AFRO CHIC

South African photographer David Ross

I have a sneaking suspicion a trend is upon us. This disappoints me a little because I don't like trends and I really quite like this look. It's a subtle tribal/African influence in either a simple neutral setting or boho space. The idea is not to go crazy with too many tribal pieces but just a hint to create some interest. Think about layering mud cloth textiles in tribal patterns, or using a simple hide rug, hang some African photography artwork, or use a Malawi occasional chair or Bamileke drum stool. Other more daring but equally fabulous pieces with African flair would be some buffalo horns, a Cameroon or Ju Ju headdress on the wall, or a mounted skull. Spaces styled properly with this Afro chic look give you the sense that the owner is well travelled and worldly - a little adventurous perhaps. But don't get carried away because too much of a good thing can look tacky. 

Manyara Home, Newport, Sydney manyarahome.com.au

Styled for Couleur Locale Concept Store in Belgium

elramlahamra.nl

Portait of Kate Moss by Wolfgang Tillmans

Gwynn Griffith's home in San Antonio, Texas. elledecor.com

A Dulux paints fashion-inspired room, styled by Dulux stylist Bree Leech

Les Interieurs, Paddington, Sydney. The retail store of interior designer Pamela Makin

Lumu Interiors, Rozelle, Sydney

Les Interieurs, Paddington, Sydney. Photo: Vogue Living magazine

Lumu Interiors, Rozelle, Sydney

homebytribal.com.au

Fenton and Fenton fentonandfenton.com.au

Photo: Travel Plus Style travelplusstyle.com

All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop. Interior Design Blog.

HERRINGBONE

If you're a fan of The Block, you would've noticed the gorgeous herringbone floors in Darren and Deanne's apartment. It's a refreshing point of difference from all the tiles and concrete being used in the other apartments.   And that's coming from a hardcore concrete fan! This V-shaped jigsaw pattern has certainly made a huge comeback, and rightly so. It's a classic design that offers a sense of warmth and interest, making a space feel instantly homely. But that's not to say it can't be modern or edgy. It fits comfortably in any style home. People often mistaken it with the zigzag pattern of chevron, but there is a difference. With chevron, blocks are cut at an angle and run point to point to create a continuous zigzag design. Herringbone is simpler, as the squared blocks finish perpendicular to each other, resulting in a broken zigzag (see attached pic). You can essentially create a herringbone pattern with any rectangular-shaped pieces - whether they be tiles, timber, concrete panels, whatever. And while you'd expect to see timber herringbone on the floor, it looks just as amazing as a pattern on walls and furniture. Definitely a fave of mine at the moment.

Stripes Only wallpaper by Eijffinger

Passeig de Gracia by Katty Schiebeck

Source: remodelista.com

Chamberlain Javens Architects 

Source: Est Magazine estmagazine.com.au

Herringbone house in London by Atelier Chan Chan. Source: remodelista.com

Photo by Tia Borgsmidt via Homelife

All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop. Interior Design Blog.