Hillary Thomas
Give your lamps and light fittings a touch of contemporary African design with a range of colourful lamp finials from US-based interior design company, Hillary Thomas. I must admit it took me a while to figure out how a lamp finial works; more common in older style lamps and light fittings, finials are the metal bit that attach the shade to the light socket element, and for a personalised touch can have decorative elements added to the top part, which when placed in the lamp peek out of the top of the shade; an addition that Hillary Thomas refers to as 'jewellery for your lamps'. Hillary Thomas Designs have created a range of decorative lamp finials featuring vibrant gemstones and intricately cut designs. Amongst the collections available is the striking Zulu Love Train collection, which features vibrant discs, at only 3 inches high and 2.25 inches wide, each individually hand woven from telephone wire by a group of Zulu weavers in South Africa. These finials would make an interesting wall feature if added to a line of wall lamp fittings minus the shade, and a touch bigger in size.

... a quick and stylish way to add a touch of character to your interior décor

Lupane Women’s Centre
Looking like they have been swirled with delicate watercolours, this gorgeous range of traditionally handcrafted baskets is the result of a partnership between the Lupane Women’s Centre in Zimbabwe and the Kingston University Design School in the UK, bringing a contemporary edge to traditional African design. The initiative entitled, Kingston Project Africa was created to facilitate the exchange and support of knowledge between both regions, and led by Professor Catherine McDermott utilises the expertise of academics, industry practitioners and curators across various projects and collaborations. This particular project saw the head of the design school, Simon Maidment sharing his expertise, running a series of workshops in Zimbabwe over a period of two-weeks. The partnership saw the exploration of ways to make, transport and market the baskets, which are mainly sold to tourists visiting the country, but have also made their way into international retailers stores such as the Conran shop and Anthropologie. In recognition of the skill and creativity in production the baskets have been exhibited at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, as well as the London Design Festival and Design Indaba in Cape Town. Drawn from the disciplines of graphic to product design; students from the business and design schools of the University were also involved in the project, challenged to come up with effective solutions to help solve the problems faced by the women in producing and marketing the products. The ideas generated by the students were presented to the women producing the baskets during the workshops.  

Located in Matabeleland a region lying two-hours outside Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city, the Lupane Women’s Centre is a not-for-profit rural-based membership organisation that was founded in 1997 ‘for women by women’ in a bid to help members generate sustainable incomes through the provision of a range of skills, business and leadership training and support. The Lupane Women’s Centre currently has a 3200 strong membership, of which 2667 are women; the Centre also assists those who are marginalised, regardless of gender. In addition to basketry members are also involved in programmes including, gardening, candle and soap making, and bee keeping. A restaurant and conference facility for public hire helps generate an income to keep the Centre running. As a boost to the Centre the success of this project has meant continued funding from the British Council.  

Planet Botanicals
As the seasons change from cold to warm, colds and flu become all too common and unfortunately for me I have been bedridden, trying to shake of a particularly nasty cold, and generally feeling sorry for myself! As one to shun medication for as long as I possibly can, I tend to prefer natural goodness and remedies in essential oils and soothing herbal teas to get me well, as well as aiding overall day-to-day wellbeing, so it always good to get to know new products. I recently came across Planet Botanicals, a US-based natural skincare company whose luxurious products, comprising body scrubs, washes, butters and oils; in addition to a dedicated facial skincare range, are formulated to provide healing and nourishment to the skin, as well as promoting wellbeing to mind, body and soul.  

Working in accordance to the principles of fairtrade and environmental sustainability guidelines rare, natural and organic indigenous plant oils and flower extracts are sourced direct from local organic producers, cooperatives, and artisan essential oil distillers across the African continent, and other parts of the world; seeing ingredients like organic shea butter from Uganda, virgin coconut butter and cocoa butter combined with Ethiopian arabica coffee beans, baobab fruit extracts, rooibos, marula, moringa, and the fruit from the Kigelia tree, also known as the Sausage tree, sourced from the Zambezi Valley, which is recognised in the skincare industry for its anti-ageing properties.

...natural skincare goodness

Scènes de lin
The beauty of traditional Moroccan artisanal skills is combined with French style to create a range of contemporary North African inspired linens, soft furnishings, and interior accessories, under the brand Scènes de lin. Based in Marrakech, Scènes de lin was created by designer, and textile industry veteran Anne-Marie Chaoui, who in 2000 opened the doors to a beautifully appointed showroom in the district of Gueliz. Anne-Marie had relocated to Marrakech, inspired by the city and artisanal crafts of the city, and set up a local workshop working with highly skilled Moroccan artisans and craftsmen, in addition to employing the talents and traditional skills of home-based weavers and embroiderers, all working together to produce the Brand’s signature style of linens and interior products. Using high-quality materials, including linen, satin, flax and taffeta, Scènes de lin’s product ranges feature exquisitely embroidered linens in beautiful colours that not only go into creating sophisticated soft furnishings, but are also used to upholster furniture pieces giving them a new lease of life. 

