Inspired By Africa: Rugs For Modern Homes

One aspect that I love most in interior design is drawing inspiration from cultures, traditions and handicraft. Often I like to think that I hide an archaeologist and an ethnologist in myself - mostly because I am fascinated by history, ancient arts, traditions and cultures. Remember my kilim love? My obsession with vintage ceramics? My apartment is full with traces of my passion. So it comes as no surprise that the new 2015 rug collection 'MUM's loves Africa' from Finland based 'MUM's' got my full attention. They launched new graphic rugs inspired by the Kassena tribe of Burkina Faso, where every building is a piece of unique, handmade art (you can learn more about it HERE).

The Kassena tribe decorate their clay houses with graphic patterns by hand. Their vernacular architecture is amazing and sparked the inspiration of Finland based Outi Puro, the founder of 'MUM's'. She loves African patterns, traditional Indian carpet weaving and Nordic simple and pure design. All three passions were combined for the new 'MUM's loves Africa' collection: The rugs feature African patterns as seen in the villages of the Kassena tribe, the rugs are made fairly in the hands of skilled artisans in Northern India and feature natural hues that are typical for Scandinavia too.

This entire story is even better: Not only these rugs are inspired by a fascinating people in Africa and made fairly by artisans in India, but the entire story of 'MUM's' is based on helping and supporting other women and mothers in less developed countries. 'MUM's' itself was founded back in 2006 as an art project in Africa.

I think 2015 is the year in which we all should bring a piece of traditional art into our homes. Why not such a wonderful rug? I am totally smitten by the patterns, the graphic look and the wonderful, inspiring story behind them. Luckily, these rugs are available worldwide through their webshop.

Here's to our wonderful and inspiring world - against all (current) odds!

Photography: Rugs via 'MUM's'; African images by Rita Willaert

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Why This Room Caught My Eye

Last week I was going through my stash of throws and blankets and found my Mexican throw that I bought in a store in Seattle last year. I decided to throw it over my bed cause I love the blue and earthy hues with the ethnic pattern on it (see it HERE). Shortly after that I stumbled upon a great article on Apartment Therapy with an ethnic patterned throw used as wall art in a bedroom. I loved it instantly as well as the overall interior styling of the room. Here in a nutshell what caught my eye:

• Ethnic Wall Art: Well this ethnic textile as wall art is an instant eye catcher. I would try the same in my home I think if only I had a normal wall behind my bed (but I have a pitched roof wall). 
• Earthy Hues: The entire bedroom styling is tied together with an earthy colour scheme. It perfectly matches the wall art and brings a serene and cosy atmosphere to the bedroom.
• Monstera Leaf: Monstera leaves have become a major styling trend. From Scandinavian interiors to American homes - people place one or severals Monstera leaves in a large vase and the room gets a very modern and natural touch. The best side effect: Monstera leaves develop roots when kept in water - so after the styling project you can simply plant them in soil and enjoy them for a long time as happy houseplants. 

Would this bedroom catch your eye too?

Photography by Jenny Kaplan and Chris Corrado via Apartment Therapy

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Why This Room Caught My Eye

Orange is a colour I always put on the side of more 'challenging' interior design and styling thoughts. Why? Because I am very suspicious of orange as a colour in interiors. It seems to be too flashy, too dominant and too individual in its first sight appearance. I found it always difficult to fit in my own interiors but then I was challenged to tackle the colour with a new vase (I blogged about it HERE) and after doing some Pinterest research I must admit that orange is an absolutely legitimate colour in interior design.

Orange should be carefully considered and used adequately. This example of a living room with orange elements is a great proof for that: Combined with similar warm hues from the same colour family and placed in a neutral background it comes to its full and beautiful force. But let me put it in three simple points:

• Orange & Warm Hues: The use of warm hues of the same colour family with a clear dominance of orange makes this room very bright and inviting. It looks cosy and uplifting - a place where you can see yourself unwind as well as have inspiring conversations with friends.
• Ethnic Patterns: Ethnic patterns seem to be a great friend of vibrant colours. The rug on the floor and wall as well as the pillows make for a perfect stage to showcase the colours in this room.
• Black Cabinet: The wooden black cabinet is a strong visual counterpart to the vibrant hues. It calms the entire room, sets a focal point and ties in with the remaining furniture - if it was another colour the room could quickly turn into a restless visual chaos.

What do you think of orange? Is it a colour you can handle in your interiors?

Photography via Norrgavel

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Why This Room Caught My Eye

The very moment I type this words on my MacBook, it's snowing outside. It is the first snow of the year here in Munich downtown and I am a bit excited. The first snow coincides with today's opening of all Christmas markets around town so I can surely say: Winter has arrived and Munich is getting festive! With the first snowflakes I am getting into a sort of hibernation mood. Layering various textiles, taking that extra blanket for your bed, adding a few more cushions to the sofa, adding muted colours to the scheme - the more frosty it gets outside, the cozier it gets inside!

When I spotted this bedroom on Pinterest, I felt like it perfectly conveys that winter cosiness I have mind. It caught my eye instantly and I could happily jump into the bed, snuggle up with a cup of tea and a good book and forget about time, weekday, to-dos or the cold winter day outside. 

What exactly caught my eye? Here are interior styling eye-catchers:

• Grey Symphony: I have a soft spot for grey hues. I think grey is a fabulous, calming backdrop for a cosy feeling at home. Whether it's just one feature wall, the entire room or a combination of wall, home textiles, home décor - the effect is cosy yet sophisticated. Just like in this bedroom.
• Muted Colours: The use of muted colours in this room perfectly blend in with the grey backdrop. The soft shades of green, purple and brown give the room a rooted, earthy base as opposed to the elusive lightness of grey.
• Ethnic Elements: Another soft spot of mine - everything with ethnic patterns catches my eye immediately. The kilim rug and cushion tie the whole interior styling impeccably together. 

Does this room catch you eye?

Photography via Klikk Bolig by Solveig Grovle and Ann Helen Lund/NIB

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