Diane Tevoedjre
A blend of African, European and Asian cultural influences underpins the elegant style of interior designer Diane Tevoedjre, whose contemporary design solutions draw on her upbringing, travels and life experiences. The daughter of a diplomat, Diane is of Malian and Beninese heritage and was born in Ghana, and has lived in the US, Italy, Germany, Belgium, France, the Far East, Central and West Africa, and Switzerland to name a few. Starting her professional career as an art dealer and interior designer over 15 years ago after studying in Geneva, Dallas and Paris, in addition to a period living in Bangkok where she developed an interest in oriental design, Diane went on to open an interior design studio in Côte d'Ivoire and it is all these experiences that have left their mark on her creative style. In 2002 Diane relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she still lives having set up her interior design studio, Mêha Art and Interiors. Embarking on a personal interior design challenge, 2008 saw the interior designer purchase property in the leafy suburb of Sandton which she subsequently demolished and rebuilt to her specifications.

Taking 18 months to build and six months to decorate, Diane's home needed to cater to the needs of her growing family, whilst accommodating and inspiring her passion for entertaining. Enjoying outdoor and indoor living, Diane set about creating a space with seamless reception areas that could comfortably host large guest numbers indoors along with ample space for entertaining outdoors. Surrounding a large swimming pool, the house is L-shaped with large windows and glass doors allowing for lots of light to flood in, adding to the airiness. The interior dining areas are formal, whilst the more relaxed informal areas are provided outdoors in the form of large sheltered terraces that allow for the enjoyment of the warm sunshine whilst reclining on any one of the plentiful seating options provided. The open living spaces see a mix of contemporary furniture, African artefacts and artwork that reflect Diane's multicultural upbringing. One wing of the upper level of the house sees a semi courtyard which provides a recreational space for her two children, whilst another wing houses the master suite; a spacious sleeping/relaxation area for Diane that has some indulgent touches in the form of a private terrace and outdoor shower.

Diane has a passion for African art, the distinctive characteristic that flows throughout her designs, sourcing the finest and rare African objects from statues, figurines, sculptures, ceramic pottery, basketry, iron art through to furniture, and drawing inspiration from the patterns, textures and designs which are translated across the neutral colour palettes and nature-friendly textiles Diane favours. This fusion of art and interior décor is the signature of her company. Mêha Art and Interiors is an award-winning studio that has worked with select residential and hospitality clients in Nigeria, Gambia, South Africa, Cameroon, Angola, the DRC and beyond. Mêha Art and Interiors was involved in Villa Monticello, Ghana's chic boutique hotel featured previously on African Daydreams. Reflecting the elegance, comfort and beauty her discerning clientele demands, Diane desires to create timeless interior spaces that provide a sensory experience for the owner, spaces that are not just visually stimulating interiors but ones that an owner can take complete comfort and pleasure in.    

...an interior celebration of the style, taste and culture of Africa

Galerie Arte
Galerie Arte is a veritable treasure trove, home to an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional furniture, home  décor, art, jewellery and handicrafts from highly skilled African artists and artisans. I was introduced to the Senegalese gallery by Ratiba, a current Dakar resident and décor lover who described it as 'Dakar's most beautiful place', and having had a virtual browse, looks like the kind of place I could quite easily get 'lost' in for a few hours. The gallery/showroom located in Dakar was established by designer Joëlle le Bussy in 1996, in part due to her observations on African woods being exported to Europe to be made into furniture that was then being imported back to Africa to be sold by local retailers, prompting her desire to challenge this practice this by designing furniture and other home décor objects that would be created locally using the wood.

Joëlle's award winning furniture designs are a mix of African and European styles influenced by her multicultural Belgian Congolese and Senegalese French heritage. Galerie Arte's furniture collections are handcrafted in the gallery's on site cabinet making workshop which employs the craftsmanship and skills of ten cabinet makers who hail from Casamance, a region in the south of Senegal known for its traditional and cultural respect towards wood. Senegalese woodwork in general is said to emanate from the southern region, where the climate is wetter allowing for several varieties of trees to grow, and as an integral part of daily life is seen as sacred. Wooden art, however, is said to be rare in the northern part of Senegal due to a Sahelian climate, which is semi arid, resulting in mainly hardier species such as palm and baobab trees growing there. The wood used by Galerie Arte is certified, coming from legal sources, in addition to using other pieces of wood that are reclaimed from driftwood and found pieces.

