African-Themed Ethnic-Style Interior Design Idea

African-styled ethnic interior design in modern-day home styling is often associated with exotic interiors. The style is embraced by creative and artsy people who love ideas that make them stand out "from the crowd".

An ethnic-style interior setting.
(Image used under license from 123rf.com)

Ethnic interiors are associated with bold patterns, textures, vivid earth tones, unusual forms, artwork, and some eccentricity.

Many believe ethnic designs are tribal. While many more think tribal designs connote ethnicity. They are all right in many ways. How? The ethnic decor is a beautiful mix of tribe, tradition, art, nature, and the elements.

How to Transform a Room Into an Ethnic Haven

Transforming an interior space into a stylishly-ethnic haven from scratch is simple. It is fun to put together because there are no rules per se, only three basic requirements typical of the theme.

1. Natural (plants, jute, clay).
2. Traditional (wood, fabrics, furniture).
3. Art (carvings, sculptures, local art, handmade crafts, animal prints).

The requirements reflect the African cultural identity and traditions.

Assuming you already have the basic furniture all set in place: sofa, coffee table, armchair, side tables, dining set, etc., add some of the listed to enhance or upgrade the space to an ethnic-styled interior:

• African tribal mask (one large piece or a group of three smaller ones).
• Wall-hung talking drum.
• Handwoven rug with a tribal pattern.
• Large floor pillows (for sofa) - a mix of plain textured fabrics and African prints.
• Leather pouffes (footstools).
• Planters (terracotta, rattan, handwoven baskets).
• Display wood carvings, stone sculptures, and other small-size artefacts on surfaces (tables, stands, floating shelves).
• Faux animal skin throws.
• Large brass, copper, or clay urns.
• Lampshades (made from local Ankara or loom-woven fabrics).

Bedroom design with a touch of ethnic.
(Image used under license from 123rf.com)

If the room is already styled contemporary (or modern), you can add tribal accents and complements. Add at least five items to create an aesthetically pleasing ethnic interior decor. This type of mix with a modern style works best for most.

Going totally ethnic may end up looking consuming and overwhelming. But there is no rule against going the whole nine yards. Some like it that way.

African-Inspired Home Decor (Video)

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Do You Live in a One-Bedroom Apartment? Here are 5 Quick Interior Upgrade Ideas

Some residents living in one-bedroom apartments do get tired of the same interior arrangement, year in and year out. Why? Because the apartment is small and the movement path is short (just between the living spaces and bedroom), it soon gets uninteresting.

Feature wall and a study desk for a small apartment.
(Image used under license from 123rf.com)

When you start to feel this way, it is time for a quick and affordable interior upgrade. So, how can you achieve this fast and easy without spending more than a few dollars? Here are five ways how:

1, Foliage

Adding potted plants to a room brings the outdoors into an interior space. You can use either natural or faux plants. If you have good natural light filtering into the space, go for natural foliage. And for a living area that lacks much natural lighting, faux plants are best. Place a large potted plant in a conspicuous corner of the room. Add smaller or ornamental plants on shelves, mantelpieces, windowsills, and other available surfaces.

A large plant positioned beautifully.
(Image used under license from iStockphoto.com)

2, Area rug

If you can, invest in a new floor rug. Put a small console by the entrance and add a small-sized runner rug in front. A new, colourfully textured rug can have just as much of an impact on the space as a new sofa will. Alternatively, you can place the rug between the living and dining zones. It will visually separate both areas.

3, Change furniture around

Swap around furniture and decor elements instead of buying new items. For instance, you can switch the bedroom rug with your current living room rug. You can also bring the accent chair from the bedroom to the living room and replace it with one of the armchairs from the seating area. That is two room upgrades for zero dollars.

4, Window art

Window art will transform any interior space, making the room appear like you are looking at some beautiful scenic view through your window. View a garden, a patio pool, a seascape, or a mountainous landscape with window decals. This change works well if you have a miserable view from the inside.

5, Create a feature wall

Never underestimate the transformative powers of framed pictures, illustrations, and paintings. Choose a wall as the room's focal point and turn it into a picture gallery. Paint the wall a different colour from the others. Paint is cheap, fast to apply, and very effective. Since you are painting only one wall, invest in a colour that works fabulously with the rest of the interior.

