**Emerging African Designers Redefining Interior Aesthetics**

This article discusses how two Afro-British designers are harnessing cultural influences to create unique home décor, embodying a shift in the identity of African interior design.

With a decade of experience in high-stakes law with firms like Goldman Sachs and Société Générale, Nigerian-British Kelechi Ejikeme made a life-altering decision to pursue her passion: interior design. Reflecting on her origins, she has designed a rug collection inspired by Nigeria's varied landscapes, from rolling hills to savannas, and crafted from locally-sourced, eco-friendly jute. "When you interpret that into a rug or a carpet, it’s symbolic," she shared during a recent Decorex interior design exhibition in London. The jute she uses is often cultivated for its culinary uses in Nigerian soups but has become a defining element in her work.

Another noteworthy figure at the exhibition was Amechi Mandi, a Cameroonian-Nigerian designer who has gained recognition as a rising star in the industry. Transitioning from fashion to interior design, he highlighted the need to move away from "clichéd" motifs often seen in contemporary African design. Mandi emphasizes indigenous traditions, focusing on pre-colonial heritage rather than the popularized European-imported "ankara" fabrics. His work, which includes cushions and wallpaper, aims for a true representation of African culture through design, rather than relying on traditional narratives.

While Ejikeme and Mandi align closely in their mutual mission of promoting African design, they also recognize the challenges within the industry. Ejikeme's early experience juggling law and design led her to discover that interior design remains in its infancy on the continent compared to the flourishing African fashion scene. Her approach is heavily inspired by her penchant for antiques and the need to create spaces that resonate with African history. She notes the absence of established African design history, which propelled her to catalog older styles and artifacts to better inform modern design.

Mandi reflects on the historical context that has influenced African interior design, attributing a lack of focus on the decorative arts to periods of turmoil, including the transatlantic slave trade. He claims that the focus was traditionally on practicality rather than aesthetics, with little emphasis on interior spaces until relatively recently. Despite these challenges, he observes a gradual shift among affluent Africans towards a style that echoes their heritage and personal stories.

The designers perceive a growing desire among African clients to invest in home aesthetics that reflect their identities. As Africans' disposable income rises, the potential for intricately designed spaces that narrate their stories is becoming increasingly appealing. For Ejikeme, this evolution also serves a broader purpose: it aims to create meaningful connections to African history through interior expression, ultimately redefining how the world perceives African design.

As both Ejikeme and Mandi continue to carve a niche in the international design landscape, their commitment to authenticity underscores a transformative journey for African interior design, one that embraces cultural heritage while moving towards a more contemporary expression. Their emerging works are contributing to a broader narrative that challenges preconceived notions of African design, demonstrating that it can be diverse, luxurious, and deeply rooted in history.