Inviting ‘Africa’ to your table Donning Spaces When Sarit Center Dresses Up! “23 Glass Studio” Celebrating Creativity & Good Workmanship
February - April 2025
CONTENT
INVITING AFRICA TO YOUR TABLE
Bringing the colours and textures that surround us to the dining table.
“Donning Spaces!”
Making our spaces festive.
When “Sarit” dresses up
Decorating lessons from an old hand.
“23 GLASS STUDIO”
Where caring for the environment looks like a glass bottle.
“well-made”
Highlights of local products that show creativity and good workmanship.
Editor’s Desk
A Very Happy 2025!
By now,
the “Holiday Hangover” from the festive season should have subsided. As we take on 2025, we mustn’t forget the lessons of 2024. One of which should be; festivities shouldn’t be the only time to gather with family and friends.
In this “SEBULE” we talk about preparing our spaces for special occasions. Whether it’s honoring important days or delighting in one another’s company. Just like we dress up for anything important, our spaces too should be dressed.
Celebrating is never complete without food; this provides another opportunity to decorate! We talk about bringing the colours and textures of Africa, to our dining table.
Ornaments are what we use to bring the feeling of festivity to a space. We take a look at some locally made ornaments, and witness culture morphing right before our eyes.
If you have ever wanted to do more about the environment but didn’t know how, take a look at our feature story on “23 Glass Studio.” They show us how to do this, right from our dining tables. Did you know that you could get beautiful, custom, tableware and accessories from local makers and vendors? We were pleasantly surprised by what we found and share this in our “Well-made” section. They could be just what you needed as you curate tablescapes. Thank you for joining us for yet another issue as we celebrate interior spaces, and learn to redefine ours. If you enjoy our content feel free to on Instagram @sebule.magazine. Do you have a space that you would like to share with other Interior Design enthusiasts? Get in touch with us on : sebule@kiasili-interiors.com
There’s a lot of beauty around us; in nature, our culture, and everyday items that we take for granted. We can enrich our dining experience by drawing from these colours and textures.
“Inviting ‘Africa’ to your Table!”
Bringing the colours and textures that surround us to the dining table.
“A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”
Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart
The
worldhas
just recovered from a seriously festive mood that checks in during the “Holidays Season.” It slows down to celebrate Thanksgiving, Kwanza, Hanukkah, and Christmas; before continuing the countdown to the end of the year that then explodes into the song and dance that ushers in a new one. Spending time with family and friends is always a major highlight of the festive period. A chance to come together “because it is good for Kinsmen to do so,” as Chinua Achebe encourages in his book ‘Things Fall Apart.’
Photo credit: stockcake.com
In Africa - as in many other parts of the world - there can never be a fitting celebration that does not end with family and friends eating together. Food is undoubtedly an essential component, and the dining table, a center of attraction at such times. Sure, you can stack plates on the table and have your guests take their portion, or heighten the experience of
your home through Tablescaping.
Tablescaping is to your dining table, what the cherry is to a cake! It is the overall decoration of the dining table to create a unique and memorable experience for your guests. It is a part of styling your space that impacts the look and mood, turning a simple meal into an elegant one. It elevates the
Styling or decorating the dining table is about creating a memorable experience for your guests and turning a simple meal into an elegant one.
Bringing the colour, vibe and culture of our lives onto our tables. Here a bold, checkered black and red Maasai blanket, is layered on top of a black underlay tablecloth that shows it off perfectly. A centerpiece is created with foliage. Crocheted mats and napkin holders bring grounding and allow the plates to be ‘seen.’ Tablecloths are game changers, giving an instant ‘face lift’ to any table.
festive drama on special occasions and allows us to bring the beautiful colour, vibe and culture of our lives onto our dining table. Here is how to invite ‘Africa’ to your table.
Table Linen
IfI were to describe Africa in one word, it would be “Vibrant!” This vibrancy is captured in the patterns and colors of fabrics like the Kikoi, Kanga, Maasai Shuka or blanket, Kitenge, Kente, Ankara, Mud cloth and other textiles of Africa. When these are used to make table linen such as tablecloths, napkins, runners, and slip covers, they bring that vibe to the dining table.
