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 a wall with a colorful painting. 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
Interior Design

7 Exciting African Interior Design Styles for Your Next Makeover

September 22, 2024

African interior design styles are far more diverse than the safari or “tribal” images many people picture. The truth is, African design is layered, modern, and endlessly creative. It draws on centuries of craftsmanship that adapts beautifully to today’s homes.

In this guide, I’ll share seven unique styles that continue to inspire me. Some are cozy and bohemian, others modern and minimal, a few mix cultures in unexpected ways, but all are absolutely stunning. You’ll see just how versatile African-inspired design can be—and maybe spot the perfect look for your next makeover.

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1. Organic African Interiors: Natural Materials for Calm Living

Organic design is always my starting point. A soothing vibe that feels connected to the earth: gets me every time. Picture soft neutral colors, natural textures, and hand-made pieces singing together in harmony. A wonderful sight to imagine.

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

The core elements of organic African interiors are:

  • Neutral walls: Whites, creams, and sandy tones keep things light and calm.
  • Wood furniture: Tables, stools, and chairs carved from solid African woods ground the room.
  • Natural rugs and baskets: Kenyan sisal rugs, Ghanaian Bolga baskets and woven wall baskets add layers of texture.
  • Ceramics and cotton: Handmade vases or soft cotton cushions from Guinea or Ethiopia complete the look.
Organic decor display composed by woven wall baskets and vases, wooden bowls and ceramic jars

This style works beautifully because it’s easy to recreate. Across Africa, you’ll find artisans weaving, carving, and molding with natural materials. Bring some of that into your space, over a calm neutral background, and you’ll easily mold your own haven.

You May Also Like: 5 African Living Room Decor Ideas for a Beautiful Organic Vibe

2. Modern African Interior Design: Clean Lines Meet Culture

Modern African interior design styles balance function with personality. The base is simple and uncluttered, but the accents bring the soul.

Cozy living room with beige curved sofa, brown cushions, round wooden table, abstract art on walls, and African objects. Warm lighting creates a serene ambiance.

Three rules I follow for this style:

  • Clean lines: About 70% of your furniture should be functional with simple shapes.
  • Neutral base: Whites, beige, or soft grey keep the backdrop consistent.
  • Bold accents: Use the final 30% for art, masks from West Africa, or a Moroccan rug.
Elegant bedroom with a large African woven basket wall art above a bed. The bed features white sheets, patterned pillows, and two textured cream lamps, creating a cozy ambiance.

Done right, modern African interiors feel timeless. They allows you to highlight your heritage, your travels, or even just your love of bold African artistry without ever falling out of style.

Read More: The Ultimate Modern African Home design | 7 Elevated Ideas to Unleash Your Home’s Potential

3. Chic African Interior Design: Where Modernity and Luxury Converge

Chic African interiors take the modern base and turn up the luxury. Comfort is just as important here as refinement.

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

How I create a chic African interior:

  • Opulence: Sofas are oversized, mattresses are plush, and throw pillows are abundant.
  • Rich materials: Mohair rugs from South Africa, Moroccan satin cushions, or ebony furniture from Tanzania.
  • Architectural details: High ceilings, wall carvings, or decorative wood paneling add grandeur.
African-inspired design styles: Chic Moroccan living room with high ceilings, a white sectional sofa complemented with plush throw pillow, a moroccan rug and a wooden table

This style is ideal if you enjoy fine design rooted in African craftsmanship. It’s kind of the crown jewel of African interior design styles.

4. Traditional African Design: The Foundation of It All

Africa’s history is vast. The continent has seen the rise of kingdoms, migrations of tribes, and the birth of over 3,000 ethnic groups. Each brought distinct crafts, techniques, and art. So every variation of African interior design starts here—with traditional design.

African interior design styles - living room with ancient objects; a wall hanging, thrown pillows with traditional patterns, a wooden table and a patterned rug
Old Traditional African Living Room

Here are some regional highlights worth exploring:

  • Southern Africa: Distinct beadwork and animal print motifs.
  • North Africa: Bold colors, arched architecture, hand-painted tiles, and ornate lanterns.
  • West Africa: Vibrant textiles such as kente cloth or mud cloth, carved stools, woven baskets, and expressive art.
  • East Africa: Iconic Ethiopian chairs and renowned Kenyan basketry.
Outdoor terrace decorated in a traditional Moroccan design style
Outdoor terrace decorated in a traditional Moroccan design style

As you may have gathered, there isn’t a single “traditional African” style. Instead, you’ll find a wide variety of aesthetics that you may gravitate towards or not, depending on your heritage and personal taste.

