And The Winner Is....

Image from African Style

LiberianGirl! Congratulations!!! Please send your name and address to aphrochicblog@yahoo.com to receive your copy of African Style in the mail.


Image from African Style


Image from African Style

I absolutely loved reading all of the comments on blending style and culture. Here are a few of my favorites:

I love to surround myself with objects that have a story. My Buddha is a family heirloom that came from my Grandfather who got it from an abused woman as a thank-you for taking her in when her family shunned her. And in the same room is a bust of a proud Maasai woman I bought from the man who carved it at a stand in Tanzania...These are just...examples of the meaning behind mere objects that make these items so much more than just decoration in my home. -Chante

I was thinking I should start off small - my stepfather is from Ghana and years ago he brought me a Ghanaian outfit back from a visit and I stumbled upon it in my basement no too long ago. I was thinking of maybe framing it in some way, or even using some of the fabric to make some cute pillow coverings. - Laquita

For me, blending style and culture means keeping it simple yet chic while forcing myself to only bring items into my home that I love and are a reflection of my personality.
-Styleosophy

LiberianGirl, I hope the book and comments from fellow AphroChic readers can act as inspiration as you define your "African Modern" style.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Ethnic Inspired Interiors

Image from {kay*}.

I have been so inspired by comments on how readers blend style and culture in their own home.

One of my favorite Flickr groups is a collection of ethnic-inspired interiors. These are beautiful examples of homes with global style that are modern and personal. Here are some of my favorite ethnic-inspired spaces that are sure to inspire you.

Image from kimhas6cats.

Ethnic textiles are integrated seamlessly into this bright and modern dining room. They immediately add warmth to this room with white and stainless steel elements.

Image from ♥threadbare.

Image from ♥threadbare.

These homes blend culture so beautifully. I love how diverse pieces come together through a unified palette, and how statements are made with bright pops of color.

Image from Circa.

Diverse textures and warm woods make ethnic-inspired interiors feel cozy.

See more inspirational photos from this group right here.

Thank You AT & African Style Giveaway!

I have to give a very big THANK YOU to Apartment Therapy! Lily at AT was so wonderful to work with, and the post is great. I am so glad that all of you enjoyed the House Tour and got to see my personal blend of modern, soulful style. It has been so much fun turning my apartment into a place that I truly love and that I can share with others.

To celebrate the AT House Tour, and to thank all of you who come and visit AphroChic every day, I have a giveaway just for you.



African Style is one of my favorite books by Taschen. An inspirational guide to interior decor from Cameroon to the Ivory Coast. I hope it can inspire one lucky winner to create their own "African Chic" space.

So, how can you enter the giveaway? Just leave a comment on how you aspire to blend style and culture in your own home. I can't wait to see your responses. I will pick one winner at random this Friday. Good luck!

My House on Apartment Therapy!!!

Hey AC Fans, click on the link to check out my Apartment Therapy House Tour! View Here

Japanese Africa

I first read about WAFRICA on Out and About in Africa. These beautiful textiles by designer Serge Mouangue blend both Japanese and African style, creating something truly unique.



"I pursue and observe the complexity of different values and cultural identities in search of threads to weave a fabric which is a blending of these differences." - Serge Mouangue



This Cameroon-born designer studied interior and industrial design in Europe, China, Australia, Turkey, Mexico and the United States. It was in France that he began taking courses in Japanese language and culture. Serge then moved to Japan and found parallels between the deep-rooted traditions of his homeland and that of Japanese culture.



WAFRICA style brings two completely different worlds together, celebrating ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Serge's designs are beautiful and harmonious. A testament to globalization and how we can weave together different identities.

I find Serge's work refreshing. He offers a new perspective for design and shows how even with our differences a connection can be discovered.

Things Are Blossoming at Modern Dose

These gorgeous floral ottomans have arrived at Modern Dose just in time for Spring. Make your home blossom with these stunning poufs covered in hundreds of laser-cut wool flowers.





Beautiful and functional, these show-stopping designs are sure to be at the center of your modern decor.

Check out more of what's new at ModernDose.com.

100,000!

What an exciting week it has been. This week AphroChic had its 100,000th visitor! It has been so wonderful to share what I love with all of you over the past two years, to read your comments and feedback, and to continue to discover modern and soulful finds for the home.

In addition to having over 100,000 visitors, AphroChic has also been listed in the Chapeau Blog Awards BlogOh!Pedia - an encyclopedia documenting words by and for bloggers. "BlogLove" is the new phrase coined by yours truly. Feel free to use it when you want to refer to those blogs you are absolutely loving right now. You can coin your own phrase and enter the Chapeau Blog Awards by clicking on the link to your right.

Thank you so much for all of your support! I couldn't do this without you. Have a wonderful weekend!

Webster's In Color

I love, love, love these designer references now at See Jane Work. Who knew that defining things could be so fashionable?





In bright and juicy hues of pink, red, orange and yellow, Merriam Webster's leather-covered dictionary and thesaurus will make stunning additions to your home office.



