Roy Primm asked:


The popularity of African home decor reflects in the growth of this trend over the last three years. More interior designers and buyers longing to spice up and add a sense of adventure to their homes have sought African decor items to fill that need.

For centuries the continent of Africa has produced inspired works of art people around the globe envy. For example, objects made from stone, clay, woods and other natural materials.

With the popularity of earth-friendly home decor products, African home accessories seem like a natural (pardon the pun) fit for today’s demanding home decor market and consumer.

African decor produced from natural earth friendly materials continues to grow in popularity among interior designers. The most popular forms of African tribal decor is wood figurines, wood masks and animal wood carvings.

These African wood carvings often made from trees that replenish easily because of faster growth - as opposed to other trees. For example, trees such as bamboo, teak and other fast growing varieties.

Colorful African baskets of all sizes continue to grow as a popular home decor accessory, adding a splash of color and interest to any room. The popularity comes from the double benefits of a decorative piece that’s also used for storage purposes.

Quality hand-made African home decor baskets crafted with various kinds of loom add variety to any home decor. The better quality form of loom is the horizontal pedal loom. The horizontal loom is most popular from the regions of West Africa.

The West African tribes of the Kasai and Kwilu territories located near the Central Congo developed a unique weaving technique. For example, the tribal women meticulously weave plush raffia or fiber on diagonal looms. Next they take the pattern and knot it in broad bands during the detailed weaving process. And finally the expert weaver completes the detailed steps by cutting the overhanging material to an even finish.

Inserting a colorful pattern, done in various ways adds a touch of color to the decorative African baskets. The most popular method? Meticulously hand-weaving with colored threads, the result is a stunning piece of African art that would brighten up any room.

Wrought iron African home decor accessories continues as a favorite because of its longevity. African statues and figurines of tribesmen, tribeswomen and popular animals throughout the tropical forest and East Africa represent consumer favorites world-wide.

African pottery is another popular African decor accessory used to add a look of adventure to any room in your home. African hand-made pottery usually employs many popular and recognized techniques. For example, rounded pots hollowed out with a continuous turning movement of the craft persons hands - at just the right angle and depth.

African gourde containers grow in West Africa. The gourde container, usually cut in half and their hard outer shells used to fashion decorative bowls, cups, plates and other vessels for water and food. These African bowls, decorated with various patterns of stripes and other colorful designs adds interest and authenticity. These African designs not only add interest to the piece, they often tell a story or give a positive message to the reader.

Quality African decor can add zest and life to any room. There’s a category that fits every taste and lifestyle.



SEBASTIAN

Jessica Ackerman asked:


The world has increasingly become one global city. Nowadays, more people have shown a preference for traveling to far-flung countries, discovering cultures, and appreciating art from all over the world. As a direct result, diverse and eclectic interior design styles have emerged. One of these is Oriental design. From using ceramic jars to wood wall art, this interior design concept incorporates specific pieces that evoke the mystique of the Far East.

The Oriental cultural tradition is typically dominated by practical simplicity and religion. As such, it is not surprising to find simple household items as well as religious icons and other ceremonial pieces in most Asian homes. Perhaps the most essential pieces of Oriental interior design are the wooden home accents that figure prominently within it. For those who are a bit more adventurous and would want to incorporate their travels and their passion for art and culture into their home décor, but are reluctant to do a complete renovation, consider using just a few key pieces to infuse your home with the same effect.

Of the prevailing cultural traditions, Thai, Chinese, and Balinese cultures all include wooden pieces that are either utilitarian or ceremonial in nature as part of every home’s décor. Wooden carvings of elephants dominate Thai homes and public structures, while Chinese furniture pieces such as beds, chairs, and tables regularly figure in most homes. Meanwhile, wooden statues of Buddha in varying sizes and poses also figure prominently not just in Balinese homes but in public temples as well.

The main reason why wood has come to dominate oriental interior design is because it is the most ubiquitous material in those regions. Along with the existence of this easily-accessed material came the development of Asia’s wood-carving tradition, through which wood is used to carve different kinds of objects for household or ceremonial purposes. Household items include furniture, chests and containers, while craftsmen have also produced carvings and sculptures for religious purposes such as icons and statuettes. Over the years, wood carving has evolved into a simple part of daily life into a large industry that has produced beautiful creations exemplified by gorgeous sculptures, furniture, and wood wall art.

Of all the types of wood used for these pieces, Teak or “Tectona grandis” remains as the most popular. The name Teak is in fact derived from the Malayan word “tekka,” demonstrating its importance in Asian culture and daily life. Teak is native to Burma and Thailand but may also be found throughout the Malay Archipelago. Teak timber is an ideal medium because it is soft enough to carve but is hard enough to resist the elements. As a material, it is highly valued because it is a virtually imperishable material due to its durability. Another important advantage to using Teak is that it is has natural properties that make it resistant to known wood destroyers such as termites, wood mites, and other insects.

Today, wood carving has remained to be an indigenous tradition that has withstood the times. Due to its ubiquity and integral role in major Asian cultural traditions, wood has successfully retained its economic and cultural importance.



BILLY