Joëlle's designs also recycle elements of traditional African art such as a Dogon hut door from Mali being used in place of standard cupboard doors, a feature of the Nongo furniture collection which is designed to tell Africa's history through the pieces. Another collection featuring more contemporary designs utilises the African woods in motifs and sees the combination of the different wood types and shades resulting in a tonal patchwork effect. The furniture designs are accentuated with handles created by Senegalese blacksmiths, and have been cast in iron or bronze using the lost wax method. All pieces created are limited edition or one-off-a-kind and are complemented by the carefully selected works of art for sale in the gallery.

If the gallery's offerings leave you a bit undecided as to how to to make it all work in your home or desired space, Joëlle also offers an interior design service.

...a inspirational blend of contemporary and traditional African style

Additional details:
For further information about Galerie Arte visit: www.arte.sn    

Nasimiyu
An abundance of colourful beads strung, woven and twisted together form the striking jewellery pieces jewellery from Nasimiyu. Designed to go beyond mere adornment, the laden pieces are created by Nasimiyu Wekesa, a Kenyan jewellery designer based in the USA, who through each tells a story of past and present. Nasimiyu believes that beads are personal possessions, ones that remind us of our ancestors and serve to connect us to our cultural traditions and heritage. Nasimiyu is inspired by the various uses and symbolism of beads in traditional African cultures, such as beads given during rites of passage ceremonies to a glimpse of the sensual waist beads that enhance the female form, speaking of the inner beauty of the wearer. Nayismiyu's designs are one-of-a-kind made using a variety of beads including African trade beads which are all strung onto strings made from recycling car tires. 

The connectedness Nasimiyu feels towards her heritage and community extends beyond her craft. In 2003 along with her sister Mukoyu Wekesa, Nasimiyu established Born to Aid, a foundation to help women and children suffering from poverty combined with the devastating effects of the AIDS epidemic in rural Kenya. The foundation works to provide health care, safe drinking water, education opportunities and micro loans. Nasimiyu has run workshops with the children teaching them the skill of making jewellery, some of which is then sold to pay for things like books, tuition fees, uniforms and school trips. 

...pieces designed to celebrate cultural traditions and the spirit of togetherness

Babylonstoren 
I grew up in Harare, the Sunshine city with a spacious yard to run around in with not a care in the world and taking for granted the 'comforts' that come with city living i.e. TV and electricity. My paternal Grandmother, now late, lived a traditional way of life in the rural areas i.e. no TV and no electricity, calling for visits throughout the year, prompting anxieties in my ten year old mind over how to cope without seeing favourite shows or the trappings of city life for the week or so that we would be away; however upon arrival a few hours of getting over the inevitable 'culture shock' would soon see us running around and exploring to our hearts content and off course chasing chickens under the vast open skies with the sun on our backs; and later as the sun set sitting around a fire growing sleepy, and as much as I would whinge it's experiences like these that have shaped me,  beginning to fully appreciate the visits as I grew older and the sense of bliss that comes with being in the countryside; although the 'culture shock' still hits- I am after all a city girl! This said the thought of spending a vacation on a farm isn't exactly at the top of my list, let alone being synonymous with luxury. In my mind farms equate mud, noisy tractors and way too early mornings. But I am however a person who relishes peace and quiet, and the space to think things through, so whilst doing some online research stumbled across the idyllic images of Babylonstoren, a luxury farm hotel situated in the heart of South Africa's Cape Winelands, that has changed my perceptions.

A former fruit farm, Babylonstoren was taken over a decade ago by fashion journalist, author and former magazine editor Karen Roos, who has transformed it into chic getaway that has become a foodie's delight, captivating the imagination of travel enthusiasts the world over. The mountains of the Drakenstein Valley provide a dramatic backdrop to the farm which is one of the longest standing examples of a Cape Dutch farm that has a history dating back to 1690. Babylonstoren has a well preserved farmyard and and buildings displaying the architectural details of the period; from whitewashed walls with ornate gables to the thatched roofs and thick walls that keep the interiors cool in the summer with large fireplaces to provide the warmth when the weather gets colder. Accommodation comprises the main house, and fourteen former worker cottages dotted along the garden and vineyards that have been modelled on the Cape Dutch style.

Babylonstoren is very much a working farm surrounded by vineyards, orchards and a garden spanning eight acres that is said to be the heart of the farm, and home to over 300 edible plant varieties that includes trees, flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables along with bees, geese and chickens. The original inspiration for the garden came from the fabled garden of Babylon and the fresh seasonal produce supplies Babel, the hotel's restaurant which was once a disused cowshed.

The Babylonstoren gardens are open from Wednesday to Sunday for day visitors and everyday of the week for staying guests, who have access to the entire farm which includes a spa and a gym. Days at the farm are designed to be carefree and languid; stroll around the farm, pick your salads or just take time to get back to nature lazing by the pool; and if you feel like activity that's a bit more strenuous you can join in the harvesting, pruning, planting or take a guided walk of the gardens. Beyond the farm, guests can visit the surrounding wine farms, go whale watching or enjoy a round of golf.

