African Inspired Interior Design Ideas

Have you ever noticed how most of the design inspiration that is featured across the globe comes from two major geographical pockets? We often tend to reflect on largely western designs that owe their origin to the various European nations and their individual design styles, or look towards the east for some exotic and enchanting ideas. In the midst of this rush, the mighty African continent is often ignored! While it might not be a conscious choice, it still means we tend to come across African style far less frequently than one would like. But today, it is time to put the vivacious African continent and its captivating prints, artifacts and designs under the spotlight.

by AB Design Elements

It must be said that the North African nation of Morocco and the charm of Egypt manage to find some space in the mainstream design to a certain extent. But the collection of brilliant interiors we have lined up today go beyond the obvious. From the enigmatic sculptures and the bold iconography to the understated and the minimal, here is some amazing inspiration from the cradle of humanity –

Contemporary living room with a fabulous display and a Moroccan rug

by Kendall Wilkinson Design

Danish Modern styled coupled beautifully with African decorative baskets — Danish Modern style coupled beautifully with African decorative baskets

by Charlie Simmons

Gorgeous African prints enliven this brilliant room

by Ingam

Lovely artwork combined with African tribal sculpture elegantly

by Blue Tangerine Art

Pacific Island masks along with a pair of African drums in the powder room!

by Saint Dizier Design

African drum inspired coffee table for the living room! — African drum-inspired coffee table for the living room!

by Ryland Peters & Small

Beautifully arranged African baskets in the dining room

by Jute Interior Design

Striking and Inspiring

Going for an African style is all about reconnecting with nature and its unadulterated magic. Unlike many other themes, trying to add an African flavor to the room without using organic and sustainable materials is next to impossible. Wood in its various forms is an important constituent of the African design scheme. You have plenty of choices here with cedar, ebony or African mahogany among many other popular wood types. If you are opting for a full-fledged African look, then artifacts and earthenware are also a great way of expressing the theme in its truest form.

Colorful living room displays a wonderful collection of African statues and artifacts

Another look at the same room... — Another look at the same room…

by KuDa Photography

Creative modern interiors with chic African theme — Creative modern interiors with a chic African theme

Do not be afraid to try to go bold with the African style. Vivacious yellows, bright natural greens and revitalizing reds seem perfectly at home in an audacious setting that draws inspiration from different cultures of the region. This is a particularly apt look for the kids’ bedroom, where you can recreate an African safari setting with colorful wallpaper and textiles with a wild print!

Large masks on the wall for an exotic and audacious home office design

by Jenny Zalkin Design

Rustic stools and wall art usher in teh African style here — Rustic stools and wall art usher in the African style here

Vivacious tropical living room with an apparent African design style

Kids' bedroom with colorful Safari theme — Kids’ bedroom with a colorful Safari theme

by CHIC Redesign

Breathe some life into the cottage with African iconography

by Gatling Design

A Touch of Subtle African Flavor

Randomly throwing in a rug with zebra stripes along with a matching throw pillow or two does not mean you have adopted the African style. If anything, such additions often seem more at home in glamorous Hollywood Regency-styled rooms! Yet, it is still possible to usher in the African vibe in a delicate, restrained manner by combining it tidily with other design style. Like some of the interiors on display here, you could create an exclusive display cabinet or a small nook to showcase your art collection inspired by Africa. While the rest of the house continues to remain contemporary, this small niche becomes a remarkable focal point and an instant conversation starter.

Accent fabric adds African style with effortless ease

At times even the simple additions can be visually effective!

by Texas Construction Company

Another clever way to usher in the African motifs without being all too obvious is by opting for a refreshing Tropical theme. Apart from being a wonderful warm choice that beats the chill of the cold winter outside, this also allows you to blend Asian-themed decor and accessories along with African and South American finds. A truly global style for those who wish to celebrate the world!

African Juju hat in red adds color to the living room

by Carol Sarason Design

Find some space to proudly display your African heritage

by Sutton Suzuki Architects

Loft apartment bedroom blends the eclectic with the African

by 8.8 Design

Notice how the addition of unique bar stools makes a big difference to the room

by VM Concept Interior Design Studio

You need not always embrace the theme with just over-the-top additions! — You need not always embrace the theme with over-the-top additions!

by Green Couch Interior Design

Serene Earth Tones

While some of our readers prefer the unabashed approach to interior design, others might appreciate a more laid-back, semi-minimalist approach. Even if you are not lucky enough to own any African artifacts or textiles, you can still bring home a bit of the continent’s amazing aura by simply choosing the right colors. Nothing says Africa like inviting, warm earth tones. Snug yellow, sandy orange, muted red and brown fit this billing ideally. But ensure that instead of a polished lacquered look, the finish is a touch rustic and raw. A simple guide in choosing the right hues for an African-inspired interior is the image of the sun setting on the vast plains of the Serengeti!

Antique African textile and patterns coupled with Central Asian artistry — Antique African textiles and patterns coupled with Central Asian artistry

by Tucker & Marks

Bringing in the African design style in a subtle fashion

by Blackbird Interiors

Cozy, energetic, engaging and often transcendental, African design is as charming as the continent itself. Even if you are not thinking about a complete makeover, add an element or two of this fascinating style to your interior and you will instantly see the transformation. Pretty soon, you will find yourself roped in by the magic and the mystique of Africa…