Unique African interior design ideas

By Tricia Wanjala

In Nairobi’s South C Estate Una’s home has undergone an Afro-centric facelift. For her inspiration, she reached deep into the heart of Africa to come up with what she calls; "a celebration of Africa".

Her living room was recently repainted in pale yellow and deep Maasai red as an accent colour. What prompted this selection?

"A bit of rebellion!" she laughs.

"Everyone I know has off-white on their walls. Besides complementing each other, I think yellow and red are very warm and welcoming colours."

With this in mind, she worked on the walls and curtains. The end result was harmonious, with the yellow walls making a perfect backdrop for her deep blue sofas.

Una has created a stunning focal point in the narrow living room by designing an Afro-inspired centrepiece, which serves as a stunning display unit for her vast collection of artefacts from around the continent.

"I have always liked African art, which I have been collecting for a while," she says. She worked with the carpenter to create the elephant legs, which she then commissioned a Congolese craftsman to carve.

Some of her favourite individual pieces include traditional headrests from Turkana, Tanzania, Ethiopia and the Congo. Other pieces are from Rwanda, Zanzibar and Uganda. The collection not only has a strong aesthetic quality but also deep sentimental value. Many are keepsakes from friends.

For her dining room Una has created an intimate atmosphere with minimal yet simple dÈcor.

An Egyptian papyrus painting adds interest to the muted walls and her customary floral arrangements add a loving and welcoming ambience.

"My mother always placed fresh flowers in the living room every week, so I guess I simply continued with the habit. Flowers are a beautiful sight; they brighten my spirit. I have a florist who delivers fresh flowers every week."

Finally, throughout her cosy home, wood is used generously. Rugs do not encumber the highly polished wooden floors. Wooden furniture and ornaments take pride of place in every room. She attributes her love for wood to its warmth, versatility and classic durability.

Her most favourite piece hangs proudly in the living room: a vintage wooden clock made from a Zimbabwean railway sleeper.

Una relates: "You of course know railway sleeper, made from teak, are pre-colonial and very strong. In fact, they are now a rarity! I bought this from a Zimbabwean friend."