The Brand has built up a reputation in Morocco for quality, craftsmanship, attention to detail and the chic sophisticated style of the products produced, resulting in many of the country’s hotels and riads turning to Scènes de lin for exclusively designed furnishings, as well as interior design services. Scènes de lin is a family affair; in 2012 Anne-Marie’s eldest son, Karim Chaoui, and his wife opened a Scènes de lin showroom in Paris; and are also seeking to expand the brand into Asia.

The Sankofa Center
The Sankofa Center is a not-for-profit arts-based organisation in Ghana that uses traditional African dance and music to promote an understanding of HIV/AIDS within the communities in which it works with. To help support the Center’s programmes and services, a boutique was established that utilises the skills of a cooperative specifically set up the Center to produce a range of products including; clothing, personal and household accessories; the proceeds of which are invested back into the organisation. It was through one of their current stockists, VivaTerra, that I came across the Sankofa Center’s range of duvet sets and shower curtain products, created from a patchwork of brightly coloured wax cloth prints that, in the case of the shower curtain, is bound to make you instantly alert as you begin the day. The shower curtain is lined with recycled drinking water pouches, collected from the area, which are then cleaned and stitched together to form a waterproof lining. Made from 100% Cotton, the duvet set comes with a duvet and two pillow shams.

The Sankofa Center was founded in 2002, by Ronnie Shaw an American dancer and academic who was studying at the University of Ghana at the time, and later went on to establish a sister charity that is based in California. Dance-dramas and after school dance programmes help to deliver the message, in addition to a programme of classroom-based seminars. The Sankofa Center also provides rapid HIV/AIDS testing, counselling, access to free treatment and medication; and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Depicted by a bird with its head facing backwards, the Sankofa is an ancient Adinkra symbol* meaning 'go back and get it'; referring to the importance of learning from the past as a way of bettering and correcting any mistakes that may affect the future; and it is this symbol and meaning that gives the Sankofa Center its name and philosophy. (*a visual communication system originating from the Asante of Ghana).

Taunina
Displayed on one of the prettiest websites I have seen in a while, is an adorable, colourful range of soft toys that have been exquisitely handcrafted by a group of talented artists in Woodstock, Cape Town. Taunina is a company that produces an enchanting collection of one-of-a-kind collectable teddy bears, bunny rabbits and puppy dogs; each a precious gift designed to be passed down the generations as future heirlooms. Individually crafted, comprising of more than twenty panels, each soft toy takes around four to seven days to complete, in a process that involves hand cutting and stitching together the fabrics, before the intricate appliqué and embroidery is applied to create dainty images such as butterflies, birds and flowers. The fabrics used are selected for the vintage feel they give to the toys, and include iconic Liberty prints, as well as 100% natural fibres with no harmful dyes or colours. The initials of the artists are incorporated into each creation. The toys are delivered in custom-made hatboxes and come with their own passport, a certificate of authenticity that details information about the artist who created it and their wish for the world, the seamstress, the date the toy was created, the toy’s name given by its creator, and unique identification and registration codes. 

Taunina is more than just toys; a social enterprise that seeks to bring together art, commerce and greater social awareness for the benefit of the communities it works with. Co-founded in 2011 by Tracey Chiappini-Young, Taunina is an anagram comprising the word ‘Tau’, which means lion, and ‘NINA an acronym that stands for ‘No Income, No Assets’, and conveys the philosophy of giving the artists who work at the company, mainly women from disadvantaged communities, an opportunity to earn an income and provide for their families, enabling them to become ‘lions of their own destinies’. Employees at Taunina are paid above market salaries, following a structure that sees 30% of the business’ profits before tax going to the artists; 20% going to a fund, entitled the Bear Essentials Fund that was set up to pay for needs such as education, housing and healthcare; and 10% going towards productivity-related bonuses.

Globetrotters; the toys have appeared at Barneys, New york, and have now made their way to the iconic department store Selfridges, in London, Birmingham and Manchester, where they have taken centre stage in the store’s legendary displays, just in time for Easter; after which they will still be available to purchase in store. Following the success of the soft toys, a home décor line will be launching in April 2013.

LA DiOSA
LA DiOSA is a London-based jewellery design company that seeks to empower women, by designing signature statement jewellery, featuring colourful chunky gemstones in celebration of modern Goddesses everywhere. LA DiOSA was founded in 2007 by Ugandan-born Natasha Faith, and Semhal Zemikael born to Ethiopian/Eritrean parents; friends who first met whilst studying Philosophy, and now create their gorgeous designs from a showroom in Hatton Garden, London’s famed jewellery quarter. A combined interest in fashion, led the duo to exploring the idea of creating and selling their own jewellery. The name' La Diosa', means 'Goddess' in Spanish and as the name of their company pays homage to the influences and place where it all began; Mexico.   

