South African and – by extension, African – designs, stand out because of their unabashed originality, bright colours, dynamic energy and their love of contrast. These features make such designs popular throughout the world and so, in honour of Heritage Day, we’ve put together four 2019 interior design trends that have an innovative South African-inspired twist.
Bold, bright colours
There is vital energy to South African colour palettes with rich yellows, burnt oranges and reds paying homage to our spectacular sunrises and sunsets, indigo blues to a cloudless sky, while earthy browns are reminiscent of fertile soil. 2019 has seen a rise in the popularity of using bold, bright colours in interior design. This is especially true for the popularity of the colour yellow; which people have been using to add pops of colour to their spaces. Choosing bold traditional, South African-inspired colours – especially yellows – for the home is an excellent way of taking an international design trend and adding a South African twist.
Geometric Patterns
South Africa is known for its detailed, vibrant patterns such as ShweShwe. These patterns, which are often characterised by their intricate geometric details, can be found in many traditional textiles, woven items such as carpets and baskets, beaded items, pottery and art. The trend of using geometric patterns, especially bold and oversized ones, in the home, has grown in popularity throughout the world. This makes it the perfect time to incorporate traditional South African patterns into interior design by choosing items made with South African patterns, such as throws, woven baskets, carpets or artworks; as a statement piece for the home.
Natural materials
What makes South African – and by extension African – décor distinctive is the tradition of using organic, natural materials in designs. Cultures throughout South Africa make use of natural materials such as animal skins, clay, leather, textiles and carpets woven from natural materials, wicker items, handwoven baskets, raw cotton and other textured, organic fabrics. This makes sourcing interior design items made from natural materials both easy and affordable. We also have a wider variety available to us. As the worldwide trend of incorporating natural, textured and tactile materials in the home continues to gain popularity, there has never been a better time to include traditional South African items, such as textiles, carpets, baskets, all made from natural materials in your home’s interior.
Sustainability
Incorporating elements of sustainability into designs and spaces is a trend which is never going to go out of fashion, and which has never been more important. As the industry continues to promote eco-friendly and sustainable interior design practices, there has become an increased demand for locally sourced materials and handmade items, rather than mass-produced goods. In South Africa we are lucky that there is an incredibly wide variety of locally sourced and ethically manufactured items which we can choose from, ranging from textiles to art and furniture. Incorporate sustainability with a South African twist into the home’s interior by supporting local small businesses and industry.
There are so many ways in which one can incorporate a South African twist into popular interior design trends that, as a South African, there’s really no reason not to.
Take a look at our decors here
Read more on our previous article Green Building Standards here