Afro Chic Living

Kelebogile Nondzaba explores the dynamic marriage of Western and African cultures in décor and design

- Kelebogile Nondzaba

According to Sifiso Shange of Afri Modern, “Afro chic is a powerful design aesthetic that is rooted in African elements beautifully blended with modern and contemporary design features.

“The style is a visual expressive language of how African design elements can exist boldly and proudly with subtle modern designed living spaces. Afro chic to me is important as a storyteller and creative who is invested in the power of preserving and promoting my culture in a modern context.

“The style allows for the balance of African design elements to dance beautifully with modern design elements to create a visual aesthetic for present and future generations.”

Block & Chisel loves Afro chic, says co-founder Susan McCoubrey. “I think it’s always been incorporated into interiors that love a global, eclectic layer. There is nothing that adds texture, depth and colour like objects from Africa.”

For Njabulo Shongwe of Lashongwe Designers, design draws inspiration from African culture and tradition. “The design is presented in a contemporary way that evolves into cultural aesthetic, reflecting what is happening at that particular time and infusing with the current trends.”

Afro chic for The Urbanative brand is the juxtaposition of abstracted African cultural inspirations, says owner Mpho Vackier. “This with the functionality, look and feel of modern materials, technologies and furniture silhouettes while guided by the philosophies of craft, collaboration and design evolution.”

Afro chic décor is a beautiful way to celebrate Africa by infusing aesthetics and visual inspiration from our very own backyard into modern décor trends, says SHF’s Namhla Sithole.