Great interiors do not happen without great products. From lighting to furniture to decor; everything comes together to create a remarkable space. I admire so many product designers as their work and design processes have contributed to the incredible spaces I love. I would like to design products someday and building on the foundation of artisans, craftsmen and designers before me is essential. As the African interior design industry continues to grow, product designers with function and revolutionary style in mind have come to the limelight.
Here are 4 African designers I love right now;
1. OBIDA.STORE
Obida.store is a Nigerian Interior product design company owned by Obida Obioha who is committed to making things “good.” It is affiliated with the Nigerian Interior design firm Obida Design Associates. His modernist take on African design is both intriguing and refreshing. He enjoys fusing lines and motifs from everyday African life in his design.
2. ACHULI DESIGN
Achuli design consists of a design duo live and practice in Nairobi Kenya. Their design style can be described in one word “Joyful” The design duo create art pieces and furniture that utilize bright colours and geometric shapes. Their design style is playful energetic and fun!
3. STUDIO HAMED OUTTARA
Studio Hamed’s goal is providing a counter point to the influx of poor imitations of European products and products that don’t reflect the culture. He has established his studio in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso. The ethos of his design is repurposing discarded objects in to modern but cultured pieces. Each piece is unique as the discarded scrap metal or plastic usually develops its own distinctive patina.
4. ILLUME.NG
Illume.ng is a Nigerian Lighting Design company that is fairly new. Their first product is a the Buki lamp. It is right on top of my wish list. It is hand made and has a whimsical feel to it. I cannot wait to see what else this designer has instore.
There goes my list! I love so many African designers, but these persons have my attention right now. I’ll continue to put you on as I discover many more product designers.
Thank you for making it to the end.
Have you come across an of these product designers? Or are there African product designers you like? Let me know in the comment section.