Using African Wax Prints in Interior Design

I am so so sorry for MIA (missing in action). Been so so busy behind the scenes that I have neglected my blog (.... a tad bit!). It's the Year 2014 and we are already in March. Where did the first two months go?

So I am now back on track! Whoop whoop !!!

I have been indulging & totally loosing myself in the world of African Design. A lot. And I mean both interior and fashion design. I am blown away by the talent I stumble across on a regular basis. Whether it's on social media, at Handmade fairs & Exhibitions, in magazines, on Television etc. My beloved fabric has gained a well-deserved international recognition, even though it's been around like forever.

I keep my eye on the ball as I also create & sell my own bespoke handmade products - lampshades, cushions, wall decor, lavender pouches/bags etc - with an African twist.

And here are a few inspiring discoveries which have given me loads of new ideas.

Fabulous richly coloured African Pouffes

Photo Credit: thebootstrapproject.com

I need me some of these rare African patterned towels

Photo Credit: frenchbydesign.blogspot.co.uk

I'm still trying to find out which Hotel this is in Nigeria. I just love the layout, textures, colours, fabric & furniture pieces.

Photo Credit: iamforevernigerian.tumblr.com

These square cubes, one-off design pieces by Ron Arad, are pretty neat!

Photo Credit: Do-lo-rez by Ron Arad

What I would really love is for people to see and meet the makers at the grass-root level. The indigenes of Africa who are great craftsmen/craftswomen. Very skilled at what they do but are not paid enough nor given any recognition for their creativity. Be it furniture, art objects & paintings, clothes etc. It's endless. In future I would like to work more closely with these special people - do my bit by giving back to my African roots. My social responsibility.

Our African wax prints have been around like forever and still have much more to show in the future.

"My take on African Prints ~ They are timeless. The future is African, in wax prints full of vibrant colours and patterns"

Yaay!! Handmade Ankara Fabric Lampshades now on Etsy

As you know I have been very busy with my new business venture which I am so passionate about. Am so happy to announce that we now have an online shop, please click on Ankara Lampshades on Etsy to get there ;-)

AnkaraLampshades Ankara Lampshades by Dezine Konnections Interior Design

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I started making Handmade Ankara fabric Lampshades and they come in

Lights, Camera, Action!

I've always had a thing for stage & production design having worked for a film and television production company in another life. I'm always fascinated with the way film sets are staged and the final design. They always tell a story. 

This one below is from the movie 'Somethings Gotta Give'. The wicker chairs are wicked! and black. Very clean and smooth lines accentuate this set design as well as the neutral colours used.

Next one up is from the 'Adjustment Bureau' movie. The ceiling lampshade

Happy Halloween 2012

Image credit: etsy.com via Pinterest

Image credit: http://www.theaccessoryplace.com via Pinterest

Mind as you go ~ tricking or treating all over your neighborhood. Play and keep safe!

Oh and "BOO" to you too 

Denim inspired designs - celebrate Jeans for Genes Day 2012

Today 5th October 2012 is National Jeans for genes day and of course I am wearing a pair of jeans today. But not only that I will in my own way contribute to this special cause.

 It is to raise money for children with genetic disorders. To find out more, which I would encourage you to do so please follow the link ~ Jeans for Genes Day

Here are a few denim finds that tickle my fancy. Hope you like them too!

Wedding table centre pieces, jeans shabby chic if I must say ........

I've never been a fan of Ugly Ugg boots but these are surely nice. Denim blue and brown always a good combination

SMEG have produced a jeans-coated fridge. A world first! I wonder how much it costs?

Cute and dainty denim stars

Pretty denim stool, the ideas are endless

Now we are talking, the denim armchair

}My take on  ~ There is so much upcycling that could be done with denim. Wear your jeans today. Celebrate the only day that it matters the most - Jeans for Genes Day!~ 

Object Arrangement ~ Vases

The art of arranging objects isn't really that hard. Make them interesting using various sizes and shapes. This will draw ones eye's to the assortment. Mix the textures and slightly the colours too.

The fireplace in the picture above is the icing on the cake. All the colours tie in beautifully with each other. This Swedish interior is so very cool.

Sea blue Moodboard & 3D Room Design: Wayfair entertaining ~ Coastal Style

I've started creating a series of moodboards  using the fab online olioboard. Below is another entry of mine in the Wayfair contest. You can also easily vote for me. Just follow this voting link. It closes on Monday 2nd July at 11.59 ET.

The contest challenge ....
 "Design a dining or living room space where you can entertain family and friends in style. .......... Be sure to include at least 3 items from the Wayfair collection for your board to be eligible to win." ~ Olioboard

The Wayfair items I incorporated into my coastal-style entertaining moodboard look are

                   

Thanks y'all

                                                            

Twins stork delivery nursery 3D Room Design

This Twins stork delivery nursery moodboard was inspired by twins (pun intended).I wanted to create something different ~ away from the norm. A lot of times nurseries are pink or blue. I wanted to give this nursery a luxurious feel as well as use colours not

A bed perfect for 'Sleeping Beauty'!

Am such a sucker for browns, slates and creams. Yes am talking about colours. I always feel that they complement each other perfectly. 

I stumbled across this bedroom interior style at the 2011 100% Design Exhibition, Earls Court, London. I couldn't resist taking a picture of it. Unfortunately I didn't note the name of the company that exhibited this. 


But all the same I was able to capture the essence of the design especially the mix of the different textures, fabrics and colours. The bold wallpaper is so on point too. This warm colour scheme is also given a nice twist with a pair of mustard-yellow cushions.


Even the headboard alone is making a statement. I did a post on Headboards last year based on very creative ideas of making an impression ... here's the link to it. (http://dezinekonnections.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/headboards-are-making-headlines.html).

Color inspiration ~ clementine

As an Interior Designer, I find inspirations for colour all around me. Today's colour is clementine, a hue of orange. It's a warm and earthy colour. You find it everywhere really. I always advise my clients,