Africa’s rich heritage of textiles, print and pattern have birthed a new era of design, afrocentric.
Have you ever walked into a home where a pattern has been used in an expert way to create a visual narrative that’s simply impossible to ignore? It’s as if it reaches out and brings life to the space, yet still quietly brings everything in the room together. It’s the power of pattern, which is at once both bold and subtle. More recently, patterns have made a spectacular comeback in homes, once again taking centre stage and demanding their time in the limelight. Gone are the days of stark minimalism and muted monastic homes. And gone, too, is the mantra of ‘less is more’. Today, it’s all about personality, narratives, experimentation and a commitment to authenticity. Pattern, arguably, is the best way to capture just that.
Why Bolder is Always Better
In interior design, patterns are usually singular motifs, symbols, shapes, or colours that are repeated to create one cohesive look and structured visual order. Incorporated with a considered hand, they can either expand the perceived size of a room, or make it feel smaller and more intimate. It’s a powerful tool in decorating, and because of its quiet impact, it has quite literally been a cornerstone of interior design for thousands of years. Be it a fearless pattern or a textured textile, a unique interior narrative can be captured in a single item. Think scatter cushions, throws or wallpapers, which can all bring new life to any space and, according to experts, help make the space feel active and alive by bringing in focal points and movements. It’s no wonder that patterns have never really gone out of style.
Focus on African Design
Contrary to popular belief, African-inspired patterns and prints are very versatile and retain a real sense of timelessness. Even as your home evolves and changes the more you introduce new art or furniture, these patterned beauties will always have a place for years to come. Moreover, with their bright and vivid colours, they are perfect for pairing with different textures such as metals, wood and glass.VOver the last few years, there has been a renewed interest in African art and fashion. From South African Lukhanyo Mdingi winning the coveted international LVMH prize in fashion in 2021, Senegalese Sarah Diouf dressing Beyoncé in the ‘Spirit’ music video, to local artist Marlene Dumas becoming the highest-paid African artist at a global auction. The list is virtually endless as African artists continue to blaze the trail in their respective creative industries. It goes without saying that this collective success has gone on to redefine the global understanding of interior design, helping to bring in new ways of personal expression through textiles, print and patterns.
Pattern for Personality
Unlike standard geometric designs, African prints and patterns are often steeped in significant meaning and symbolism (certain colours such as white may symbolise spirituality, while different motifs may symbolise occasions such as a marriage). This means that besides making a statement in the home, multiple layers can be added to African prints – all of which are completely informed by stories, symbols and personal meaning. It takes the art of patterns to a whole new level for the avid homemaker.
Words by Daniel bouwer
Photography: Unsplash
