7 Exciting African Interior Design Styles for Your Next Makeover

A horizontal mosaic of three images showcasing different styles of African interior designs. The first one is vibrant and colorful including a white couch with throw pillows in different colors in front of an orange wall with colorful paintings of African women. The second is a modern Moroccan-inspired living room featuring a moroccan rug with a white couch and ornate wall hanging on the wall behind. And the last image represents a traditional east African interior with traditional pattern, decor items in natural matirals like wood or ceramics and a rug patterned in different shades of brown

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When it comes to African interior design styles, many people often picture either traditional decor or safari-inspired themes. While these styles certainly have their place, they are only a small part of the rich and diverse landscape that African design has to offer. In this article, we’ll explore seven unique African interior design styles that will inspire your next home makeover. Whether you’re drawn to modern minimalism, cozy boho vibes, or an eclectic fusion of cultures, these ideas will broaden your design horizons and spark your creativity.

Discover Our Favorite African Interior Design Styles

Organic: Raw Materials for a Soothing Interior

We’re kicking things off with one of the most beloved styles: the timeless organic vibe. This style embraces a zen atmosphere, creating a space that feels in tune with nature. With its focus on neutral tones and natural materials like wood, clay, and organic fibers, it’s a favorite among minimalists seeking calm and serenity in their homes.

Minimalist decor area with a white wall, earth tone pots and vases on shelves built into the wall, a wooden chair and a terracotta vase on the floor next to it

One of the biggest advantages of the organic style is its accessibility—you can craft this look with locally sourced pieces from artisans across Africa. No matter where you travel on the continent, you’ll find skilled craftspeople working with woven textiles, wood, metal, and ceramics.

Organic decor display composed by woven wall baskets and vases, wooden bowls and ceramic jars

Here are the key elements that define organic African design:

  • Neutral-colored walls: Whites, creams, and soft earth tones set the perfect backdrop for this natural aesthetic.
  • Wooden furniture: Think tables, chairs, and stools made from beautifully crafted wood to ground the space.
  • Woven baskets and rugs: These make charming accent pieces—look for Kenyan sisal baskets or jute mats to bring texture and warmth to the room.
  • Handcrafted ceramics and textiles: Finish the look with local ceramics and soft cotton pillow covers, handmade by artisans from Guinea to Ethiopia.
Organic African inspired living room with white wall, woven art on the wall, a wooden side table and a white sofa. Minimalist vibes

By carefully blending these elements, you’ll create an organic haven in your home—a serene retreat that radiates peace and tranquility.

Discover our 5 African Living Room Decor Ideas for a Beautiful Organic Vibe.

Modern African Design: Clean Lines with a Touch of Cultural Flair

Next, let’s explore the modern African style. This approach is broad and flexible, spanning everything from organic-inspired spaces to interiors that reimagine traditional African aesthetics. The beauty of modernity lies in its versatility—it can adapt to almost any design, as long as it’s done thoughtfully.

African interior design styles - white sofa with minimalist african-inspired throw pillows behind an organic wooden table with a bowl on it. African art behind the sofa
Modern bedroom with an earth-toned scheme, dark-wood table lamp base on a light-wood side table, jute mat and a ceramic planter

Key elements of modern African design include:

  • Clean lines: In modern interiors, around 70% of the space should consist of functional pieces with simple geometric shapes.
  • Neutral colors: The foundation of the room should feature neutral shades like whites or beiges to create a calm, cohesive backdrop.
  • Contemporary accents: Here’s where you can get creative: 30% of the space dedicated to your personal touch. Whether it’s ancient African art or a vibrant Moroccan rug, it is all about bringing personality to your space. After all, the last thing you want is a dull interior—boring is never an option.
Modern Moroccan-inpired liging room with tall glass windows, a white U-shaped sofa, a wooden table, a moroccan rug as well as moroccan art, lamps and wall hanging

By following these three principles, you can craft a modern African interior that speaks to any heritage. Whether you love West African patterns, traditional art, or bold Moroccan colors, this style is your oyster. Just remember to maintain the balance that makes modern design work.

Chic African Interior Design: Where Modernity and Luxury Converge

Closely related to the modern African aesthetic, the chic African style builds on a similar foundation but takes it a step further. To achieve this luxurious look, you’ll need to elevate the space with statement pieces and refined details that bring the design to a new level.

African Interior Design Styles Chic African-inspired seating area with a cream chair upholstered in wool-like material, organic elements such as the dark wooden side-table, brown vase and a contemporary black and white painting on the wall
African-inspired design styles: chic African inspired bedroom with earth tone, a bed with white sheets and luxurious throw pillows, elegant wooden side tables and a cozy throw blanket and ottoman

So, what sets the chic African style apart from modern African design?

