So you've decided it's time for a change of scenery - great! But wherever you look for inspiration, you have to make compromises, which you don't like: prioritizing comfort over style, or vice versa. Their rooms are either chic but uncomfortable, or comfortable but inelegant.
Luckily, there's a way to have it both ways when it comes to revamp your house : you just need a little daring and a taste for everything African.
Whether you want to personalize your living room or bedroom, the safari style is a fun and unique way to make your space livable and pleasing to the eye.
1. USE AN EARTH COLOR PALETTE
Color is very important in creating the feel of the African safari; so decorate with earthy shades. Browns, creams, taupes or golds on the walls echo the colors of the African savannah and have the added benefit of warming the atmosphere in any room. Accent colors like rusty reds, burnt oranges, and olive greens, on the other hand, complement the look and make the space look natural and welcoming.
2. CHOOSE NATURAL MATERIALS
Wood, clay, leather, rattan and other indigenous materials are components of the traditional African way of life and will give your safari theme an added note of authenticity and rustic appeal. Wood in particular is crucial to African aesthetics, as carving on Wood is an integral part of many tribal cultures and artistic traditions. Use a variety of materials in different spaces or rooms to evoke the vastness and diversity of the African plains or jungle, and don't be afraid to play with textures!
3. CREATE AN ETHNIC ACCENT WALL
Choose a wall without doors or windows to be the focal point of the room. Consider painting it a shade darker than the others to add depth and draw the eye. Then fill the space with an African mask or a collection of masks, paintings depicting rural life or wooden-framed mirrors. For a softer texture on your accent wall, try hanging a authentic wax fabric or a batik wall hanging. Accent walls are infinitely versatile, so it's up to you to choose according to your preferences.
4. FEATURE NATIVE ANIMALS
It's a safari theme, after all! A well-placed animal sculpture or two is an elegant way to pay homage to both Africa's extraordinary wildlife and its amazing artisans. But if you're using animal prints on your furniture or textiles, stick to one design and don't overdo it. Nothing makes a room more dizzy and more eye-catching than several animal prints stacked next to each other.
5. DON’T DO TOO MUCH
Speaking of not overdoing it, the key to getting a look of safar i without making your house seem like a noisy zoo is restraint. For example, in Africa, room composition is generally kept to a minimum to allow air to circulate in a humid climate; so don't clutter up too much with furniture. Likewise, don't exaggerate with accessories and be sure to balance your accent pieces throughout the space. Finally, balance patterns and décor items to create a room that breathes and isn't cluttered.
6. FEATURE TRIBAL ART
Scatter a few pieces in a room authentic tribal art Well chosen is the perfect way to finalize your African theme. Drums, for example, are renowned throughout African society and are very interesting topics of conversation. Leave a small drum at the end of the sofa or next to some plants, or even create a unique end table from a larger one! African woven baskets, on the other hand, can be used for wall ornaments, magazine racks or fruit baskets.
The best thing about a safari or a African decor is that it is fun and accessible: many homes already have the right 👉 fabric colors for example for starters, and searching for the perfect African accents is a safari in itself. When it comes to decorating, don't settle for "chic but intimidating" or "casual but soft". Explore Africa and your own wild side - Start your safari decorating today!
