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"

Timeless Furniture ~ The Bathroom Vanity

Gosh I haven't done one of these in like  ..... ages. 

I think this baby-pink beauty is a winner. It's in the style of new Baroque    It's a revival of the old style and the pink colour puts a spin on it. I absolutely love it. The edges of the mirror have  been delicately cut out. 

The handles look like a big buckle. Too cute

Image Credit: http://www.fournimagz.com/ 

I'm curious as to where you would place this piece? In the bathroom or somewhere else entirely? Would love to read your feedback!

The Glass & Art Deco Effect

One thing that never seizes to amaze me is Art Deco and it's smooth and clear lines, geometrical designs and glass. Art Deco has been around since the 1920s (started off in Paris) and I believe isn't ready to be forgotten yet. There's still a lot of Art Deco antiques and as well as reproductions to be had.

This mirrored Art Deco set (vanity table, mirror & stool) is part of House of Fraser's 'Black Orchid' line. All I can say is TOTAL GLAMOUR!!! The black and clear glass combination works well ~ simple but yet understated.

Back to school ~ It's all about the kids

Am sure a lot of you, like me, would be like 'phewy' the summer is finally over (for the kids) and they are back to school this week. This is also the time to revamp your kids bedrooms ready for the New school year.

I decided to write this post around 'Back to School'. As all parents know,

Always the Hallway ......

I am a strong advocate of making a hallway speak volumes. Often a lot I find hallways being neglected and treated as the dumping ground for muddy shoes, wet umbrellas and all other things that don't have a place in the home

Balance and scale is always paramount. If you get this wrong, your hallway will end up looking like a space with no soul.

The hallway above is so

Beds of the future - A Giant Birds nest

Have you ever wondered how it would feel to 'actually' sleep in a birds nest. Well think no further as O*GE Architects have created a prototype fit for humans. You can see how cozy it looks with it's giant pillows and frame made out of mimicked twigs. Also the giant birds nest is well- padded for insulation and protection from the elements. 

It can be used for

Timeless Furniture ~ Le Corbusier: Chaise Lounge LC4

A pair of iconic Le Corbusier 'Chaise Lounge LC4s' which are my all time favourites. I saw these in Cassina's showroom in London during Clerkenwell Design Week 2011.

Designed by the very famous Charles Le Corbusier. One

Timeless Furniture: The Bombe Chest

I've decided this new year to start a collection of my favourite all time furniture. I will pick one every mid-week (that's the plan) and share with my readers.

I'm a lover of

The Millipede couch

Whenever I come across products that are different; as in style, unusual in size and  quite unique in design; I have to blog (shout) all about it. I just can't help it.

I hope you agree with

Green, not colour green, chairs

I love these chairs because ...........

............... they are sustainable ...........they are made out of cork......................and they are stylishly innovative.

This one is made out of cork wine bottle stoppers.

Cork chair designed by Gabriel Wiese

Image courtesy of www.home-designing.com

Cortica Chaise Longue designed by Daniel Michalik

Image courtesy of www.home-designing.com

French tub chair designed by Aaron Kramer

Image courtesy of  Aaron Kramer via flickr.com

Cob Cork Child Chair designed by Diane Michalik

Image courtesy of chairblog.eu

Cork chair in Boedecker tasting room.

Image via lizcrain.com

Is it a chair, a bench, a desk, or just unidentifiable. This I think is great for a kid's bedroom!!!

Cork U.M.O.(Unidentified Magical Object) by UM Project

Image courtesy of  inhabitots.com

}My take on green chairs - they are functional, highly durable, stylish and harmless to the environment~

Build me up BUTTERCUP !!!!

Blu Dot (furniture makers) has just opened a new store bang in the middle of the fashion, dining and entertainment district of West Hollywood store.It's the first in the West Coast. And it's along Melrose Avenue.


I wouldn't mind having this "Buttercup Chair" in my home office. It's very contemporary and sleek at the same time. It's made out of bent plywood and this one below is in walnut. Also comes in "graphite on oak" and "white oak". The Walnut version is so so me though!


Image courtesy of designwire

Note to self: Another fab store to visit when next am in LA

To read more about the new store, please visit designwire

Twisted furniture - Loopita Floor Level Chaise by Victor Aleman

I saw this and it made me think - what kind of space/interior will this twisted piece of furniture fit into? It would be nice to read your comments on this.

Please click on the link to read more about this fabulous piece designcrave.com/2009-04-13/loopita-floor-level-chaise-by-victor-aleman