A tablecloth is a game changer! Not only does it cover up dents and scratches; it protects from spills and stains. It gives the table an instant ‘face lift’, and has the ability to create different looks simply by a change of cloth. Every other element that’s placed on the table will have to get a ‘nod’ from the tablecloth.
A table runner, only covers a narrow strip of the table and can be used alone or layered on a tablecloth. A dramatic table runner can make a big impact through colour and texture, and draw attention from underwhelming tableware or setting.
Dressing chairs with slipcovers, adds to the drama of the occasion. Investing in slipcovers for your dining chairs need not be expensive, the best ideas sometimes use the simplest of materials.
The patterns and colours in our fabrics capture our nature and vibrant spirit.
This tablescape designed by DIADOTA uses organic textures and natural elements to create a modern African aesthetic. The NOLA table runner provides a neutral foundation for the setting, tying everything together. Subtle tones and contrasting textures bring depth and are quite stimulating for the senses. It evokes feelings of calm and uncomplicated elegance.
Photo credit: DIADOTA
DIADOTA’s Zarai plate displays the beauty of natural wood grain. It’s warm neutral tones embrace the bolder tones in the napkin, thats embellished with the Dhalia Brass Napkin ring.
The flowers, candles and coasters alone, would’ve been too small in proportion to the table, but when contained in DIADOTA’s tray, it becomes a substantial Centerpiece.
A dramatic table runner such as this Leopard print one, can be bold and overpowering. It is layered on a gold tablecloth with subtle detail, that allows it to stand out. All the linen used in a tablescape should complement the others and not compete.
Placemats can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures which makes them excellent for styling your table because they add a lot of interest. By pairing different items together, you can create many looks.
Placemats
Placemats go on top of the tablecloth, underneath the dinnerware, primarily to protect the table and define each guest’s spot. They come as rectangles, circles, or organic shapes. They are excellent for decorating because they intro-
duce colour and texture to the table. Charger plates are large decorative plates that perform the same function as the mats. They can be used in addition to or instead of place mats, but tend to be more formal, giving the dinner table a more dressed-up feel.
Find ways to connect your tablescape to other elements beyond the table. When done right it will result in an arrangement that also enhances the overall look of your home. This black heavily textured placemat makes a good offset for the light coloured plates from CERAMICA AFRICA.
The Centerpiece is an important piece of your tablescape that requires thought and creativity. Greenery adds life and volume to your arrangement. In this “Savannah-Sunset themed scape,” “Nandi Flame” flowers ‘sit’ among green foliage decked with Kitenge bows, while candles on crystal holders bring new dimension.
Inviting ‘Africa’ to your table
Asthe name suggests this item will occupy a central position on your table. You can literally use anything to create a centerpiece, as long as it looks good. A bowl of flowers, a lantern, feathers, pots, calabashes, leaves, dry twigs - you can be as creative as you want. It may be centered or extend the entire length of the table, but pay attention to it’s scale in proportion to the dining table. A huge Centerpiece may hamper instead of encourage conversation, while a tiny one may not have the required impact. This is a good place to use items that resonate with your Afro-inspired theme. Think of this piece as a complement to the whole tablescape and not in isolation, so that your
arrangement can feel cohesive. If you are planning on having an elaborate centerpiece, tone down the other elements so that your creation can shine through.
candles
Candles
bring a new dimension to a tablescape. They add a decorative touch, illumination and ambiance. The warm, calm and cozy mood they create encourages great conversation. Use your favorite scented candles to add yet another layer or magnify the effect by placing them in strategic spots around the room. The choice of candles and the type of holder is another opportunity to introduce the Afro-inspired vibe. Ensure your candle stand has a firm base to avoid tipping over, or foliage catching fire. centerpiece
A Centerpiece can be as refined or as raw as you want. Mixing the more refined elements with natural materials makes it interesting. It should not be so small as to be insignificant or so big as to get in the way of the meal.
