Organizing an African-themed family gathering, as demonstrated by Eva Sonaike
Eva Sonaike, a trailblazer in bringing African interior design to contemporary homes worldwide, curates a lively and personal tablescape inspired by West African heritage. Her approach is to start with color as the foundation, particularly using bold and contrasting colors like pink and green, and then layering textures and eclectic patterns to create a welcoming and fun atmosphere.
At the heart of Sonaike's tablescape is a group of fluted, colored bud vases, vibrant pink batik designed items inspired by Hausa buildings in Northern Nigeria, and gold plated plates with bright colors and graphic prints, mimicking her style. The table itself is showcased as a characterful element, with a wooden surface that adds warmth and a storytelling quality.
Sonaike's tablescape is more than just an aesthetic look; it's a reflection of personal stories and experiences. She incorporates personal items and souvenirs from her travels, such as a vintage flatware set, salt and pepper pots, and a bread basket from her travels, a hand woven, eco-friendly rattan woven basket for keeping warm fresh bread, and a carved resin elephant ornament, serving as a conversation starter.
One of Sonaike's key tips for curating a vibrant tablescape is to start with a bold color palette. She suggests using a textural base such as natural woven placemats to contrast with bright colors. Choosing plates that don’t match but are colorful and patterned, often reflecting African motifs, enhances eclecticism.
Eva Sonaike, a textile designer and creative director of her own interior design studio, values family lunches and believes in everyone sitting together. Her tablescape for a simple Sunday lunch is bold, welcoming, and fun, with a simple white orchid as the centerpiece and a few pale pink roses.
Born to Nigerian parents in Germany, Sonaike previously worked as a fashion journalist on glossy magazines and television before turning her attention to interior design. Her designs celebrate the culture and aesthetic of West Africa, making her an influential figure in the world of contemporary African interior design.
Sonaike's tablescape invites lively gatherings, with a goat's bell as a call to the table, a gift from a childhood hiking trip in Switzerland. The table is the centerpiece of her living space, and her approach to tablescaping is a testament to her passion for creating welcoming and personal spaces that tell a story.
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