5 Fabulous Home Decorative Items Using African Fabrics

African fabrics are known for their diverse and complex designs which usually are a depiction of the culture. Apart from being used as fashion pieces like handbags, and dresses they are also used as decorative pieces. I sat and watched the processes involved in curating and combining African fabrics with furniture, with precision, detail oriented and compassion for the craft was a sight to behold.

Let me take you through 5 Fabulous home decorative items using African fabrics.

 1. WINDOW DRAPES

The beauty of African-made prints is the ability to carefully and seamlessly infuse beautiful and elegant colors to produce vibrance. Adire Fabric is one type of indigenous African fabric that uses the tie and dye process. These window drapes I spotted on @Urbanfiitter on Instagram, use earth-toned colors to add special effects to your space.

As much as window drapes a re essential to every space, its therefore necessary to add a little bit of sparkle and beauty to it because it’s the first thing that catches the eye in a space.

 

Window drapes by Urbanfitter on instagram
Window Drapes.
 2. DUVET COVER

Designing a beautiful duvet as this involves very calculated process. The processes involved in creating this master piece IS really marvellous and exciting to watch. Moreso, lot of designers are specific on the exact type of fabric/designs/color they need for their brand, but the majority of these designs are not easily found in the market, so that is where adire comes in. Artisans are capable of making the exact patterns/designs and dying them to their preferred choice of color. This beautiful Adire duvet is crafted by @1stDibs on instagram and ankara bedding is from @justbeddingslagos.

Adire Duvet by 1stDibs on instagram
Adire Duvet by 1stDibs on instagram

Just Bedding, ankara bedsheet and pillow case Lagos Bellafricana member

 3. THROW PILLOWS

Designers of African fabrics tend to produce well sequenced and colored throw pillows.  It’s no news that designers are now indulging in more creative ways in conceiving beautiful designs and patterns which is anchored on adding elegance, vibrance and fabulousness to every piece they work on. I love this particular design by Apoti Lagos, with its well sequenced and patterned design adding extra edge and flamboyance to a space.

Throw pillows by Apoti Lagos on Bellafricana Marketplace
Throw pillows by Apoti Lagos on Bellafricana Marketplace
 Also read: 5 Unique Woven Craft items
4. FOOTSTOOLS

Footstools make the perfect partners to our sofas and chairs. If you haven’t got enough room for a chaise sofa, a footstool is a great way of providing a footrest at a slightly lower level to your seat. Apoti Lagos, a wood and waste company that provides warm and comfortable furnitures. Another beautifully thing about this company is that it promote African beauty by using simple aesthetic fabrics, thereby adding luxury, vibrance and excellence to any space.

Footstool by Apoti Lagos on bellafricana marketplace
Footstool by Apoti Lagos on bellafricana marketplace
5. CUSHIONS

This hallow cushion is both a storage and decorative piece for ant space. Its well patterned and African fabric creates a fabulous accent too. Simple yet stylish, catchy and edgy. Adding a splash of color with African prints is always a good idea! These spectacular art works, mirror, and frames will add a special twist to your home decor. Apoti Lagos  loves to play with colors, this brand puts value on aesthetics using appealing designs and prints, which will definitely give your home and space an instant makeover.

Cushion Hallow by Apoti Lagos on bellafricanan marketplace
Cushion Hallow by Apoti Lagos on bellafricana Marketplace
Some general tips for using African Fabrics in home decor
  • Start easy with a minimalistic color foundation, so that the prints and color of the decor can bounce off the plain palette and shine more.
  • Don’t try too hard to make a big splash with the prints, sometimes you can match 2-4 designs in different decor items; wall art, pillows, curtain, and lamps. The trick is to make sure these different fabrics all compliment each other.
  • Finally, resist the urge to use all the ankara home decor items you can find. It will most likely be the focal point of the room so don’t let things get confusing and tacky.
CONCLUSION

Africans inspired home decorative pieces comes in different patterns, designs and colors. You want to add fun, feel, aesthetics and balance using decorative pieces, then try these 5 fabulous home decorative items using African Fabric will help you achieve that. Click here to order for more and follow our instagram page @bell_fricana and @bellafricana shop.

 

Adire Styles Inspired By Asologe

Adire is a special brand of fabric that has become something of a Yoruba tribe-style marker over the centuries. Kampala materials otherwise known as Adire pieces in Yoruba are nice materials that will give you that classic look for any occasion. It is popularly known everywhere as tie and dye (Kampala and Adire) and commonly worn as a celebration cloth on special occasions and important events in the western part of Nigeria before it gradually became popular in other regions around Africa. Adire Fashion tops the list of native African materials because of its uniqueness, creativity, and aesthetics.

Asologe is an award-winning Afrocentric brand that produces well-put-together pieces with exquisite designs and patterns. Adire-inspired styles by Asologe are perfectly put-together and designed into different styles to fit different occasions.

Here are some of the beautiful styles inspired by Asologoe’s Adire;

 1. ADIRE FABRIC

Adire or Kampala has an infusion of tie and dye. it is produced mainly using  tied robe to cause that flow of patterns and designs and the tied sections are immersed inside the different colors of dyes as desired by Asologe, the maker of this fabric. Have you ever watched the making of Adire fabric using dye? well I have, and the process is less tedious and easy to do. Moreso, I applied Dyes after going through a thorough process and left it to dry on the material over time to achieve its wonderful effects. The result thereafter was awesome.

 

Adire fabric by Asologe on bellafricana marketplace
Adire fabric by Asologe on bellafricana marketplace
 2. ADIRE SHORT GOWNS

I prefer to wear my Adire short gowns as casual wears and simple evening outings. For people who love to go native on Fridays at work, this too will serve as a perfect and easy-to-wear dress. it’s quite chic and very simple too. Asologe showcases the latest adire attires and styles that fit excellently on any body size. This style is astonishing and makes you stand out in any gathering.

