SOUL sourcing - Kenyan secret trader markets

I have spent the past week buying from amazing African traders in markets in the corners of Kenya.

Old silver and brass beads, Ethiopian crosses, Maasai bone beads, recycled glass beads, old pendants, Nigerian asoka cloths, amazing old kangas, mbao boards, cowhorn....

New ranges to come soon

x

Bembea House, Lamu

The houses in Lamu are so beautifully designed mixing strong Arab influences with a touch of African beach life.

They are usually tucked in the back streets

Love this house - Bembea House in Shela

 

Images from

 http://thejoysoflifeingrid.blogspot.com/2010/01/lamu-kenya-part-one.html

Ali Lamu - Artist

Inspiration

I'm on Lamu Island, which is a bohemium paradise, I love it.  

There is an artist here called Ali Lamu who makes paintings from old broken dhow sails, painting with free abandon in a distinctly naive way, using old bottle tops, beads, thick stitching and paint.

 

 

 

websites for the images:

 adeledejak.com

ashecollection.com

coloursoflife.info 

alilamu.com

funkyfridayshop.blogspot.com

mademoiselleido.blogspot.com

tribusetroyaumes.com

Lamu Island

Inspiration & Interiors

 

I am leaving for Lamu Island tomorrow for 2 weeks.  I'll definitely be looking for interiors ideas from their gorgeous houses.

Below are a few images of interiors from Lamu houses.

abi@souldesign.co.za

New lights from Katundu

Inspiration & Interiors

Loving these new chandelier lights from Katundu in Malawi.

They are made on a little island called Likoma Island using handmade clay mud beads that are then painted white.

Contact abi for more info.

abi@souldesign.co.za

Kaya Mawa bedroom images

Interiors

Following on from my blog posting below, I thought I would do a post on some of the Kaya Mawa bedrooms I designed. 

Being a beach lodge, we wanted to create a clean, fresh look with white floors and built in cupboards, inspired by the houses on the Greek islands but combine it with a strong African influence with much of the furniture, lighting, textiles and art work all designed and handmade with a team on the island.

www.kayamawa.com

abi@souldesign.co.za

Kaya Mawa Lodge in Conde Nast

Interiors

I worked as a designer on the interiors of Kaya Mawa Lodge, Malawi (www.kayamawa.com) when it was fully refurbished.

It was recently featured in Conde Nast Traveller Magazine.

abi@souldesign.co.za