The common thread between them is meaning. Symbols, fabrics, and crafts all carry history. When you choose traditional pieces, you’re not only decorating but also adding cultural layers to your home.

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 South African bedroom

To create an authentic traditional interior, I encourage you dive deep into the cultural heritage of the region. Take the time to understand the local craftsmanship, the meaning behind patterns, and the historical context. This will change not only the way you design but also the connection you feel to the space. And that’s everything.

5. Afro-Boho Style: Cozy, Eclectic, and Warm

Afro-Boho—short for African Bohemian—is one of my favorites. It combines the natural vibe of organic design with added coziness and the cultural symbolism you expect in African interior design styles.

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

These are the elements that bring Afro-Boho to life:

  • Natural fibers: Jute, raffia, sisal, or elephant grass as rugs, baskets or lampshades.
  • Comfort: Piles of cushions and throws that make the room feel inviting.
  • Cultural symbols and textiles: Kuba cloth from the DRC, Adinkra patterns from Ghana, or Berber motifs from North Africa. These powerful symbols are all welcome here.
A bright living room displays African-inspired interior design. A light-colored sofa that has pillows with tribal prints is positioned in front of a wall hanging that looks like woven African fabric in white and red tones. A round crocheted coffee table stands in the middle of the sitting area that also contains two crocheted poufs. By the window, there's a clay vase containing pampas grass. A wooden cabinet is featured by a wall that has a straw hat hung on it. The space is warm and inviting through its earthy tones and natural textures.

Afro-Boho interiors often lean neutral, but don’t shy away from color. Some of the best Afro-Boho spaces I’ve seen embrace bright shades while still feeling soulful. In the end, it is all about self-expression.

Discover our 7 Ways to Design a Spectacular Afro-boho Bedroom.

6. Bold and Colorful African Interiors

From Dakar to Addis Ababa, Africa is renowned for its vibrant colors. These shades come to life daily through fashion, design, art, and architecture, all reflecting the continent’s sunny climate and vibrant spirit. Certain African interior design styles capture this spirit with joyful palettes that feel alive.

A living room scene showcasing African interior design with a vibrant and artistic style. A striking orange painting depicting trees and figures dominates the wall above a light-colored sofa adorned with orange, rust, and patterned pillows. Two wooden-framed chairs with cream cushions flank the sofa, each accented with a single rust-colored pillow and a dark patterned throw pillow. A wooden coffee table in the center is decorated with a vase of greenery and a small dish of fruit, contributing to the room's warm and inviting atmosphere. A richly patterned rug anchors the space, complementing the room's earthy tones and eclectic aesthetic. The room is well-lit, with natural light filtering in and supplemented by table lamps on either side of the sofa, enhancing the artwork and décor.

A simple method to keep colorful African interiors balanced is the 60-30-10 rule:

  • 60% main color: Use it on walls or large furniture.
  • 30% secondary color: Add contrast or harmony with a second shade.
  • 10% accents: Cushions, art, or textiles in 2-3 extra colors that bring additional interest.
Ultra vibrant African seating area with bright colors and lively patterns. The walls are painted with colorful murals, a moroccan runner is on the floor, an upholstered ottoman and two raid seating furniture pieces complete the scene

Colors vary by region. West Africa often shines with reds, yellows, and oranges. North African interiors add turquoise, blues, and pinks. Wherever you look, vibrancy is part of the language, and the 60-30-10 rule means guaranteed harmony no matter the color palette.

7. Fusion African Design Styles: Blending Worlds

While African interior design styles shine on their own, fusing them with other iconic styles can yield breathtaking results. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate cultural exchange and bring different identities together.

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

Some of my favorites:

  • Afro-Scandinavian: Both share a love for natural materials and earthy palettes. Picture clean-lined furniture with African textiles and woodwork.
  • Afro-Japanese: A balance of simplicity and warmth. Dark woods, low furniture, and African accents like orange textiles or dry floral arrangements work beautifully.
  • Afro-Japandi: a mix of African, Japanese, and Scandinavian, because why not get the best of the three worlds?

Discover How to Create a Luxurious Space Afro Japandi Living Room

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

The key with fusion styles is respect. Pair African craftsmanship with another tradition in a way that highlights both. The possibilities are endless, and the results always stunning.

To sum it up, African interior design styles offer a wide spectrum of beauty.

You can choose calm organic spaces, indulge in chic luxury, or mix it all up with fusion. No matter the style, African craftsmanship and history are at the heart of it.

Your home becomes a reflection of cultures, artistry, and your own story. So explore these styles, experiment with the details, and let African design bring you places you never knew you needed.

Continue exploring African interior design with our 11 African Interior Ideas for a Stunning Home.

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