...looks like the kind of place I need to be at right now as I work out my business plans

Lauren Pierce Atelier
I love wrap dresses, so easy to wear and creating a flattering silhouette for most figures, so was instantly taken with these stunning ones I found on L-attitude, a one-stop online boutique for chic global fashion and accessories. The dresses are from the US-based fashion label Lauren Pierce Atelier which was relaunched in September 2008 by designer and social entrepreneur Lauren Bush, whose goal was to create a label that would be more meaningful than just being about pretty clothes and was the reason for choosing her middle name in a bid to draw attention away from her famous family name and place it squarely on the causes supported. 10% of each seasons profits go to a cause that directly affects women in the country from which the materials used have been sourced from.

The collection is made using 100% silk fabrics that are hand dyed by women in the Democratic Republic of Congo; the result of a partnership with Women for Women International, an organisation that helps women survivors of war rebuild their lives. Women for Women International currently runs a diverse range of programmes in places such a Nigeria, Kosovo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Women for Women's programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo includes the skill of tie and dyeing fabrics to stunning effect and these are the fabric used in the Lauren Pierce Atelier collection. The nature of the dyeing process means that every dress produced is one-of-a-kind, from the exquisite patterns to the vibrant colours complementing the classic designs.

...dresses to take you from office to cocktails, effortlessly

Forest Mosaic
I tend to associate mosaics with water, probably has to do with the fact that I have mostly seen them in bathrooms, kitchens, fountains and adorning the sides of swimming pools; but from a visual point of view the patterns and colours seem to have a distinctive flow to them when forming what ever subject matter is being portrayed. Courtesy of SafariFusion's blog, I came across some beautifully detailed mosaics by Namibian company, Forest Mosaic. The finely crafted mosaics are the work of Chiharu Rosenberg, a Japanese mosaic artist who relocated to Omaruru, Namibia where she now has her studio.

Influenced by the essence of Japanese art; the simplicity, skill, space and balance; coupled with the subject matter drawn from her surroundings Chiharu handcrafts her mosaics for residential, public and commercial spaces.  A selection of designs are available to order or contact Chiharu directly for a custom design. Chiharu works with ordinary household tiles, recycling old ones in addition to using other types of materials; all of which are hand cut without the aid of power tools and meticulously applied to delicate shapes like flower petals and fern leaves; her work portrays an abundance of richly hued and textured flora and fauna. 

The 'Flower Series' seen above, was inspired by an Elle Decoration South Africa, Spring Issue magazine cover, which Chiharu so taken with she sought to reproduce it, sending the resulting artwork to the magazine.

...mosaics alive with colour and detail

Ugo
How trendy are Ugo's oilcloth bags, and so practical too given a day like today's wet weather! Oilcloth or PVC coated fabrics have been popular with designers like Cath Kidston and Orla Kiely whose distinctive patterned bags and accessories are highly sort after fashion accessories. Ugo is the brainchild of Ugonna Hosten, an accessories designer living in London, UK. Ugonna was born in Nigeria, moving to the UK in 1989 and is inspired by uplifting and expressive traditions, including the African tradition of storytelling and through her products seeks to convey the joy, beauty, strength and richness of African art and culture inviting her clientele to engage on a deeper level.

Before launching her fashion accessories label, Ugonna initially started out studying Criminology going on to work in the Civil Service but eventually left this career pathway in 2007 to follow her interest in fashion, retraining at the London College of Fashion where she developed her portfolio of designs and what she calls 'Afro-Pop' , a fun relaxed approach to fashion accessories that is design-led and inspired by her African culture. Handcrafted in the UK by a team of skilled specialists, Ugonna's fabric finishes give a new lease of life to the vibrant prints of wax cloth fabrics, synonymous with Africa. The high gloss finish applied to the fabric not only makes the bags waterproof, but intensifies the colours to create a truly striking product. The current Love is Love collection sees five styles across three print ways, in purses, totes and rucksacks for men and women.

...Ugo brings a fresh perspective to modern African style

Tamara Magel 
Cushions galore! I have featured quite a few, but they are such a quick and easy way to instantly transform an interior and whilst on the US edition of Elle Decor I came across some some pillows by New York-based interior designer Tamara Magel, that use East African Khanga fabric, in a range of assorted graphic patterns.