Adire gown by Asologe on bellafricana Marketplace
Adire gown by Asologe on bellafricana Marketplace

ALSO READ: Sensational Fashion Hacks For Ladies

  3. ADIRE TWO PIECES

As earlier mentioned, this piece of fabric is very versatile like every other African attire but it’s more stylish and porch. The beauty of Asologe adire is in its apt and excellent way of forming beautiful patterns and designs. These beautiful styled adire two pieces fit perfectly for any occasion, this great style of attire is elegant, colorful, and, chic.

2 Pieces Adire by Asologe on bellafricana Marketplace
2 Pieces Adire by Asologe on bellafricana Marketplace
 4. LONG GOWNS

Asologe adire long gowns are wonderfully made and elegantly worn. it can be sewn in different styles and made to suit. it can come in a stretchy material or loose one depending on one’s choice.

 

Straight Adire gown by Asolge on bellafricana Marketplace
Straight Adire gown by Asolge on bellafricana Marketplace

 

 5. BUBU GOWN ADIRE

Just in case you have heard that term ”rich aunty vibes”, well, our bubu adire fits perfectly with that title. For that flamboyant, classic, high standard, poise, and astatic vibes, Bubu adire gives you that look, and if you love the attention too and want heads turning when you work into any space. Asologe Bubu gown is very free, well detailed, and so flexible. Perfect for young and middle-aged women. Worn as the evening wears party wears or any other occasion. This attire is very versatile, and it helps radiate confidence, charisma, and affluence. Hence the name “rich aunty vibes”.

Adire Bubu gown by Asologe on Bellafricana Marketplace
Adire Bubu gown by Asologe on Bellafricana Marketplace

Also read:10 Craft Ideas With African Fabrics

 6. ADIRE SHIRTS

Adire fabrics have evolved, from just being worn to a cultural and traditional setting. This locally handmade material has moved from being used in local and rustic setting, to being worn to different public events. Thanks to Adire makers like Asologe, whose work of arts has been welcome in our convention world. now Adire attires can be worn to the office, public gatherings, events, social setting without looking out of place.

 

Shirt and short Adire combo by Asologe on Bellafricana Marketplace
Shirt and short Adire combo by Asologe on Bellafricana Marketplace
CONCLUSION

Adire fabrics are now the new normal, lots of people are buying into this attire and are loving how it turns out to look on them. why not give it a try, I did and there is no turning back on this one. if you want to shop for your beautiful, well-designed, and patterned adire wears click here to shop.

 

Meet The Founder of Ethnikologie | Exclusive Interview

Ethnikologie CEO, founder of the African arts and craft store has a lot to inspire us with. Have you always had a passion to do something but always take a step back thinking maybe it’s not the best path for you?

You need to meet the founder of Ethnikologie, Titiloye Ashamu who’s passion has led to the creation of her amazing business in arts and crafts.

Let’s meet her now and take a note or two from her. Come on!

Q & A

  • Please introduce yourself and your background.

My name is Titiloye Ashamu. I am the Creative Director of Ethnikologie (NIG) LTD.

Titiloye Ashamu Founder of Ethnikologie | Bellafricana

  • Please tell us about your work. How did Ethnikologie start?

I source for African handicraft gift and home products and implement new designs.

I have always had a passion and keen interest in arts and craft. Prior to opening Ethnikologie, I provided customs made arts and craft pieces for my clients. However, it was one of my friends that encouraged me to start Ethnikologie. Her mum had a similar shop, in Nairobi, and they both convinced me to follow my dreams.

  • Where did the idea for Ethnikologie come from? Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?

The idea for Ethnikologie came from my friend’s mother’s NGO and visiting various handicraft shows. Being a creative person who is always open to fresh ideas, I am inspired by everything around me. Most inspiring are things that make me think deeply.

  • Can you remember one of the first things you crafted? What makes it memorable?

I have crafted a number of things but the most memorable one, will have to be a mini clay pot. I was amazed when someone offered to buy it as a gift!

  • How long does it take to design and make a particular work?

Designing could take from a day to weeks. It depends on what you are designing. On the average, I would say about a week.

  • What are the challenges you face in business?

Artisans producing quality products, finance and Nigerian customs

  • What is your most popular item (include image)?

Storage and decorative baskets.

Trays and Pandanus Baskets by Ethnikologie | Bellafricana

  • To what extent do you draw upon your Nigerian (African) heritage for your work?

The African culture represents beauty and vibrant colors. I love to be surrounded real authentic handmade pieces, that beautifies the home and express abundance.

  • What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

Be a channel of trade between local artisans and the global marketplace. We are also looking at training sessions with artisans, on how to produce global quality standard and reduce errors.

  • What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I am an easy going person

  • For someone who wishes to take up this kind of career, what kind of advice would you give them? Also, if you could give one piece of advice to youths who want to start their own company, what would it be?

Start with something that really excites you and don’t be discouraged when things don’t turn out right on your first try. Be flexible because you have the opportunity to learn and change things.

My advice to youths, interested in starting their own company is to research and understand the industry. Draw your inspiration from creative people who are transparent about their creative process.

Check out some of Ethnikologie products below;

Stylish Baskets by Ethnikologie | Bellafricana

Pandanus Oval Shaped Baskets by Ethnikologie | Bellafricana

Handmade wooden arts and craft by Ethnikologie | Bellafricana

Thanks a lot Titiloye for your beautiful response. We are always proud to see people growing a business passionately.

We hope to join you in your journey as a successful business owner.

Here’s a LINK to Ethnikologie’s page as a verified lister on Bellafricana Ethnikologie Bellafricana Verified

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