Coastal Breezes

The reefs that lie in the turquoise and azure waters of Africa’s tropical west coast are among the richest environments on earth.  These gloried places provide us the inspiration to create the essence of our dining room.  Reaching for a concept that would combine both functional and aesthetic components, we chose a palette drawn from the sea with a backdrop of wood-and-stone artifact images.

The room is anchored by the dining presentation that consists of a custom table top along with table linens that set the stage.  With images by American photographer Ron Tarver, the room has takes on a contemporary attitude.

In order to unify the space we have created a custom buffet and cabinet collection that allows us to bring the color statement around the room in a substantial way.

In keeping with the objective of simplicity, the widow treatment consists of a pair of custom screens and window panels. We have featured in this room, as part of our love of African textiles, coordinated wax prints.

The feature wall is anchored by wax fabric and a buffet.  This allows for a dramatic backdrop for a personal collection of family treasures.

The ethniciti brand represents a new way of thinking about the design of personal spaces.  No longer are we bound by earth tones and skins, but we are free to reflect the energy and stylings of modern Africa.  We will explore together the possibilities.

From Runway to Hallway: ethniciti Sketches

Always looking to advance the notion of the connection of apparel to home fashion, we have created a series of ethniciti Sketches that form the basis of our online interior design service.

We are interested in how you might approach the design of of African-inspired interior spaces. Send us your ideas:  ethniciti@aol.com.

Let ethniciti inspire your room makeovers in our unique, African-inspired style.

Renaissance Remembered

The growing and changing complexion of Harlem is a cause for both sadness and optimism. The progress made in creating what Harlem might look and feel like in the future is mixed with a certain familiarity and remembrance as to what it meant and how it was to live it during the golden age.

The history of Harlem, and for that matter that of blacks in America, cannot be considered without acknowledging the the work of Harlem’s most celebrated photographer, James Van Der Zee.  As captured in “Harlem Renaissance Art of Black America” by the Studio Museum in Harlem, his unique style of storytelling captured the essence of family groups, activism, and lifestyle of the Harlem community photographed to show their beauty, pride, and dignity.

Brazilian Brunch

Put away the two over easy for this wonderful change of pace.  The cassava flour as a delightful crunch.  Enjoy.

From  The Caribbean, Central & South American Cookbook, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippelli.

From Runway to Hallway – Inspiration Made Tangible

ethniciti is not a thing, not a place, but a lifestyle that responds to a new level of thinking about African-inspired interior design. It is our belief that at long last the creativity and talents of African designers worldwide are gaining recognition, allowing them to focus their incredible energy on creating unique interpretations of modern African culture. The impact is being felt on a wide range of disciplines, not the least of them interior design and home fashion.

As designers focused on African-inspired interiors we at ethniciti continue to search the market for quality home fashion products and concepts that help define this emerging trend, and bring these ideas and to our readers in a way that is both inspirational and tangible.

We welcome all others who feel as passionate about modern African-inspired design to join us in discussion and exploration. The underlying objective is to connect and support the artisans and entrepreneurs who dare to explore and celebrate the shared attitudes and cultural experiences that make Africans unique and draw us together as a distinctive design community.

With the launch of our designOnline program, we offer all Afropolitans unique and efficient design solutions that respond to your personal design urges and lifestyles.

YOUR SPACE , YOUR STYLE,  YOUR CHOICE

A Rib is not a Rib

The universal meal we never have enough of is barbeque ribs.

Here is an interesting recipe by Marcus Samulesson that adds a unique African perspective with special sauces and corn bread. Perhaps something different for Memorial Day. Enjoy. this recipe is from Marcus Samuelsson’s “The Soul of a New Cuisine.”

Bedroom Sketches

Inspired by the colors of spring, we have created a bedroom update that features a collection from www.westelm.com .  The colors this season are running to a citrus palate and the African wax textiles from www.vlisco.com are a perfect complement.

Fashion accessories are from www.snobstuff.com and create a stunning contemporary African-inspired space.  Let me know what you think.