Candles are great for tablescapes because they bring new dimension. Variety is always a good thing when it comes to styling and theres plenty when it comes to candle stands.
From top, clockwise: Black, curved, wooden candle stands with minimal beaded details, and a metal drip pan. An abstract, metal sculpture of a ‘Woman’ carrying a drip pan on her head and a colourful yellow beaded skirt. This quirky ‘Zebra’ candle holder brings a playfulness to the table, that will be the subject of many conversations.
tableware
Plain solid colours on tableware might seem a little boring but are safe choices because they can be matched with many other pieces. The one rule to remember when using tableware with multiple colours or print is to allow them to be seen. Here the inky blue swirls on the plate and bowl from CERAMICA AFRICA, are placed on a darker background to allow them stand out.
Tableware refers to the cutlery, crockery and glassware that we use for meals. Select items with themes that resonate with the things that surround you such as nature, wildlife and patterns. If you can not find what you want settle
for a colour that aligns with your theme or consider having them custom-made. Beautiful, quality tableware is a good investment because it adds style, and can last for years.
Your dining table can be as simple or as grand as you want it to be.
Here, SPARK HOME, uses designer tableware from Portmeirion - the Botanical Garden Collection, to create this tablescape. It features a Laurel leaf border and a range of beautiful flowers that adds to the overall beauty of the table. The better your tableware, the less decorating will be required.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
Accents
Napkins, napkin holders, salt and pepper shakers, baskets, pot stands, vases and other small practical or decorative pieces, may seem insignificant but should be viewed as accent pieces that support the overall design. They should not be random but considered. Think of ways to further personalize the experience for each guest e.g. by placing name cards or earthenware vases with a flower stem for each guest.
Bring the outdoors in
Plants, fresh flowers, foliage, fruits, nuts etc. have an amazing ability to bring colour and life to any space. They are also perfect for an Afro-inspired theme. Find a way to incorporate them in your arrangement like arranging them on a basket, wooden bowl or directly on the table.
Layering
Knowinghow to layer will help you create a very captivating arrangement. Layers are added by: placing elements at varying heights thus allowing the eye to travel from one level to the next; using different textures; as well as considering all the senses such as smell, touch and hearing in the execution of your vision.
Think of every item that goes on the dining table as an opportunity to bring the vibe of Africa to the tablescape. When it comes to crafts and hand-made items that can be used, we are spoilt for choice. Open your mind, rethink how some of the items that you may take for granted can be used or reused, then get creating amazing experiences for your family and guests.
Napkin rings, Salt shakers and other ‘little’ accessories may seem insignificant because of their size but certainly add to the whole vibe.
12 Tablescaping Tips
Whether tablescaping is new to you or you are an old hand, here are some tips to help in your journey. 1 2 3 4 5 8 6 7 9 12 10 11
Begin small, the more you create, the better you get.
Plan ahead. Successful tablescapes usually involve thought and planning.
Be intentional about collecting your pieces. With a few primary sets you can create many different arrangements
Free styling is okay for everyday hosting but when you want more sophistication and beauty, work with a theme.
Afro-inspired elements are colour and pattern rich. Ensure balance by constantly comparing how each item relates to the other, and to the larger space.
Be on the lookout for multiple competing elements. Decide which items play the lead role and let the others support - they should work together and not compete with one another.
Mix your favorite Afro-insired pieces with accessories in other styles that speak to you, for a unique look.
Create layers by varying the heights, textures, sizes; and by including scent and music.
You want to enhance, not hinder the dining experience. Keep it practical and simple by edit your arrangement, paring back and removing the unnecessary.
The better your tableware, the less work you put into decorating your table.
Think beyond the dining table by creating a connection however small, between the table and the larger room to magnify the effect.
It’s not that serious, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Keep the mood light and playful by incorporating quirky pieces.
Build your ‘cache’ over time by continually looking out for decorative, and practical items that can enhance your tablescapes. This will ensure that you always have quality items that you love on hand, and options for styling your table on a whim. Seen here; Crockery from CERAMICA AFRICA.
Donning our Spaces!
Making spaces festive.
