In brief
Following their passions for interior design, Kelechi Ejikeme and Amechi Mandi are reshaping perceptions of African aesthetics through contemporary interpretations, infusing cultural significance into modern spaces while challenging the dominance of clichéd designs.
After a successful career as a lawyer with firms such as Goldman Sachs and Société Générale, Kelechi Ejikeme, a Nigerian-British designer, pivoted to interior design. Inspired by Nigeria's natural landscapes, her rug collection symbolizes diverse terrains with each piece crafted from sustainable jute. “Every minute, this is what we're actually every day stepping on," she shared at the Decorex interior show in London, emphasizing the importance of her work. Jute, often sourced locally for its edible leaves, takes on new life in Ejikeme's designs, which are produced in India and Nepal.Amechi Mandi, a Cameroonian-Nigerian designer, also graced the event, holding the title of House & Garden’s Rising Star in 2022. Transitioning from fashion to interior design, he felt inspired to revive indigenous African textiles, often overshadowed by foreign influences. Mandi remarked, "People have told me, 'Oh, your work is not African,' because they want to see ankara prints." Emphasizing the importance of pre-colonial traditions, he creates designs that celebrate authentic African culture while modernizing their presentation.Both designers noted an ongoing struggle for authentic representation within Africa’s interior design industry, which remains in its nascent stages compared to fashion. Ejikeme, who started her design journey in 2013, aims to blend luxury with deep cultural narratives, reflecting African heritage in her work. Mandi echoed similar sentiments, noting that affluent Africans often lean towards foreign products: "Most Africans still prefer to buy a Gucci."Traditionally, interior decor did not have significant cultural importance in many African societies, as functional exteriors were prioritized historically. Ejikeme and Mandi aspire to change this narrative by fostering a new appreciation for African identity within interior spaces. Their works signify a promising shift towards embracing indigenous designs that highlight Africa’s rich history and diverse cultures as less explored territory compared to fashion-backed ankara fabrics. Both designers are optimistic that as Africans gain more disposable income, there will be a growing demand for decorative items that not only beautify spaces but also tell meaningful stories. Thus, Ejikeme is committed to further researching historical artifacts to enrich her design projects. The emergence of these distinct expressions of African design heralds a new era where the continent's rich cultural tapestry can be celebrated within modern interiors.
