Bring home the rich colors and textures of the African continent with a safari bedroom theme. From the vibrant forests to the grassy plains, the beauty of Africa comes through in the natural, rustic elements of safari interior design.
Basics of Safari Style
The mystery and romance of safaris first enthralled the public in the early 1900's when former President Theodore Roosevelt went on an African expedition. Ever since that first taste, homeowners have been embellishing their homes with exciting safari style décor. The major components of safari design are raw, organic materials along with bold colors and patterns.
Natural materials like plants, rustic wood furniture, and unbleached fabric are ideal for a safari bedroom theme. Look for silk or real plants such as grasses, palms, succulents, or colorful flowers to make a fresh statement in African style rooms. Choose furniture pieces made of dark, exotic woods with simple, rugged designs. Organic fabrics like linen, cotton, jute, and burlap will add a lot of texture.
Safari Colors
African textiles usually feature strong colors and patterns created with hand-painted or hand-blocked designs. These vibrant colors and contrasting patterns often carry over to wall treatments as well as furniture upholstery and finishes. Any color of the rainbow is an available option in safari style due to the diversity of the African ecosystem. Rainforests and jungles offer up an abundance of green plants and flowers in stunning jewel tones. Rich neutrals like tan, caramel, and gold also convey the warmth of the plains and deserts.
Animal prints are enormously popular in safari bedroom themes. Striking animal prints can be used in small doses for a subtle effect or used in all over the bedroom for a stronger design statement. Wild animal prints can be found in fabric, wallpaper, bedding, throw pillows, and rugs. Choose from a wide range of safari style patterns and textures including zebra, leopard, jaguar, tiger, giraffe, cheetah, alligator, and ostrich.
Creating a Safari Hideaway
Get your African-inspired retreat off to the right start with a substantial wooden headboard or bed frame. Add some zest with animal print bedding such as a bed skirt, comforter, pillow shams, or duvet. Top off the bed with a romantic mosquito net in white or ivory for an exotic yet elegant ambience. Safari style accessories and wall décor will add a lot of charm and interest to a safari bedroom theme. Look for handcrafted African items like tribal masks, wooden sculptures and carvings, shields, pottery, drums, woven tapestries, or baskets. Woven bowls and bamboo accents will also add punch to a safari bedroom theme. Fresh flowers or potted orchids bring in soft color and aroma for a relaxing environment. Dress up rustic wooden or tile floors with safari style rugs made of natural fibers such as sisal, jute, or seagrass.
Safari Bedroom Theme Resources
Horchow - Rugs, bedding, and furniture with exciting animal prints.
Touch of Class - Furnishings, home décor, and accessories with a safari or African theme.
Africa Imports - Art and handicrafts imported direct from Africa.
