How Colonial Designs Inspire Modern Nigerian Interior Decor
From the late 19th century until Nigeria’s independence in 1960, architecture in Nigeria closely mirrored British architectural styles.
This was characterized by grand facades, classic furniture, and ornate detailing, incorporating Victorian-esque, neoclassical elements often seen in government buildings, churches, and other constructions. An example is the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.
Many of these structures still stand and have inspired local architects and designers to incorporate them into their designs, bringing about a fusion of styles, a melding of past and present. Below are images of the Ikoyi Club in the 1950s and the Goodlife Restaurant Bar, an outfitting project we undertook in 2023.
Seamless Integration: Melding Past and Present
We can see a beautiful combination of traditional and modern styles in modern Nigerian homes. This is shown through vibrant color schemes, advanced smart home technologies, PVC/POP ceilings with LED lighting, contemporary entertainment units, plants, and floor tiles. These elements reflect the flamboyant colonial style designs and the modern preference for more subtle aesthetics.
Here at WOODstyles, our expert designers have curated a comprehensive guide to seamlessly integrating these colonial elements into your contemporary Nigerian home:
Classic Woodwork and Furniture:
Wood panels make a strong statement in homes, adding texture and depth to spaces. Paired with handcrafted wooden furniture pieces with intricate carvings and polished finishes, this fusion of traditional and modern elements adds a touch of refined vintage to homes. And for a better finish, LED lights lining wood paneling bring out that modernity.
Neutral Palettes with Rich Accents:
Considering the climate, the use of bold colours with indigo and coral makes a statement, especially when balanced with a base of neutral colors such as ivory, beige, and soft grey. And since we live in a climate that gets a lot of sunshine most of the year, allowing in natural light enhances our spaces as well.
Vintage Accessories and Artefacts:
Adorn your space with vintage accessories such as antique mirrors, brass chandeliers, and colonial-era artwork. These pieces serve as conversation starters and add historical depth to your decor.
Smart Home Technology Integration:
From solar panels to LED lights and glow lamps, Nigerian interior designers are incorporating smart technology accessories into their homes, giving them a touch of luxury and sophistication. Bluetooth-controlled lights and heating, smart mirrors, and motion-activated facilities are elements that make homes stand out, a perfect blend of innovation and aesthetics.
Explore More with WOODstyles
We invite you to discover more about our design philosophy and explore our portfolio of projects that perfectly blend different styles and eras. Visit our website at www.wood-styles.com or contact us to schedule a consultation with our expert designers.
Thank you for being a valued member of our WOODstyles community. We look forward to helping you create spaces that reflect both your heritage and your modern lifestyle.