Following a successful career in interior design; early 2011 saw Tamara open a showroom in New York's Soho district, turning her creative style to sourcing and designing furniture and accessories that exude a global chic aesthetic. The collections bring together an eclectic mix of textiles, rugs, lighting, furniture and accessories. Described as edgy yet sophisticated Tamara's design influences include a blend of runway couture, vintage style, classic lines balanced with texture, sensual shapes and pops of colour. The showroom's online website also carries some beautiful vintage Moroccan rugs and I also spotted this elegantly upholstered Moroccan stool and an Ashanti Mirror.

Prestat/Esoko
You'd have thought I'd have had my fill of chocolate over Christmas, and given I'm still making my way through the leftovers I now have my eye on some chocolate buttons, a particular favourite, I do like the way they melt in your mouth one drop at a time...makes them a very moreish treat. The targets currently in mind are some Single Origin Chocolate Buttons from Prestat, the quintessential London-based chocolatier whose confections I came across when I took a detour through Liberty of London's Chocolate Shop, in search of a gift. The cocoa used to make the buttons comes from; Madagascar, Ecuador and São Tomé. I knew that São Tomé is situated off the West African coast, but I did not know that the country produces cocoa, and the tiny volcanic island is said to produce some of the world's finest cocoa, which makes these buttons a treat and gorgeous packaging adds to the offering. Prestat's branding is luxurious yet fun; and sees quirky and colourful packaging and shop outfittings in a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sort of way, calling to mind the eccentricity of Willy Wonka, whose creator, children's author Roald Dahl was said to favour Prestat Truffles. With a shop in London's Piccadilly, Prestat has a heritage dating back over 100 years when founder Frenchman, Antoine Dufour saw a gap in the market to bring the skill of making quality chocolates to London and became an instant success. Today the business is owned by half brothers Nick Crean and Bill Keeling who are carrying on the tradition with the help of a team of talented chocolatiers. Prestat chocolates are handcrafted, filled and wrapped in the same place to ensure that a high level of quality is achieved each and every time, and for over the 35 years Prestat has had a Royal Warrant as purveyors of chocolate to the Queen. A Royal Warrant is a mark awarded in recognition of service, quality of produce and outstanding value. 

Relating to the cocoa the company uses, Prestat is invested in fair trade initiatives and has been working with  Esoko, a pioneering Ghanian entrepreneurial IT company, on a system which can complement the strengths and overcome the weaknesses of the Fair Trade system. Esoko developed a powerful set of web and SMS tools designed to help farmers, governments and other business sectors track accurate prices for their produce and services during sale negotiations, and relies on the increasing availability of mobile technology throughout the African continent to help make international markets more transparent and efficient. The biggest drawback to the system is that farmers need the phones and network access to be able to use it, however this is something Esoko and Prestat are helping to provide with the assistance of various organisations and currently sees 1000 farmers being sponsored in the initial stages. It is an ambitious programme, one that could bring great benefits not only to local farmers, but to . If interested in finding out more do read the full explanation on Prestat's website and visit Esoko's website directly.

Pfeifer Studio
I can’t remember what I was looking for when I stumbled upon the blog for Pfeifer Studio and saw a post on their African inspired stool. Called ‘Abaidoo’, the stool was named after a friend’s Ghanaian father in-law and is a bestseller within the Pfeifer Studio collections. Based in New Mexico, USA Pfeifer Studio designs, produces and sources a range of stylish interior and personal furniture and accessories for retail; as well as working with designers and architects to source unique interior products for their projects and have included luxury hotels and restaurants. The in-house collections are hand crafted from workshops in India and in Albuquerque, New Mexico where the Pfeifer Studio shop is located. The business works with local artisans not only within their workshops but also around the globe to find one-of-a-kind products that complement their designs and includes products from Africa. The African inspiration carries through to the company's own designs seen in several of the sculptural wooden hand turned stools.

Doubling up, as a side table the Abaidoo stool is a tall sculptural form with a stacked ring-like design carved up the shank and pays homage to traditional African carvings and sculptures. Other stools in the collection that exhibit African influences include the ‘Contemporary’ and ‘Onde’ stools. The stools are sculpted from solid blocks of Margosa wood, a non-toxic tropical hardwood from India, where the stools are also crafted. The wood is dried for several months to allow for the natural cracks and separations that occur when the wood dries and shrinks. The cracks give the finished pieces a natural unique look, and to finish the product is given a clear lacquer topcoat and a natural wax polish for protection. Standard finishes include natural, ebony and dark walnut Margosa; however custom finishes are also available in addition to custom sizes if you want them taller, wider or shorter to suit your specific needs. I can just picture the Abaidoo stool lengthened to form the legs of a dining room table, topped with either wood or glass.

…a multitude of uses makes them ideal for placing around your chosen interior space