  • Opulence: While both styles share a minimalist base, chic interiors call for more indulgence. Picture extra throw pillows, a larger sofa, or a thicker, more plush mattress—comfort and grandeur go hand in hand here.
  • Luxurious materials: The chic look thrives on high-end materials. Think satin cushions from Morocco, a South African mohair rug, or furniture made from rich, noble woods like Tanzanian ebony. These elements instantly heighten the sense of sophistication.
  • Architectural details: The room itself can be a canvas for luxury. High ceilings, spacious layouts, and walls enhanced with wood paneling or carved art all contribute to the chic African ambiance.
African-inspired design styles: Chic Moroccan living room with high ceilings, 2 white sofas complemented with plush brown ottomans, a moroccan rug and a wooden table

By enhancing your modern African design with these luxurious touches, you’ll naturally transition into a chic African interior that exudes elegance.

Traditional African Design: How It All Started

While we’ve explored organic, modern, and chic African interior design styles, none of these would exist without the original foundation: traditional African design. This style is the cornerstone of every variation we’ve discussed, which is why it deserves a central place in this article.

African interior design styles - living room with ancient objects; a wall hanging, thrown pillows with traditional patterns, a wooden table and a patterned rug
Traditional design style inpired by east Africa

So, what defines traditional African design? To answer that, we need some context.

Though much of the world’s understanding of African history starts with colonialism, Africa’s story stretches back far beyond that—it’s the cradle of humanity itself. Over centuries, the continent has experienced countless migrations, the rise of tribes, and the formation of powerful kingdoms. Today, Africa is home to over 3,000 ethnic groups, including the Berbers in the North, the Yoruba in the West, the Maasai in the East, and the Zulu in the South.

Each of these ethnic groups has developed its own traditions, beliefs, and craftsmanship, which form the very essence of African design.

Traditional Moroccan outside seating area with benches adorned with throw pillows in traditional brown and rust tones, as well as Moroccan ceiling lamps and a wooden table
Outdoor terrace decorated in a traditional Moroccan design style

Now, let’s explore the key characteristics of traditional African design. As you may have gathered, there isn’t a single “traditional African” style. Instead, there’s a wide variety of aesthetics you can embrace, depending on your heritage or personal taste.

To create a truly authentic traditional African interior, we encourage you to dive deep into the cultural heritage of the region that resonates with you. Take the time to understand the local craftsmanship, the meaning behind patterns and symbols, and the historical context. This thoughtful approach will result in a space that’s not only visually stunning but also rich with meaning.

African interior design styles - Colorful blue Tunisian living room with traditional blue tiles, a ceiling lamp, wooden table and traditional Tunisian sofa with blue throw pillows
African interior design styles: Traditional South African bedroom with a bed covered by a traditional blanket, throw pillows in earth tone coverd and wooden art hanged on the wall
Traditional Tunisian living room (left) and South African bedroom (right)

Here are some regional highlights:

  • North Africa: Known for its bold colors, ornate textiles and tiles, arched architecture, and intricately shaped lamps.
  • West Africa: Famous for its vibrant textiles like Mud cloth and Kente cloth, striking woodwork, woven baskets, and expressive art.
  • East Africa: This region features unique items like the iconic Ethiopian chairs and the renowned Kenyan baskets, all showcasing distinct craftsmanship.
  • Southern Africa: While you’ll find variations of the above techniques here, Southern Africa also offers unique crafts such as intricate beadwork and the inclusion of animal prints.

By honoring these regional styles, you can create a traditional African design that reflects both beauty and cultural depth.

Afro-boho: A Cozy and Eclectic Interpretation of African Design

Now that you’re familiar with traditional and organic African interior design styles, you’re ready to dive into Afro-Boho. Short for African-Bohemian, Afro-Boho is essentially an organic design with a stronger emphasis on African symbols and an added layer of coziness. This look is all about creating a space that feels both stylish and irresistibly comfortable.

African interior design styles: afro-boho bedroom with a white bed, red Moroccan rug, woven wall hangings, a woven basket and a woven ceiling lamp

So, what are the key elements of an Afro-Boho interior?

  • Natural fibers: Soft textiles like cotton and wool, along with natural fibers such as jute, sisal, raffia, or elephant grass, set the foundation.
  • Comfort-driven accents: Plush cushions, cozy throw blankets, and soft rugs are essential to creating that inviting, relaxed vibe.
  • Cultural symbols: What truly sets Afro-Boho apart is the integration of symbols with deep cultural significance. Incorporate pieces featuring Berber symbols from North Africa, Kuba cloth from the DRC, or Adinkra symbols from West Africa to infuse your space with a sense of history and meaning.

