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WHY ISN'T AFROCENTRIC INTERIOR DESIGN POPULAR?
Interior | Written: Ruvarashe Gweredza
27.07.2025
In a time when Mid-century Modern is at the forefront of the design conversation, I'm curious: Why isn't contemporary afrocentric interior design a part of the discourse? Both styles celebrate natural materials, sculptural furniture, warm tones, geometric rhythm, and functional beauty. Yet while mid-century modern designs enjoy global acclaim, their afrocentric counterpart -- though strictly similar – remains largely overlooked. But why?
Colonialism branded African design as "primitive" rather than "intentional". Even after independence, limited infrastructure made design language difficult. Western gatekeepers often only valued African aesthetics when filtered. Like Picasso 'borrowing' from African masks without attribution.
Afrocentric design, rich in intellect and craftsmanship, is only now being reframed as timeless, thanks to trailblazing voices like Malene Djenaba Barnett.
Still, bias persists. Western media favours "neutral minimalism" while frequently Afrocentric interiors are reduced to "Boho" or exoticised stereotypes. The issue isn't compatibility, it's cultural compatibility.
The global gaze often still sees Africa as huts and stines, limiting the perception of the African interior. Symbolic faces or tribal artefacts are easily misread or labelled as "appropriation". In today's hyperpolitices climate, many designers and consumers shy away for fear of cultural missteps.
Even within African communities, there are tensions. tribal symbols carry deep pride, but also complex histories of division. The uneven embrace of afrocentric aesthetics may reflect a deeper internal struggle.