Am I the only one who would look at some home decor pieces and think I can easily recreate them? While we all love scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram for those gorgeous African-inspired interiors, most of those pieces come with eye-watering price tags. But here’s a little secret: some of the most stunning decor pieces can be created using materials from your local market or craft shops.
Easy Projects to Start With
1. Modern Ankara Wall Art
Remember those old canvas frames gathering dust? Grab them, stretch some gorgeous Ankara fabric over them, and boom – you’ve got yourself some stunning wall art! I recently did this with a geometric-patterned Ankara, and my living room has never looked better.
2. Calabash Light Fixtures
Now, this is where things get interesting! Take those calabash gourds, clean them thoroughly, create patterns with a small drill (please be careful!), and transform them into pendant lights. The patterns they cast on your walls at night are simply magical.
3. Woven Raffia Mirror Frame
Got a plain mirror? Give it new life by creating a frame using woven raffia. It adds texture and instantly elevates any room from basic to “Where did you get that?” worthy.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overdo it! Sometimes less is more. Pick statement pieces that can stand alone.
- Mix textures – combine smooth calabash surfaces with rough raffia for visual interest.
- Stay true to a color scheme. I usually stick to earth tones with one or two bold accent colors.
- Consider the overall flow of your space. These pieces should enhance, not overwhelm.
Where Modern Meets Traditional
The beauty of working with local materials is that you can put a contemporary spin on traditional items. For instance, instead of using calabash gourds in their traditional form, try painting them in metallic colors or geometric patterns. I recently painted one in rose gold, and it looks like it came from a high-end decor store!
Sustainability Bonus
Here’s something we should talk about – by using local materials, you’re not just creating unique pieces; you’re also making environmentally conscious choices. Plus, you’re supporting local artisans and keeping traditional crafting methods alive. How amazing is that?
