Afro-Luxe: How to Create the Aesthetic from an Expert
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Perfect for season transition.
Every home decor aesthetic has a defining characteristic. For example, if you were going for the maximalist style, you would try colourful, tasselled pillows and a uniquely shaped bookcase. And if you were trying a more coastal feel, a home with linen curtains, blue wall art, and huge glass windows would be a safe option. However, a distinctly African yet luxurious aesthetic is not always as clear-cut to achieve. Luckily, FÉLIE and their home decor collection, SHEBA, are here to help.
With her experience creating African-inspired interior experiences, FÉLIE's founder, Feliciana Dalley, is going the extra mile to educate you on how to achieve the vibe in your home while preserving your individuality. If you've been searching for a way to bring those vintage autumn vibes into your home without overdoing it, here's everything you need to know about the "Afro-Luxe" aesthetic.
Feliciana Dalley is the founder of FÉLIE Home & Interiors, a UK-based interior design brand that offers curated homeware and bespoke design.
She is also the educator of a comprehensive interior design course in the North Greenwich Design District. Dalley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Masters in Luxury Brand Management from Ravensbourne University London. She has also worked in various capacities in companies like IKEA and Mercedes-Benz AG.
What is Afro-luxe?
FÉLIE's recent homeware collection focuses on a vibe called "Afro-Luxe" which is the more African version of "Quiet Luxury".
"Our SHEBA Collection extrudes Afro-Luxe, a fusion of African aesthetics and luxury. This collection can add a unique and vibrant touch to your home decor as the seasons change. [It] is heavy on texture, depth and storytelling. Just looking at our pieces alone tells a different kind of narrative that highlights the craftsmanship, luxury, and creativity of African culture", Dalley explains.
For Dalley, the SHEBA collection is particularly special as it intends to show black diasporan spaces in a light of opulence, rather than struggle or unending trauma, while still keeping to the precepts of refined, rustic interior design.
"A lot of the struggles that Black creatives have are well documented, but what we want to do with Afro-Luxe is communicate the successes, heritage, and achievements. By incorporating Afro-Luxe elements into your home decor, you can create a unique and inviting space that reflects your personal style and appreciation for African culture", she adds.
Designing Your Own Afroluxe Oasis
FÉLIE's SHEBA collection is rustic ambience meets Nigerian-inspired home decor, but the vibe is far from complete just by purchasing the pieces in the collection. To achieve the look in your home, Dalley shares her most trusted tips.
Embracing Natural Elements
The rustic, Afro-Luxe feel is highly dependent on the materials you use throughout the house, and as such, you need materials with a lot of texture.
"Wood, stone, and wicker are classic rustic elements. Use wooden bowls, our Stone Collection vases, or wicker baskets to add warmth and a strong emphasis on texture", Dalley mentions.
But an abundance of texture in your home goes beyond the homeware and materials; it extends to the plants you include in your space.
"Incorporate autumn leaves, pine cones, and branches into your decor. Create a centrepiece with the Hadassah bowl using potpourri to activate those autumn scents- our faves are Cedar & Vanilla", she adds.
And finally, textiles. For a classic vintage feel, Dalley believes it is important to layer your space with rich, comfy textiles that truly lift the luxurious ambience of your space.
"Add layers of textiles like chunky knit blankets, sheepskin rugs, and flannel pillows to create a comfy, warm and inviting atmosphere", Dalley says.
Choosing Warm Colour Palettes
Afro-Luxe aims to merge the rustic autumnal outlook with African-inspired decor, and one of the ways to achieve that is by using rich, earthy tones throughout your space.
"Colours such as rust, burnt orange, deep brown, and olive green evoke the feeling of autumn and complement the rustic decor," Dalley notes. "Adding accents of vibrant colours like burgundy, mustard yellow, or deep blue [also] creates a visually enticing space, [where] the contrasts complement each other".
Choosing Rustic-Inspired Furniture
Finally, for the complete look, Dalley emphasizes that the choice and finishing of your furniture affect just how rustic your home looks.
"Look for furniture pieces with a distressed or weathered finish. This adds a vintage and rustic feel to your space", she says. "DIY pieces are so in; they captivate your audience and instantly spark conversations. Our handmade bowl, Adah, is the perfect example, often placed on sideboards in hallways, perfect for popping your keys in!
