“Exotic ethnic interior styles are always original. This is a style of expression and contrast, minimalism and simplicity fused with the use of natural materials which makes it interesting to integrate into any interior space.”
Modern South African design continues to impact the world of interiors. The diverse natural environments in South Africa (SA) and the fusion of different cultures have created a unique design language. Over the years, a truly confident South African design signature has developed. I would describe it as ‘bold design with soul’. Let’s explore…
Coastal African style is exciting and grounding at the same time, and fits in every home, whether your style is modern, transitional, japandi or scandi-inspired, or even industrial. What sets this modern African design style apart from the more traditional way of decorating, is the mix of contemporary and organic materials in a more minimalistic way. It is a style that can be as bold or as bare as your heart desires.
Mixing and matching design patterns is quite common in the African-inspired style - be it a touch of mid-century modern or heritage/colonial; various trends are often mixed together, and it works! The coastal South African style carved out a new way to mix two design styles — (1) luxury minimalism and (2) sustainable living into an amazing ‘trend’. Luxury minimalist design is expressed in muted colour tones and clean Scandinavian/Danish mid-century furniture. And, using sustainable materials is a new ‘trend’ in South African interior design. African decor pieces truly add some honest originality, even among polished and slick furniture. Pairing vintage and heritage pieces with the raw, authentic textures of mother nature and with contemporary furniture creates a beautiful play between the old and the new; bringing ‘opposing’ elements together — a sort of ‘design osmosis’…
“Hand-made design creates so much soul and personality - and adds a lot of charm. I love the African patterns, materials and fabrics, they all have such a beautiful natural and raw feel.”
African inspired interior design is often characterised by the combination of dark and bright shades. The colour palette is very much in harmony with nature. The one design element that seems to be ever present in a SA beach home is a neutral palette; as well as a highly textured look and feel.
Wall colours and treatments are in neutral shades, such as beige or cream; often featuring an accent wall in various tones of terracotta, ochre, earthy brown, deep gold or burnt orange. There are almost no colours in the cool spectrum at all. Inspiration is taken from the burnt orange African sunsets and pinkly-purple sunrises.
The technique of colour blocking using five or more tones adds interest and energy to a space. Also, utilising textured paints is another popular aspect of the African style. This is a paint that has a rough sandy-type texture to it once it has been applied.
“Over the years, a truly confident South African design signature has developed. I would describe it as ‘bold design with soul’.”
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Natural textures and materials such as leather, wicker, cane, straw, and organic fabrics such as linen, burlap or cotton feature prominently in the African decor. Sustainability has become an important aspect in the SA interiors world, reflected in handmade items made from jute, rattan and clay. Raw timber, sandal or rosewood add beautiful comfort and warmth to any space. Wood regardless of which form it is in, is extremely important to this design scheme. In fact, wood (primarily oak or ash in natural oil stain finish) is being used in quite some ‘unusual’ forms such as large slatted effect features, room dividers in open plan areas or wall paneling.
Nothing can recreate an ethnic look better than hand-made fabrics, such as manjac yarns and Malian bogolans. Ethinic motifs and tribal geometrics feature on textiles such as ‘ornament ikat’ and zebra patterns. Geometric shapes and lines appear in tiling and wallpapers adding a sense of movement.
Sisal rugs bring in the softer natural fauna elements of the surrounding reeds and grasses. Natural hues and the fusion of teak and rattan or seagrass adds a nod to the coastal flair.
In terms of flooring, tiles made of either terracotta or sandstone are common, as well as plain concrete flooring as it remains cool in the hot climate. Concrete is also implemented in counter tops, tables, benches, or lighting. It has a contemporary yet timeless feel and works best mixed with elements of wood, steel and wicker. Untreated surfaces are iconic in South African coastal design and the beauty of the handmade and imperfect is perceived as a beautiful aesthetic (in true wabi-sabi style). Metals such as brass and galvanised black steel have dominated the South African décor scene for years. These metals add a touch of industrial flair into a space.
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Comfort is an important aspect of a modern South African interior. This style embodies organic simplicity. Simple furnishings are oversized. The made-of-wood furniture encapsulates simplicity, roughness, and heaviness. Large sofas crafted from genuine leather (typically dark brown leather) with plump cushions, and furniture made of bamboo or jarrah wood adds an African-inspired touch. Often, upholstery comes in ethnical prints or faux animal skins and handwoven African mud cloth pillow covers. Raffia-palm leaf fibres as wall hanging and cushions add that coastal vibe.
The Malawi chair is really as authentic as it gets when it comes to adding some authentic ethnic flavour to your furnishings. If the décor is inspired by the African safari theme, then the iconic butterfly chair (also known as the Triplolina chair) in tan leather or mud cloth upholstery gives a nice ethnic twist.
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In terms of the décor, less is more. The South African décor style embraces natural materials. Especially hand-woven baskets, wooden bowls along with raffia cushions and oversized black & white photographs of wild animals and African people instil a modern yet authentic look.
Ceramics and sculptures are made by local South African artisans. These include stoneware ceramics, ornamental bronze figures, craft in ebony, mahogany or other local woods that add authenticity; or traditional wall masks, wooden statuettes with elongated legs. Vases and vessels are typically crafted out of iron with a bronze finish.
Nguni cow hide, antelope skulls and horns have been a mainstay feature in African-inspired interiors.
Tonga baskets create an eye-catching collage on the wall, as well as a display ornate pieces that feature beadwork. Juju hats add a certain tribal elegance. And, sculptural artwork adds a contemporary twist. African art and design is very much inspired by its stunningly beautiful fauna, think of a black and white photographic portrait of an elephant. Artwork is mainly sourced locally (‘local is lekker’).
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Large floor lamps and oversized pendants are everywhere. Statement-making light pendants made of coco sticks, bamboo or sisal add an airy coastal flair. Or, large wooden bead lampshades, wrought iron cage pendant lights; or mesh pendants crafted from lampakanay and abaca and woven basket lamps made from natural wicker set a striking tone.
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Outdoors kitchens (braai areas) are a must have! Biophilic design ranges from the classic sculptural Monstera to installing living green walls or vertical gardens of tropical tree-growers, epiphytes which need only air and atriums of sculptural cacti, aloes, or agapanthus and strelitzia which encapsulate coastal minimalist lines and add a natural flow to the space.
“The beauty of the South African coastal style is that it is wide open to interpretation – there are just so many ways to incorporate it with your personal style.”
Modern decor in coastal SA-inspired homes is not about filling the space with masks, baskets or animal prints. It is about finding a few considered statements combined with a simple and minimalist modern coastal design - meaningful elements that create harmony and personality.
Not so long ago I experienced the beauty of South Africa on one of my adventures; read about my coastal road-trip, and you might fall in love with this place as much as I did.
