Afrohemian style combines the vibrant colors, patterns, and textures of African culture with the laid-back, bohemian aesthetic. This fusion creates a warm, eclectic, and inviting atmosphere in any space.
Colorful Textiles
African textiles are known for their bold colors and intricate patterns. Ankara fabric, with its vibrant prints, can be used for upholstery, curtains, or even to create custom lampshades.
Kente cloth, traditionally woven in Ghana, can be displayed as wall hangings or used as table runners to add a pop of color to any room. Mud cloth, with its earthy tones and geometric designs, is perfect for throw pillows or as a unique wall tapestry.
Natural Materials
Incorporate natural materials such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and rattan into your Afrohemian decor. Furniture made from these materials adds warmth and texture to your space while also promoting sustainability.
Look for handcrafted pieces like rattan chairs or bamboo side tables to add a touch of organic beauty to your home.
Handcrafted Artifacts
African art is rich in history and tradition, and displaying handcrafted artifacts in your home is a way to honor that heritage. Adorn your walls with intricately carved wooden masks or sculptures, each telling a unique story.
Handwoven baskets, traditionally made by artisans across Africa, can be hung as wall art or used to store blankets and pillows, adding both style and functionality to your space.
Statement Wall Art
Make a statement with bold, oversized artwork that celebrates African culture. Look for paintings or prints featuring scenes of African landscapes, wildlife, or traditional ceremonies.
Alternatively, opt for handmade tapestries or woven wall hangings that showcase traditional patterns and motifs, adding texture and visual interest to your walls.
Woven Baskets
African baskets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, each reflecting the unique cultural heritage of its region. Hang a collection of baskets on your walls to create a stunning focal point or use them as decorative storage solutions.
Consider displaying baskets with intricate designs or vibrant colors to add depth and dimension to your space.
Global Prints
Mixing and matching global prints and patterns is a hallmark of Afrohemian style. Experiment with bold geometric designs, tribal motifs, and intricate paisley patterns to create a visually dynamic space.
Low Seating
: Low seating options like floor cushions, poufs, and ottomans create a relaxed and casual atmosphere in any room. Arrange a mix of floor cushions in vibrant African prints around a low coffee table for an inviting seating area.
Incorporate poufs upholstered in colorful textiles for additional seating that can easily be moved around to accommodate guests.
Indoor Plants
Adding greenery to your Afrohemian decor brings a sense of life and vitality to your space. Choose large, leafy plants like fiddle leaf figs, palms, or rubber plants to create a tropical oasis indoors.
Display plants in woven baskets or ceramic pots with intricate designs to enhance the bohemian vibe of your home.
Tribal Rugs
Tribal-inspired rugs are a key element of Afrohemian decor, adding warmth and texture to your floors. Look for rugs with bold geometric patterns, tribal motifs, or traditional Berber designs.
Handwoven kilim rugs, with their flatweave construction and vibrant colors, are particularly well-suited for adding a touch of African flair to your space.
Macramé Accents
Macramé, with its intricate knotting techniques, adds a touch of bohemian charm to any room. Incorporate macramé wall hangings, plant hangers, or curtains to introduce texture and visual interest to your space.
Choose pieces with African-inspired designs or opt for natural, earthy tones to complement your decor.
Cultural Books and Artifacts
Create a curated display of books, artifacts, and souvenirs that reflect your interest in African culture and history. Display coffee table books on African art, textiles, and architecture alongside small artifacts like carved wooden figurines, beaded jewelry, or ceremonial masks.
Incorporate woven baskets or decorative trays to organize and showcase your collection in style.
Metal Accents
Brass and copper accents add warmth and sophistication to Afrohemian decor. Look for brass candle holders, copper vases, or hammered metal trays to incorporate metallic elements into your space.
Display brass sculptures or tribal-inspired metal wall art to add a touch of glamour and cultural significance to your home.
Mix of Textures
Layering different textures creates depth and visual interest in Afrohemian decor. Mix smooth, polished surfaces with rough, tactile materials to create a sensory experience that’s both inviting and visually appealing.
Incorporate textured fabrics like woven throws, embroidered pillows, or faux fur rugs to add warmth and coziness to your space.
Statement Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance of your Afrohemian space. Choose lighting fixtures with unique shapes and materials that reflect the eclectic nature of your decor.
Look for beaded chandeliers, woven pendant lights, or metal lanterns with intricate cutout patterns to add drama and personality to your room.
Global Pillows
Pillows are an easy way to incorporate African-inspired prints and patterns into your decor. Mix and match throw pillows in bold colors and geometric designs to add visual interest to your sofa, bed, or accent chairs. Look for pillows made from natural fibers like cotton or linen for a soft and comfortable feel.
Moroccan Poufs
Moroccan leather poufs are versatile pieces of furniture that add style and functionality to any room. Use them as extra seating in your living room, as footrests in your bedroom, or as low tables in your outdoor space.
Choose poufs in vibrant colors and intricate designs to add a touch of Moroccan elegance to your Afrohemian decor.
African Drum Tables
African drums are not only musical instruments but also beautiful works of art. Incorporate them into your decor as unique side tables or coffee tables. Look for drums with intricate carvings or vibrant patterns to add an authentic and cultural touch to your living room or entertainment area.
Wall Hangings
Wall hangings are an excellent way to add texture and visual interest to your walls. Choose woven tapestries, beaded curtains, or fabric wall art with traditional African motifs and patterns.
Hang them as statement pieces above your sofa or bed, or create a gallery wall with a mix of different textures and designs for a dynamic focal point.
Exotic Scents
Fragrance can evoke memories and create a sense of atmosphere in your home. Burn incense sticks or scented candles with exotic aromas like sandalwood, patchouli, or frankincense to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Choose candle holders or incense burners with intricate designs or natural materials to enhance the visual appeal of your space.
Global Accents
Afrohemian decor is all about celebrating cultural diversity and embracing elements from around the world. Incorporate global accents like Moroccan lanterns, Indian textiles, or Indonesian batik into your decor for a well-traveled and eclectic look. Mix and match these pieces with African-inspired decor to create a harmonious blend of styles and influences.
African-Inspired Dining
Set the scene for a memorable dining experience with African-inspired table settings and cuisine. Use colorful African-print tablecloths or placemats as the backdrop for your meal. Serve traditional African dishes like jollof rice, injera with stew, or bobotie to immerse your guests in the rich flavors and aromas of African cuisine.
Statement Fabrics
Upholstering furniture pieces in bold African prints or colors is a great way to make a statement in your Afrohemian space.
Choose sofas, chairs, or ottomans with upholstery fabrics featuring traditional African motifs or vibrant colors. Mix and match different patterns and textures to create a cohesive yet eclectic look that reflects your personal style.
Personal Touches
Add personal touches that make your Afrohemian space feel uniquely yours. Display family photos, travel souvenirs, or handmade crafts that hold special meaning for you. Incorporate items that reflect your interests, passions, and experiences to create a space that truly feels like home.
