Colors from theTable

Inspiration for color palettes sometimes comes from the most unexpected places.  A look at the work of Tricia Guild in “Colors from the Painted Country” opens up new perspectives.

Just think, you get a chance to devour you inspiration.

Colors by Sherwin Williams.

Fusion in Paris

If you are looking for unique interpretations of urban African-inspired design, look to Paris – a city known for fashion has long ago embraced a cultural-fusion approach to interiors.

This apartment by Christian Louboutin highlighted in New Paris Interiors (edited by Angelika Taschen) is a great example of how to marry a traditional urban space with a personal cultural aesthetic.

Organized Eclecticism

Unlike the structured styles to which we all are accustomed – Contemporary, Classic, Casual – there is an underlying aspect we seek, creating personal spaces.

Moving away from photo shoot rooms, an eclectic approach to room styling helps realize our desire for self-expression. While sometimes difficult to pull off, eclecticism offers another opportunity to personalize a space with detail.

These rooms provide a glimpse of an African-inspired approach with dramatic results – interiors from the book “South Africa – Private Worlds” by Desmond Colborne, photography by Solvi Dos Santos.

Garden Retreat

At the end of the day an outside room should be more than a resting place for a large kitchen or pizza oven. There is something to be said about the purpose and effect of these tranquil spaces.

This space by Paul Mikula is a perfect example of less is much more. It uses simple touches to set the mood for a wonderful afternoon in the shade.

The photos above are from the book “South Africa – Private Worlds” by Desmond Colborne, photography by Solvi Dos Santos.

Less is More

A monotone approach to color strategy is an excellent way to create a neutral canvas of sorts to paint these interior pictures.

These studies illustrated in “The Way We Live with Color,” by Stafford Cliff (photography by Gilles de Chabaneix) show how effective the use of dark furnishings with the proper texture play against light walls. It gives the lovers of beige hope.

Caribbean Elegance

There has long been both an emotional and visual connection between the Africans and the Europeans in the Caribbean.  There is none more visible than the approach to homes and interiors on Martinique, a stunning example of this coming together.

The classic French apartment look fused with the relaxed style of the islands as illustrated in the Habitation Saint-Étienne is a perfect combination.

You will find more of the Franco-Caribbean home style in the book “French Island Elegance,” by Michael Connors, photography by Bruce Buck.

Color Explosion

We often talk about how strong color and shapes act as inspiration for the creation of room designs. It is the absence of initial details that offers the freedom to create powerful design concepts.

Teresa Sepulcre, a furniture and accessory designer, takes big risks in a house bathed in the spirit of intense colors. The palette of African-inspired textiles and art offers a unique application of this modern, high-style approach.

These interiors and more can be seen in the book “Maximalist Interiors” by Encarna Castillo.

North African Expressions

Whichever element of the North African esthetic you choose to build your interior concept on, color needs to be employed with care. There is a difference between letting colors of another country stimulate your palate and simply regurgitating them without reference to climate or culture.

The pinks of Tunisia, the blues and greens of Morocco applied with intuition can make a North-African-inspired room truly magical.

Zaza Van Hulle creates a Moorish extravaganza in her Paris apartment. Documented in “Ethnic Interiors” by Dinah Hall, her spaces make you want to sink back into the pillow, take a sip of aromatic tea, and imagine the desert heat beating down outside.

Organized Eclecticism – Express Yourself

Moving away from out-of-the-box interior design solutions is always more difficult to say than do. We are naturally driven to the structure we are familiar with, but what we really want are rooms that reflect our own personal styles and memories.

Marianne Fassler, a well known South African fashion designer, bases her eclecticism on various  elements which bring an African-inspired touch.  Untraditional western decorative components give these a warm and lived-in feeling.

Using fundamental furniture pieces of any style, new or refurbished, combined with the cultural esthetic important to you, make the space reflect who you are and how you want others to see you.

Photos from the book “Maximalist Interiors,” by Encarna Castillo.

The Finishing Touch: The Personal Stamp of Cecil Hayes

The rise and fall of any well designed room depends upon the finishing touches. Each surface offers an opportunity to create a personal stamp. Cecil Hayes has captured dramatically how critical the accents to a room will be.

Table tops, wall groupings, artifact placement – all help tell the story and hint at the inspiration for the room.  In these spaces she has artfully fused traditional as well as contemporary furniture with African-inspired textiles and art for unique expression of her clients’ tastes. Well done Cecil.

Photos from Cecil Hayes’ book, 9 Steps to Beautiful Living.