Prior to starting the company the duo travelled the world for a year, visiting and drawing inspiration from far-flung places such as Thailand, Singapore, Tokyo and Malaysia; but it was a six-month stay in Mexico that Natasha and Semhal learnt their trade, spending time with a group of local women who taught them invaluable jewellery-making skills. Upon their return to the UK; and with help and advice from the Prince’s Trust, launched their multi award-winning label. 

LA DiOSA’s handcrafted designs are made with rare and unusual gemstones, and precious metals, taking care to source the materials ethically.  

Hotel Particulier
Hotel Particulier is French word denoting an elegant private residence or townhouse; and is the name given to a chic boutique hotel in the city of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The owners of Hotel Particulier, have sought to create a stylish space, with a peaceful, intimate atmosphere that allows guests to escape the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. The healing soothing effects of nature is a key feature of the hotel, which sees rooms located on the ground level to take advantage of a luscious, well-tended garden.

The Hotel is modern, airy building that comprises eight well-appointed suites that range from classic to luxury and are named after some of the Continent’s inspirational and dynamic cities. The suites are individually decorated in a contemporary style, each one inspired by the city for which it was named, and seven of the suites have private terraces with access to the pool, with three of them coming with their own private gardens; and an eighth the luxury suite having access to a private pool. Hotel Particulier is available for exclusive hire for weddings, celebrations, family holidays, as well as for business meetings or conferences for their guests. Offering a selection of gourmet meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided in the hotel’s dining room, or can be taken on the terrace whilst enjoying the views of the garden. 

WIth a dedicated staff on hand to cater to all guest needs, the Hotel offers pampering and beauty treatments in the spa; in addition to arranging activities upon request such as golf, waterskiing, guided tours of the city, surfing, tennis, and riding. Or should you wish, simply spend your stay lazing by the pool.

Nando's - Leigh, UK
Nando's flame-grilled Portuguese/Mozambican style chicken, is a favourite in my household, not just for the taste, but also because of the familiarity the brand brings in transporting us back home for a little while. The South African based restaurant chain opened up in Zimbabwe the early nineties, so being able to pop into one in the UK is always a welcome reminder. Nando's was founded in South Africa in 1987, and now has restaurants in over thirty countries, including over 250 restaurants in the UK alone.

In a departure from the usual interior style of Nando's restaurants I am used to, the 2012 opening of a Nando's restaurant in Leigh, Greater Manchester in the UK transports diners to a colourful, bustling market, invoking stalls bursting with items such as fabrics, baskets and fresh produce. Designed by B3 Designers, a UK interior design studio, the designers took inspiration from a South African market, creating a vibrant space that is full of life, bursting with colours, patterns and textures, both inside and out.

The restaurant has the feel of an open air market, and is designed to allow the seamless flow of exterior and interior spaces, through the use of carefully selected details, with the intention being to create a space where visitors could discover something new every time they visit the restaurant. One of the most striking details in the restaurant is on the ceiling, where one hundred brightly woven traditional baskets double up as light shades, as well as others being mounted on the walls. In every Nando's restaurant sustainability is a key feature of the interior design solutions, and in the Leigh restaurant reclaimed wood has been used for some of the structures. The design makes use of brightly painted metal chairs that complement vibrant custom-made wax cloth print fabrics used to upholster the booths in the seating areas and are a nod to the Continent's love of the fabric. When decorating their restaurants, Nando's also have a tradition of using their restaurants as a gallery, adorning the walls with the work of talented South African artists. The Portuguese heritage of the business is showcased through the incorporation of hand painted Portuguese tiles on the wall, and in the form of the signature Nando's red and black cockerel logo. 

... bringing contemporary African flavour to the UK

Dalia Sadany
Dalia Sadany is an Egyptian architect and interior designer who creates sophisticated, contemporary spaces for her residential and commercial sector clients. Dalia, provides a full service, design and build solution following the ancient, Master Builder approach to construction, a process which sees the architect retain responsibility for the project from conception to construction to handover. Dalia has developed a group of company partnerships under the umbrella Dezines, comprising Dezines, which offers architecture, interior design and landscaping services; DECON, which specialises in high-end interiors; and GUSH a bespoke furniture maker. Handmade in Egypt, the bespoke furniture collection features contemporary coffee, side tables and chairs. Accents and decorative features inspired by Egyptian folklore adorn some of the designs, as do inscriptions of calligraphy. Dalia's furniture was awarded the 2012 A' Design Award in Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design category in Milan, Italy.