Grab them while you can. These designer references are selling out quickly.

Michelle Obama Chooses Michael Smith!

I hope that all of you enjoyed yesterday's inauguration events. Millions were watching in the U.S. and around the world, making this a global celebration for change...and change is coming.

In the design world, people can't stop talking about the change that is coming to the East Wing of the White House with interior designer Michael S. Smith at the helm. Michelle Obama's pick for White House designer is known for his ability to turn grand homes into comfortable, family-friendly spaces.

And it's no wonder that our new First Lady has picked Michael Smith. His style really complements her own philosophy of sophistication, comfort and mixing high-end items with basic elements.


Sophisticated and understated.


Integrating classic elements.


Mixing modern and traditional with warmth and pops of color.

I can't wait to see what Michael comes up with for this young family. There is no question that with Mrs. Obama as a client, it is sure to be stylish.

{Interiors images from Michael S. Smith portfolio on Domino.com}

HOPE

HOPE, originally uploaded by DAN23-PHOTO.

Dreams can come true.

I will be taking the next few days to celebrate these historic events in the United States. Happy Martin Luther King Day!

An AphroChic Christmas

Happy Friday! I thought I would share with you some of the great gifts I received this holiday season. It's no surprise that many of them centered around my love of design and AphroChic.

Top: The first AphroChic T-Shirt! The whole family was in on this gift from my amazing husband. Now I can rock my AphroChic style wherever I go.

Center: African Interiors. My sister bought me this limited edition book - a must have for anyone who enjoys ethnic interiors.

Bottom: Sex and the City The Movie Extended Cut! I am watching this over the weekend; and a Nintendo Wii. Have you played this yet? I am hooked on Wii tennis.

It was a wonderful holiday season, and more great things are in store for AphroChic this year. Stay tuned...

Fifi Lapin January Sale

Have you met a chic little bunny named Fifi Lapin? She is the world's most stylish rabbit, wearing Chloe, Luella and more top fashion designs. I like to check in on her from time to time, reading her blog and finding out what incredible outfit she's decked out in that day.







If you haven't met Fifi yet, you must. And you can stop by her shop to view prints of her in some of her favorite outfits. Prints are on sale until January 31st. Enjoy!

{Images from: Iheartfifilapin.com}

Exclusive 30% Discount From Pieces!

Hi AC readers. I have something very exciting to share with you today. Just for today Pieces is offering a 30% discount to all AC readers. Just mention AphroChic to receive a discount on all items on the Pieces site.

This Atlanta boutique offers everything from vintage Swedish chairs to Hollywood Regency lighting. Featured in all of your favorite magazines including Domino and Cottage Living, Pieces has a trove of wonderful delights for the modern home.

Here are a few of my favorites.


Pick up your new style bible, Domino The Book of Decorating, a room-by-room guide to creating a happy home.


These Fiberglass Side Chairs are on my design wishlist. They are just gorgeous in white and pink.


Handmade White Deer Antlers.


This Noir Crystal Barware will make a dramatic accent to your tabletop.


Who wouldn't want a goddess in their home or this Venus Bust in shiny white ceramic?

Visit today to get your exclusive discount. Remember, mention AphroChic to receive 30% off.

Lee Young Hee, Korean Fashion

I remember reading an article once where someone asked if there could ever be too much inspiration; if one could be over-inspired. Not me. I am constantly amazed by how many beautiful things are out there in the world. It seems that we focus so much on the bad, that we overlook the amazing talent and vivid imagery that surrounds us every day.

Inspiration does not overwhelm me, but instead fuels my passion for design and for discovering something new and unique to share with you every day. That's why I couldn't wait to share the work of Korean fashion designer Lee Young Hee. An absolute visionary, not only does she inspire me, but her work takes me to a whole new world, one that I want to visit over and over again - one where women are beautiful and elegant, and where the designs are absolutely timeless.





Hanbok's are worn throughout Korea for special occasions. They always take on a round shape, as seen below, and can take on the colors of the seasons. These colorful and modern interpretations are absolutely gorgeous.





Outside of her traditional works, Lee Young Hee's modern designs are elegant, fluid and soulful. Her pieces have an emotional feel to them, as they cascade against the body. They are the epitomy of modern, soulful style.







As much as I am struck by the work of Lee Young Hee, I also love her design philosophy which is rooted in her culture and spiritual beliefs. Her design team includes a Buddhist priest who has helped her develop natural dyes for her clothing. Fascinating!

You can learn more about this intriguing designer right here.

Singing In The Rain

Winters in San Francisco are wet and rainy. Yet, with these fashionable umbrellas in hand, rainy weather blues are sure to fade away.

A unique accessory - these fashion umbrellas from Umbrellas.net are stylish, sophisticated, and sure to meet anyone's taste. And at surprisingly reasonable prices, you may have to pick up one...or maybe even two.

Here are a few of my favorites.


Simple Rain Umbrella. So Audrey Hepburn!


Bows Rain Umbrella.


Lots of Dots Rain Umbrella. Could this be any cuter?

Who knew rain could be so much fun?!