Dressing upfor
important events seems to be a cross-cultural and intercontinental tradition that signals the importance of an event. It is little wonder that we do the same to our spaces. Decorating is how we dress our spaces to build anticipation, and bring a feeling of festivity to an occasion. This is done using various material such as flowers, fabric, felt paper, balloons, lights and many other ornaments.
Weassociate ornaments mostly with Christmas but they are also made and used for other celebrations. They are mass-produced for a market that sees them as having no practical purpose, other than to embellish. Adorning things is not new to Africa. Decoration was applied to things and people. However, it was not done simply for the sake of adorning. Every item that was used to decorate; the colours applied; or marks that were etched on a thing, had special cultural and symbolic significance. With time and modernization, the meanings have been lost or become irrelevant. Many of the traditional items that we consider to be ornamental or that we accessorize our spaces with today, may have at one time been used for worship, in ceremonies, or as symbols of identity or status. Knowing this should make us more careful about what we bring into our spaces. In response to a market that is looking for uniqueness and cultural relevance, we are seeing more ‘Made-in-Africa’ Ornaments. Different Artisans give their interpretation of the fete. They are handmade and use natural, traditional, and recycled materials to incorporate elements of Africa into Christmas decor which adds cultural diversity to the celebrations. Here’s a look at some of the ornaments we came across during the just-ended holiday season.
Bead work is what makes these ornaments special. Wire is manipulated into different shapes, then beads the frame and bring colour Clockwise from top: Stars and bells for hanging on a tree. The three “Wise Men” bring their gifts to the “New Born King.” Page 22: Christmas Tree, A Shepherd and his sheep.
All ornaments available from John M. +254 774 781085 and Judith R + 254 700 817754.
Little Angel ornaments made of different material. From left. Sisal and bits of banana fiber are what was used to make these ‘Angels.’ Center. Made out of fabric and bead from KENYA KANGA Collection and Soapstone Angel pieces from UNDUGU FAIR TRADE. All have twine cord for hanging on the Christmas tree.
100 years! Is how long Banana Fiber is said to last. It is lightweight, easy to manipulate and the material of choice for these ornaments. They depict different aspects of the nativity story and can be packed away for storage and easy portability. All ornaments available from John M. +254 774 781085 and Judith R + 254 700 817754.
‘Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus’ - six different ways. Mary on a Camel while Joseph leads it, the three under a palm tree, indoors, outdoors...various interpretations from parts of the story by different Artist who make use of banana fiber, sisal and cloth. All ornaments available from John M. +254 774 781085 and Judith R + 254 700 817754.
Looking at these ornaments, it’s easy to see the new influences. Santa Clause, Snowmen, Christmas trees; are foreign concepts that seem to be slowly taking root and becoming traditions we identify with. Clockwise from top. Snowmen and Snow Flake etched Soapstone hanging ornaments from UNDUGU FAIR TRADE LTD. Beaded Santa’s, Santa on an Elephant, Knitted Gift-socks and beaded Christmas Tree ornaments available from John M. +254 774 781085 and Judith R + 254 700 817754.
“When Sarit dressesup!”
Decorating lessons from an old hand.
Imaginecelebrations without pomp and colour, and you appreciate the ‘fuss’ that goes into marking special occasions. We bring that pomp and colour into our spaces by decorating. This is how we build anticipation for any event we are commemorating, and intensify the feeling of cheer. In my part of the world, no one does this better than Shopping Malls during the end-of-year holidays and festivities.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
The transformation from dressing your space is immediate. Both in terms of how it looks and the way it feels.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
They invest time and money to ensure that their spaces look and feel festive in order to heighten the mall experience. In turn, they attract hundreds of shoppers, because who doesn’t love a beautiful, happy place?
We visited “The Sarit Center,” one of the oldest shopping malls in Kenya during the just-ended holidays to learn
a thing or two about dressing our spaces for special occasions.
This impressive multi-storied shopping mall was founded by two close friends and has been a little over 40 years in the making. It has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. Despite being around for
years, it is modern and able to compete with the many newer multibillion-shilling malls that have sprung up around the city. What lessons can we learn from a dressed-up Sarit Center?