Do-It-Yourself Project

All in all, these five tasks are doable in an hour or thereabouts. You can do them one evening after work, or on a weekend.

And money spent? It will always depend on you.

For instance, you may wish to splash out on the area rug. Or you may decide to splurge on potted plants or a striking floor lamp.

The idea behind this post, however, is to help you achieve a fast, easy, and affordable way to upgrade your interior when you start to get tired of its looks.

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Before You Design Interior Spaces, Do This Important Thing First

Before interior designers begin to create a concept and prepare preliminary drawings, they must first decide on a theme. The professionals know a good design starts with a theme. 

The style of choice can range from minimalist to elegant country, eclectic, contemporary, ethnic, Art Deco, traditional, feng shui, etc. Once this is ascertained, the interior design process can begin.

A stylish theme for a living area. (Image used under license from 123rf.com)

They then begin the technical aspect: sketch floor plans, elevations, furniture placements and 3D representations. Furnishing, finishes, and other elements are noted.

But if you plan to upgrade a space or give your interior a makeover, employing the services of a professional interior designer is pricey and in many instances, unnecessary. Why? Because you can do a lot of the tasks required, yourself. You don’t need professional skills to apply clever and transforming interior design tricks.

Choosing a Theme

You should pick a theme with a lot of thought. But the good thing? There are no rigid rules concerning choices.

1. Do you live alone or live with a partner?
2. Do you have young kids still scampering around?
3. Is your home full of occupants?
4. Are you ready to ensure that you can maintain the aesthetics of the style?

If you have a sense of designing and decorating, then, go ahead and create a unique theme; a mix of the old and new works great. Combine no more than two themes (except for eclectic styling). Anything above that will be an overkill. But make one more dominant over the other. 

For example, a dominant modern theme with splashes of vintage-inspired elements will give a striking look. You'll love the nobody-else-has-this-style feel.

Plan to use elements that'll enhance your theme. Think finishes (floor, walls, and ceiling), colour scheme, artwork, textiles, patterns, and textures. There are also window treatments, lighting, and decor items that translate the theme perfectly.

Hire an Interior Designer or DIY?

After you've decided on a theme and (importantly) your colour scheme, you can begin your upgrade/makeover project. A good thing, we now live in a DIY era, so you can be your own interior designer and save tons of money.

Of course, there are certain tasks you cannot implement without contractors. For instance, if your upgrade requires some wiring, you need a licensed electrician. And if it involves a kitchen upgrade, you'll need a licensed plumber. You may hire one from your local home improvement store. 

Work at your own pace. Know what you can do and hire someone to do what you can’t. And if you don’t have that lump sum of money available, you can do your interior design work in phases.

7 Timeless Themes for Your Home (Video)

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Looking for a Creative Headboard Idea? Use a Statement Piece as Your Bedhead.

Using decorative metal (or wood) art is another creative headboard idea. 

(Image created by viryabo@polyvore)

Would you like to own an impressive headboard without breaking the bank? A statement piece that ups your bedroom aesthetics and creates a focal point for the room?

Today, the average cost of a not-so-great headboard can run into hundreds of dollars. Nothing eye-catching or unique either. Just some plain old wood (or upholstered) bedhead style.

Now, let's talk modern, abstract, and creative, something artsy and conversational - metal art headboard.

This may be more expensive than using drapes, decals, or upholstered panels but it'll give you a fantastic dramatic look.

Metal art ideas range from simple wirework and rod configurations to intricately sculptured sheet metal artworks. It can be installed on the wall above the bedhead position at least 18 inches above the mattress.

If you have an eye and feel for design, browse online shops (eBay, Amazon) garage sales, or local (flea) markets. You'll be pleasantly surprised to see cheap/affordable finds you can improvise and turn into headboard features.

 

Tips

• Allow the artwork to span the bedhead and bedside cabinet positions.
• Use abstract or free-form designs to create art forms.
• For a distinctive look, use metal-framework with shatter-proof mirror insets.

Articles of interest
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(This blog post is culled from an originally published article by the author on Discover.HubPages in 2013) 

*If you like this post, and find it beneficial or interesting, kindly share it on social media. It will be greatly appreciated :)

Looking for Cheap Headboard Ideas? Try Wall Decals, Drapes, and Wallpaper

A creative faux headboard idea using wall decals. You can create any theme to make the wall above your bed look stylish and impressive.

