Want to design your apartment but don’t know what’s trendy now? Here are a few interior designs you can use for inspiration, tailored to a Ugandan context.
Eclectic Interior Designs Built with Nature
Who doesn’t love nature? Let’s bring it indoors. When you think about having a green apartment space, it’s probably on the balcony. Nowadays, people are finding ways to bring the plants in-house! Not only does it make the space even more beautiful, but it also improves the air quality at home. It’s a win-win! Other ways that you could bring in nature that does not necessarily involve a plant are through décor. Wicker furniture, made from bamboo or reed can be used to make chairs and baskets is a chic way to give your home a nice nature feel. Even if such decor or look can be expensive to have, there are always more affordable alternatives to get the same look.
For example, premium wood like mahogany can be expensive, but alternatives like cherry wood can be used to achieve the same vibe. Robin Standefer, the co-founder of the design studio , Roman and Williams, said, ‘You don’t have to be the richest person in the world to create the look – you can use faux bois – painted to look like wood – or even wood veneer wallpaper.’ Faux Bois is fake wood made from steel and cement to imitate wood.
More Color
While it may seem daunting to maintain, adding more color into your home is a major trend that interior designers swear by. Bold, vibrant hues can transform a space, adding personality and warmth. Designers recommend using color strategically, think accent walls, colorful cushions, and vibrant rugs. These pops of color can create focal points and bring a sense of energy and liveliness to your apartment. By balancing bold colors with neutral tones, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing space that feels modern and welcoming. This approach not only enlivens your home but also reflects your unique style and taste.
Black and White
This style is used normally in wider living rooms but can work for smaller spaces as well. The walls are usually all white, with the black being the accessories you put in the house. The contrast of black and white brings harmony to the home when done correctly. White symbolizes cleanliness while black signifies elegance. The two paired together are a match made in heaven. It can make the room appear larger than it is, making the space very open.
When it comes to interior design, we often find ourselves drawn to vibrant hues, captivated by their potential to bring a space to life. However, this timeless color scheme has quietly been commanding attention for centuries. It might seem that a black and white palette is restrictive, but in reality, it provides a vast canvas that allows us to play with texture, patterns, and forms in an infinite array of combinations.
Afro-Modern Fusion
Embrace the richness of Ugandan heritage by blending traditional African elements with modern design. Use bold, colorful Kitenge fabrics for cushion covers or wall art. Pair these with sleek, contemporary furniture to create a striking contrast that’s both culturally rich and stylish. Incorporate handmade crafts, such as woven baskets or carved wooden sculptures to add a personal touch to your living space.
Modern Living, a Ugandan interior design business, also part of BUBU, does this afro modern fusion perfectly. BUBU stands for Build Uganda Buy Uganda, it was an initiative started to promote Ugandan-owned businesses to Ugandans.
Rustic Charm
For a warm and cozy feel, consider a rustic interior design inspired by the Ugandan countryside. Use natural materials like wood and stone to create a homely atmosphere. Furniture made from reclaimed wood, paired with earthy tones and soft textiles, can bring a sense of tranquility and comfort to your apartment. Decorate with potted plants, vintage lanterns, and traditional Ugandan pottery to complete the look.
In Uganda, Mweya Safari Lodges emulates this. While it may not be a fully rustic theme, it has many wooden elements all over the property. The bedrooms in particular have an afro modern feel to the beautiful lodge.
Minimalist Elegance
Less is more with minimalist interior design. This trend focuses on simplicity and functionality, making it perfect for smaller apartments. Opt for neutral colors like white, beige, and gray. Choose furniture with clean lines and avoid clutter by keeping decorations to a minimum. A few carefully selected pieces of art or a single statement piece of furniture can make a big impact in a minimalist space.
An example of this in Uganda is Activate Body Therapy located in the Summit Residences in Naguru. The all white space with minimal wood accents gives the space a very clean and airy look.
Coastal Vibes
Even if you’re far from the ocean, you can still bring coastal charm into your home. Light and airy, this style uses colors like blue, white, and sandy beige to create a relaxed, beachy feel. Incorporate elements such as rope accents, seashell decorations, and driftwood-inspired furniture. Large windows, light curtains, and plenty of natural light can help achieve that breezy coastal atmosphere. One of the most well known places in East Africa for this type of coastal style is Lamu. While it is one of the smaller East African islands, it is one of the richest in culture. With the mixture of African , Arab and Indian culture on the coastline, it has meshed into beautiful architecture and designs in the region.
Book now from Cadenza project and pick from the best interior designs.