A huge ornate Christmas Tree rose out of a ginormous box that dwarfed people walking beside it. The feeling of wonder intensified by the giant orbs floating along the Atrium. A fresh way to present and old concept.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
The Christmas Tree, is usually the ‘star’ of the show, but the giant, floating orbs that hung along the Atrium were the statement pieces at the Sarit Center during the Holiday festivities.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
1.
Dressing up your space can completely change the ‘atmosphere’ of a place. It affects how a place looks and feels. So if it is an important event go the extra mile to make it feel special.
Giant lanterns interspersed with coin shaped ornaments made for a spectacular display. Left: The lanterns could be seen from different levels of the mall.
Prepare 2.
Agreat-looking space is NEVER a coincidence, it requires preparation. There is no doubt that, Sarit Center put in a lot of planning and preparation to create a memorable holiday experience for visitors to the mall. That means being clear about what it is you want to achieve, how that translates to the space, and taking concrete steps to execute it early enough to avoid last-minute stress. However simple, or elaborate your design, your space will benefit greatly from preparation.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
String lights created quite the impact. They were installed on metal railing throughout the mall and walls which ordinarily lay bare. Inset: There were LED ‘Angel’ and ‘Bell’ motifs interspersed within the display, but did not obstruct from the beautiful detail on the ceiling or the natural stone on this wall.
Pay the ‘Price’ 3.
Walking around the dressed-up Sarit Center, it was clear that a lot of time, money and effort had been invested in getting the mall ready for the festivities. Our takeaway is to choose wisely which events are worth investing time, money and effort to, then pay the ‘price’ - not all events are equal.
Make a Statement 4.
The statement piece will be attractive, stand out, and be the ‘launchpad’ for the rest of the decor. For Sarit Center, these were installed in the Atriums – the large open spaces enclosed by the building, and spanning different levels. They are key architectural features of the mall, and perfect places to make a statement. Large, gold-coloured orbs and coin-like ornaments hung at different levels along one Atrium. While on another, huge oriental lantern-like ornaments were suspended in similar fashion.
When Sarit Dresses Up.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
Making your deco interactive is a great way to make your guests feel included. This ‘photo booth’ that mimicked the outline of a gift, provided a place for visitors to take selfies or group pictures, then share with friends and family at other locations.
5.
Get Creative
Keep it fresh, by being creative. This is another lesson we can glean. Finding new ways and perspectives for tackling tasks. Sarit chose to showcase their main Christmas Tree in an unusual way by having an ornate tree ‘rise’ out of a ginormous branded box, as if to show the unboxing of Christmas, or having giant orbs suspended from the Atrium skylight.
When Sarit Dresses Up.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
6.
Focus on any unused spaces such as walls or ceilings. Avoid anything that gets in the way of everyday activity especially if the decorations will remain in place for extended periods of time. At the Sarit Center, walls, Atrium, Metal railing which would ordinarily be bare, had decor installed.
7.
Use Vertical Space Lights Colour
There’s nothing like a light display to create the feeling of festivity. They are counted among the big-impact ornaments with a transformative effect.
9.
Interactive
8.
Use colour wisely. Gold was the dominant colour, while others were downplayed to create consistency throughout the mall, and not confusion.
10.
Complement
Making your deco interactive is a great way to allow guests to connect more with the celebrations e.g. creating a photo booth or providing giveaways.
Creating little ways for guests to be included…will make it fun for the guests and allow them to connect further with the celebrations. Such as creating a photo booth for ‘photo ops” or provide give aways etc.
Work with already existing ‘stars’ in your space and not against them.
E.g. at the mall, the atriums, ceiling details and natural stone, were the ‘stars’, the decorations did not draw away from their beauty but complemented them.
Transforming for celebrations isn’t new to the Sarit Center who have done it for years. It’s a skill that can be learned and perfected over time by anyone. We hope that these tips will help when you need to bring ‘pomp and color’ to your space.
