as a decorative element on a table or shelf. 

Nigeria  

Nigeria’s design identity is as bold, energetic and diverse as its inhabitants. Lagos, specifically, is a nexus of contemporary creativity, but traditional influences remain strong, from Benin bronzes to the indigo-dyed Adire textiles of the Yoruba. Colour, as seen in most Afrocentric design, takes precedence in Nigerian interiors, and is often warm and earthy. Think terracotta, ochre, deep reds and browns. Tribal masks, sculptures and figurines are used as prominent decor elements, often representing ancestral spirits and a deep sense of cultural richness. Another fundamental aspect of Nigerian interiors is the inclusion of woven textiles and fabrics. Traditional Nigerian textiles such as the popular Aso Oke and Adire (traditional Yoruba textiles) are used for upholstery, curtains and scatter cushions.  

On the other hand, modern Nigerian interiors often fuse global aesthetics with local forms, where minimalist spaces come alive with Ankara (a colourful textile widely popular in Nigeria and West Africa) accents, carved stools and brass details. Furniture is often hand-carved and meaningful, while colour is used with purpose and confidence. To infuse Nigerian flair into your home, start with the textiles mentioned above. They offer an immediate sense of texture, history and identity. Layer Adire throws over neutral-toned sofas, upholster dining chairs in Aso Oke for a tactile statement, or use Ankara prints as bold bursts of colour in otherwise pared-back spaces. Nigerian design is fearless and full of expression, decorative yet rich in culture and African pride. 

Words: Shai Rama
Photography: Future Hub, Bureaux, Pexels, Supplied, Courtesy Images

Also read: How to break these decor rules

The post How to adapt these African decor styles into your own home  appeared first on TFG Media.

Gardens are personal escapes. The beauty of gardening lies in its flexibility — blending ideas, adapting them to your climate or simply borrowing small elements from each one to enrich your own outdoor space. From serene minimalism to flowery abundance, different garden styles offer unique ways to transform your outdoor space. We spoke to esteemed landscape designer Craig de Necker about these different garden styles and how you can include them in your own garden.  

Zen garden 

 The Zen garden, also known as a karesansui garden or a Japanese dry garden, is all about simplicity. Its minimalist layout features gravel or sand raked into patterns that mirror the ripples of water alongside carefully placed rocks to represent mountains or islands. Plants are sparse, often limited to small shrubs, moss or bonsai trees, emphasising a sense of serenity and order.  

This ancient yet deeply symbolic garden is designed to create a sense of calm, emulating the essence of nature as a space for meditation. “This type of garden is ideally suited to South African water-wise gardens as it embraces the use of pebbles and rock instead of using thirsty lawns,” says Craig. “Plants are used sparingly, and a paperbark Acacia tree works exceptionally well as a focal point. You can also add a spot light or two under the tree to add a little sizzle to the space.”  

Desert oasis garden 

A desert oasis garden draws inspiration from arid landscapes to showcase an array of drought-tolerant plants, sculptural forms and unexpected bursts of colour. “If a tropical garden and a desert garden had a child, it would be a desert oasis,” says Craig. “These gardens can be very similar to the Japanese Zen gardens, but less formal and not necessarily as minimalist. Being an oasis means that a palm tree or two will not be out of place (providing a cool, dappled shade), and most palm trees are drought-resistant, which fits well with the desert plants such as cacti and aloes.” This type of garden is particularly popular in regions like the Karoo and parts of the Western Cape, supporting water conservation by using native plants such as succulents, cacti and hardy desert shrubs. Despite its rugged origins, a desert garden doesn’t have to feel barren. It can be richly layered with plants of different heights and textures, interspersed with decorative rocks, bold ceramic pots or even a small water feature to evoke an oasis-like feel. Desert oasis gardens can be integrated into courtyards, pavement designs or back gardens and are ideal for those who want a low-maintenance, water-wise garden without sacrificing visual impact.  

English garden 

English gardens present a perfectly balanced mix of hardscaping and the subtleties of lush greenery and hedges. To bring this style home, consider planting generously, layering different flowers to create depth and interest throughout the seasons, including features such as ponds, fountains or bird baths to bring in natural reflection and a sense of serenity. “In South Africa, this could include indigenous flowering species such as Agapanthus, Dietes and Tulbaghia as well as grasses such as Aristida junciformis. This style of garden is well-suited to the addition of edible plants such as rosemary, thyme, citrus trees and some chilli plants,” adds Craig. Classic touches such as wooden benches, a flower-laden pergola or a sundial lend an air of old-world romance to invite wandering, lingering as well as endless moments of discovery. 

Vertical Garden 

The rise of compact, urban living has inspired the popularity of vertical gardens — an ideal solution for small balconies or courtyards, where floor space is at a premium but walls or fences are waiting to be brought to life. Vertical gardens are perfect for South Africa’s urban environments, where space can be tight but sunshine is abundant. A vertical garden doesn’t just add greenery — it brings texture, depth and a range of other benefits to both indoor and outdoor spaces, including air purification and being used as a natural privacy screen, bringing a burst of nature to a space that might otherwise feel sterile or confined. “These gardens can easily accommodate succulents and grasses, which both tend to be water-wise,” says Craig. The key is choosing plants that suit your light conditions and watering schedule to ensure your living wall thrives. If you’re a foodie, including culinary herbs such as basil, oregano and mint could be a deliciously practical way to combine beauty with function. 

Words: Shai Rama 

Photography: Getty Images, Pexels, Shutterstock, Unsplash 

Text courtesy of Livingspace magazine 

Also read: Garden Day: A celebration of beautiful blossoms

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