How to create an african inspired valentine decor

Create an Africanised valentine set up using armchairs upholstered in royal african fabric and a mahogany chest or wrought iron coffee table.

Many African cultures vary in their expression of love. Some are explicit and will poetically display their affection. However, a majority carry on life with implied love; not directly stated.

It would be of great help to utilise your living space to communicate your love – in African style. Here is how to get a contemporary African décor concept as designed by Goodies African Interiors & Gifts based in Nairobi this Valentine’s Day.

King and Queen set up

Create a sitting area for the African man and his woman using gold rimmed armchairs upholstered in royal African fabric. Use a mahogany wooden chest engraved with geometrical patterns to serve as a coffee table and place items to express the mood for the occasion.

A red raffia reed mat placed at the centre of the wooden chest softens the look and provides colour contrast. Use an oval dhow shaped fruit plate made from Jacaranda tree to hold miniature natural kisii stones to express the kings feeling for his queen.

To bring a touch of wild life into the setting, place a wine bottle with glasses hand engraved with giraffes or lions. Decorative wooden bottle displays made from scrap left over wood can be used as props to help fill up the table space.

A candle can be used to light the area especially if being used at night. Fill up the fruit plate with finger foods such as nuts, grapes and other love foods for the king and his queen to enjoy. A crafted rustic wrought iron lizard sets the mood to relax and unwind; it is a common sight to see lizards basking on walls and rocks on tropical hot days.

Wrought Iron set up

Use a wrought iron table to place your plates and wine glasses. A maasai beaded necklace on the plate adds character and colour to the table with red painted guards decorated with aluminium stripes gracing the table. A wooden theme is included to warm up the ambience.

Use a wooden bowl to hold heart shaped kisii stones and wooden handled folks and knives engraved with miniature crafted wild animals. Red and black dyed Kisii stones carry the valentine theme and reinforce the red theme from the place mat. A hand woven rug made from natural fibre, warms up the floor and provides cosy landing for the feet.

Wooden stool

This is a quick and easy set up. Use a wooden African stool to place your wine bottle and glasses. Cover the floor with a red organza cloth, kikoi or maasai cloth and place cushions on the floor for sitting to facilitate a romantic evening or simply chatting and catching up with a faithful friend.