So, how do you come up with impressive headboard ideas?

What can you use?

Is it an easy instal-it-yourself decor feature?

For a few dollars and a couple of hours of work over the weekend, you can style your bed and dress it up with a creative headboard feature that can become a focal point in your bedroom. For this affordable feature, use wall decals. Apply them on the wall above the bed where the headboard position is to create an elaborate (or simple) headboard effect.

1. Wall Decal Headboards

Wall decals (stickers) come in various styles, shapes, colours, and patterns. They can be anything from simple and whimsical quotes to very graphic designs with striking visual appeal: funny, inspirational, mood-enhancing, scenic, or dramatic. You can use any theme or create something unique that reflects your style.

Wall-applied stickers work well for almost any type of bedroom; adults, teens, or young children. While you can apply adult themes, mature quotes, or illusionary effects for adults, you can create faux headboards with pretty and colourful picturesque scenes, quaint patterns, or numerical and alphabetical arrangements for nurseries and young children. For teens and tweens, themes with their favorite rock stars, glow-in-the-dark, and vivid and cute patterns like butterflies, hearts, and rainbows. 

You can also create and design your own pattern by combining various decal themes.

How to Apply Wall Stickers

1. Applying stickers directly onto the wall is simple and fast, but it is best to use removable stickers. This will allow you to change the look of your decal headboard as often as you wish.
2. Cut out the shape and size of your preferred headboard from an inexpensive board like plywood or chipboard. Before you install it on the wall, apply the decals or stickers. It is easier to apply decal stickers when the board is flat on the floor.
3. If you wish to apply them directly on a half, or three-quarter-inch board (before installing on walls), coat the board with a block of bright or muted paint. Ensure that its edges are lipped before painting. 
4. Fix the finished product onto the wall with hidden screws.

2. Drapery-Style Headboards

Curtain ‘headboards’ are one of the cheapest and easiest to make. It is a task that will take you no longer than thirty minutes. You can use inexpensive fabrics or textile cut-offs for this headboard effect and hang them simply, just as you will drapes and curtains. 

Simple to sew and install window-type treatments can also serve as faux headboards.

For an aesthetically pleasing overall look, choose a material with bold patterns. Depending on the effect you wish to create, it should complement the bedroom’s colour scheme. You can hang them from the ceiling for a dramatic look. This works well for wide beds.  Styles to go for include Roman blinds, swags, pinch-pleats or swag and tails. 

How to Hang Your Drapery-Effect Headboard

To hang your finished product, attach a decorative curtain rod to any height (of choice) above the bed’s head, and simply hang your curtain; swags, blinds, pleated, ruffled or plain gathered drapes.

 

3. Wallpapered Headboards

If you seek a low-budget but stylish headboard look, applying wallpaper on the wall above the bed is worth considering. With thousands of patterns to choose from, wallpapered headboards bring so much personality into a room, and will enhance the bed in no small way.

Choose a wallpaper pattern that works well with the room’s colour scheme. If you plan to do a bedroom upgrade, you can start off by selecting a covering that has your favourite colour. You can pick out something quirky and colourful or a wallpaper design that is rich and regal. You can then pick out a colour from the wallpaper’s pattern and paint it on the remaining bedroom walls.

Wallpaper Headboards - Tips

• Create a dramatic look with a floor-to-ceiling wallpaper headboard that spans the width of the bed.
• Install textured fabric covering like velvet, damask, or animal print in place of wallpaper. This creative headboard idea will give your bed the illusion of grandeur.
• Wallpaper can be applied directly on the wall. However, if you plan to use fabric, first apply the fabric to a ¾” board. Wrap the fabric around the edge and tack it in place at the back.
• Before applying the wallpaper, make sure your bed is positioned in a place you're happy with because moving this headboard around once it’s installed can be a little tricky.

Articles of interest

Bed Headboards Made from Tapestry, Large Paintings, and Carpets

How to Make Area Rugs from Old Clothes

7 Ways to Change Your Living Room from Drab to Uplifting

(This blog post is culled from an originally published article by the author on Discover.HubPages in 2013) *If you like this post, and find it beneficial or interesting, kindly share it on social media. It will be greatly appreciated :)