African print interiors - our favourite looks

So it has been some time since I have done an interiors post and so I thought that I would give an update of some of my favourite looks that I have posted to our website www.mefie.co.uk.  Over the past few months of speaking to customers, the one thing that I have found is that some shy away from mixing prints as they are not sure about the complement of colours and patterns in a room.  Below are some of my favourite looks and the reasons why I think they work.

Enjoy
xx mefie uk

This safari print throw pillow and Ercol vintage chair with covered African print covering work well due to the neutral colour palate.  The bold green print in the cushion and the subtle green undertones in the chair covering tie the two together.  The varying woods also provide warmth...not to mention the fireplace ;)!

These three cushions together are one of my all-time favourite combinations.  Again the neutral greens and tans tie the cushions together.  As well all three have a similar cubical print which works nicely.

This cushion combination is a bit more daring but works well because of the pinks which tie them together.  Again a great way to spruce up a neutral sofa!

Again, one of my favourites!  The blues in both cushions tie both together and the contrast of  bright yellow and the subtle greens add interest to the look.

All is available on www.mefie.co.uk

Me fie (my home) in Do-South

This week marked a momentous occasion in mefie's start-up journey...we are in our first high street shop, Do-South in Crystal Palace South London! This local interiors shop was actually the first store that I approached to carry our cushions...as a matter of fact, I approached them before even sewing my first item!

I have been an admirer of Do-South since it's opening a few years ago. I remember the first time that I drove past and I was drawn in by the vibrant colours, the mix of vintage mid-century furniture and accessories, as well as the modern design. The store reminds me of many of the pieces (now considered vintage) that I would see in my Great Aunt, Aunt Bea's house when growing up, hence, the decor makes me smile.

My love of mid-century pieces began at a young age, when I would spend hours playing with the coloured glass vases and admiring the clean lines of the furniture in my aunts house. When I enter into Do-South, I feel transported back to that time yet as I look around the space I am also intrigued by the modern furniture and accessories and I am convinced that both new and old complement one another and that accessories, such as my cushions, complete it. Do-South strikes a balance between new and old and I am thrilled that it is my first store as it really does embody my style and shows the versatility of African prints.

We hope that our addition to this Crystal Palace shop will be the beginning of a great relationship as our line has found a new home in South East London!

PS - Thanks Freddie for your feedback and support since the beginning of this journey!

xx
mefieuk

The Unknown Artist

This year I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana twice and there is no other way to say it but I fell in love! There was something really mesmerising about the country...from the hustle of Accra to the lush greenery of Kumasi I loved it all. It reminded me of so many places that I had been before...it felt somewhat foreign but familiar all at the same time.

While in Ghana, I went to the craft market in Kumasi where I met lovely painters and carvers. I spent hours walking through the stalls and I was struck by all the beauty and talent. As I bartered with one of the painters he said something that has stayed with me...he said that he was an artist and that as an artist, he didn't paint for the money because he didn't need the money. He painted because he enjoyed it and that his goal was to have his paintings seen and admired around the world. In the end I bought three paintings which I brought back to the UK stretched and which now sit nicely in my dining room.

I have long enjoyed many types of art and gone to loads of galleries and exhibitions (although I am by no means an expert) my question, however, is why is the beauty of this art not recognised or cherished? Is it because of 'The West' dictating what the image of beauty is; is it simply the exposure of one artist versus another or is it a combination of factors? I have had this conversation many times but still have not made any definitive conclusions. So, I ask the question again--why is the beauty of one artist celebrated while another is lost? Hopefully this is a small step to change...

xx
Mefieuk