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

Tweet

Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

How important are rugs for you? I really like rugs. Like a lot. I live on only 32 square meters, yet I have six rugs at home - not all of them are simultaneously in use, but I do like to change rugs from time to time as they are a great way to structure, highlight and decorate a room. That's why I am always on the outlook for new and affordable designs. The latter is quite tricky as many cool design rugs tend to cost a fortune. But not this new label from Berlin - meet 'Teppichlust Berlin'.

The young founder, Simon Bartmann, has always had a soft spot for design. With 'Teppichlust Berlin' he has launched a brand new online store in Germany featuring urban design rugs at an affordable price range - something that made my eyes go big! 

Another interesting fact is that Berlin as the brand's home base has a strong influence in the design of the offered rugs - the vibrancy and urban lifestyle of Berlin are a sort of design DNA of the rugs. My personal favorites are the soft indigo rug and the flat woven Shibori dyed blue rug - serious love going on there! 

Discover your personal favorite in the brand new online shop of 'Teppichlust Berlin' that has launched on September 1st, 2014. Well wort a visit. And a little shopping fun if you are in need of a cool rug.

Happy hump day!

Photography via 'Teppichlust Berlin'

Tweet

The New Cape Town Collection By Esprit Home

With home accessories it is a little bit like with fashion. Once the temperature are rising to simmering heights, everyone in the business is talking about autumn and winter collections. The kind of saturated colours, warm and heavy materials, rich patterns kind of talk. So it comes as no surprise that I am sitting on my sofa, typing these word, sipping on a glass of ice cold apple juice and sweating - while I have another autumn collection for your home on my screen.

Esprit Home has been launching home accessories since 2006 and recently all their collections have been named after major world cities. So for the upcoming autumn season they have chosen the South African metropolis Cape Town as an eponym. And carrying the promise of the African south, this collection comes with vibrant colours dominated by red hues and rich textures and patterns for your floors, beds, sofas and walls.

While glancing over the pictures of Esprit Home's new collection launching in August 2014, I have noticed the patterned rug in particular. With its black and white pattern and red rim, it adds so much emphasis to a room that I can literally imagine it in a rather clean, scarcely furnished room as a visual anchor and highlight. 

Oh and Cape Town made me think of another fact: While I am sweating here in anticipation of summer, the folks in Cape Town and on the entire southern hemisphere are in the midst of autumn. So after all, this collection does come just in time - at least for some of us on our crazy planet! 

Happy weekend everyone!

Photography via Esprit Home

Tweet