Discover our 7 Inspirations for a Stunning Afro-boho Bedroom.

Boho organic corner with a wall hanging, organic vases and cusions on the floor
Modern Afro-boho seating area with white cushions and woven items

While Afro-Boho often leans towards neutral tones, it doesn’t have to. Some Afro-Boho interiors embrace bold colors with confidence, which leads us to our next section: vibrant and colorful African design.

Bold and Colorful: For Lovers of Vibrant African Interiors

From Dakar to Addis Ababa, Africa is renowned for its vibrant colors. These hues come to life daily through fashion, design, art, and architecture, all reflecting the continent’s sunny climate and lively spirit. With so much energy in the environment, it’s no surprise that colorful African interiors radiate a sense of joy and warmth.

African interior design styles - vibrant living room snapshot. Bright orange wall; purple side table, colorful paintings of African women, Basin fabric cushions in different colors
African interior Design styles: Bright orange seating corner with an orange couch in front of an orange wall and orange thrown pillows with black patterns

While there are countless ways to create a vibrant African-inspired interior, this style—like modern design—follows a few key principles. One of the most effective is the 60-30-10 rule:

  • Pick one main color: This will be the anchor of your space, covering about 60% of the room. Apply it to walls or larger furniture pieces to establish a strong visual foundation.
  • Choose a secondary color: Represented in 30% of the room, this shade complements the main color. You can stick to a similar palette, like orange paired with yellow, or contrast a bold hue with a softer one for balance.
  • Add accents: The final 10% is where you can introduce up to three additional colors through accents like cushions, throw pillows, artwork, or patterns. These pops of color bring personality and flair to your space.
Colorful Moroccan seating area with pink and rust paint, pillows of different bright colors on a white sofa, bright-colored pouffes and a lively Moroccan rug

The 60-30-10 rule ensures harmony, no matter which color palette you choose. If you’re drawn to East or West African aesthetics, you might find yourself leaning towards yellows, oranges, and reds. North African design incorporates those tones too, often with the addition of blues and pinks. Look for statement pieces, striking art, or bold patterns—and most importantly, have fun with it!

Fusion: Where African Design Meets Global Influences

Lastly, we can’t conclude this article without celebrating the blend of cultures that make today’s interiors uniquely captivating. While African interior design styles shine on their own, fusing them with other iconic styles can yield breathtaking results.

Fusion Afro-Scandinavian living room with earth tone colors, brown sofa, wooden furniture, a contemporary ceiling lamps and a cozy vibe
Afro-Scandinavian interior

For instance, the combination of African and Scandinavian design works exceptionally well. Emerging in the 20th century, Scandinavian design is known for its functionality, coziness, and harmony with nature. Both styles share a love for natural materials, earthy tones, and textiles, making them a natural fit.

When creating an Afro-Scandinavian interior, aim to stay close to the organic and modern African styles, opting for clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. You’ll still have plenty of opportunities to incorporate art, patterns, or woodcraft unique to your chosen African regions. This blend works well with craftsmanship that appreciates simplicity, rather than items heavily adorned with ornate motifs or intricate patterns—an ideal choice for contemporary minimalists!

Fusion Afro-japanese living room with a minimalist scheme, wooden furniture, orgainc vases and art on the walls
Afro-Japanese interior

Similarly, the Afro-Japanese style creates a harmonious fusion. Japanese interiors also emphasize simplicity and natural materials. However, unlike Scandinavian design, which tends to favor lighter woods, the Japanese approach embraces darker, warmer colors. Another key feature of Japanese style is the lower height of furniture compared to European designs.

Mixing African and Japanese styles follows many of the same principles as combining African and Scandinavian elements. This fusion allows for greater freedom in adding subtle accent colors, such as warm oranges and reds, along with floral or dry arrangements that are prominent in African interiors but less so in Scandinavian ones, which usually feature green plants.

Both Afro-Scandinavian and Afro-Japanese designs are among our favorite fusion styles, but the possibilities are endless. Feel free to explore and mix and match as you encounter stunning interiors that inspire you!

To sum it up, African interior design styles offer a rich range of aesthetics.

From the coziness of Afro-Boho to the clean lines of modern design, each style brings its own qualities and specificities to your home. By exploring these various approaches, you can create an interior that is absolutely stunning while showcasing diverse craftsmanship from across the continent. Embrace the endless possibilities and let your creativity shine as you curate a space that resonates with your favorite African designs.

Want more inspiration? Explore African interior design further with our 11 Ideas for a Stunning Home.

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