Photography : Instagram @byheri
“23 Glass Studio!”
where caring for the environment looks like a glass bottle
Efforts to collect used bottles were so successful that soon there was a mountain of bottles. Glass will not decompose naturally and can remain in the environment for thousands of years!
“Treatthe earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, but loaned to you by your Children!” This Kenyan proverb reminds us that we are only stewards of an Earth that has been entrusted to us. Charging us to care for ‘her,’ for the sake of posterity!
Tucked away in the suburb of Zimmerman in Nairobi, is an outfit that takes these words of wisdom to heart. In this high-density neighborhood, on the North Eastern part of the city, among rows of other shops, in a single-story building sits a little workshop. “23 Glass Studio” does not have an imposing shop front, but it is run by big ideas!
“23 Glass Studio”
Their story starts in 2020, a period synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time uncertainty, fear, and lock downs resulted in many being laid off from work. This is the situation that many young men in Zimmerman found themselves. One of them was Charles, a former Art and Design student turned Marketer. He refused to sit idly by, waiting to be called back to work. An idea had been ‘brewing’ inside inspired by a trip in Art School, where he had seen the business potential of recycling glass and its impact on the environment. This would be the solution to his dilemma, a creative outlet and what would benefit his neighborhood.
Glass is not biodegradable and has a very slow rate of breaking down. It is estimated that it takes over 4,000
years for glass to decompose! This means that, while the global production volume of glass bottles and containers is in billions of units, not a single one has even gotten close to decomposing! Recycling is one way to reduce this environmental impact since glass can be recycled endlessly into different products.
Charles teamed up with two friends - Barthez and Brian - to start a glass recycling workshop. Thus ‘23
Glass Studio’ was born, named after the fact that they were all 23 year old.
Glass can be recycled endlessly into different products without loss in quality or purity.
They were comforted by the knowledge that Charles had some experience running a workshop and lunged in. Here were young men, with a great idea, little in the way of capital or experience, no machines for their work, but full of hope. As fate would have it, around that same time, one of their fathers was shutting down his garage and retiring after years as a self-taught Mechanical Engineer. They saw this as an opportunity to get the machines they needed. Barthez approached his father, who then let them have some of his equipment. They acquired additional machines, found premises and immediately mobilized more friends to collect bottles from bars and other places around Zimmerman.
Their work raised quite a bit of curiosity around the community.
Left: Charles finishing off a polishing job. Polishing glass involves cleaning and shining the surface to remove scratches, give it a finished look and make it safe to use.
Below: Finished glasses packed for delivery.
Who did not understand what the young men were up to but as soon as it became clear that they were recycling used bottles into drinking glasses, they were quick to support the initiative. They helped spread the word, dropped off empty bottles, and the proprietor of a local bar became their first customer. This became a major highlight and a huge morale booster for the young men and there was no turning back! Word spread and soon they were receiving glass in bulk, even getting 10 tonnes of used bottles at one time. Before long they were grappling with a new challenge - a growing mountain of bottles and off-cut. At this rate they would soon run out of space. They were also finding out that selling the waste glass to manufacturers, was not making business sense.
It was at this time that Barthez’s Father, Simon, paid a visit to the workshop. He wanted to see what his son and Co had done with the machines he’d donated.
Above: Cutting the glass bottles is a very delicate process. Here a jig is used to ensure the bottles are rotated evenly for an even score.
Above: Cullet - crushed grass takes up less volume.
Left: The Glass Crusher that Simon built. This enabled them to reduce the volume by 80% and that they could now recycle 100% of the bottle.
Below: Charles is able to exercise his creativity by taking on custom orders such as making lamps out of the recycled bottles.
Suffice it to say that he was quite impressed but could see that they had some bottlenecks. After some thought, Simon made up his mind to come out of retirement and help the young men pursue their vision. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as what they were experiencing became
one of the defining challenges of the business. Crushed glass reduces in volume by 80%this was the solution to their problem. However buying a ‘Glass Crusher’ was out of their reach. Simon used his skill and knowledge to build a Glass Crusher that enabled them to produce a new product, Cullet - waste glass that is crushed and used in recycling. Now they could recycle 100% of the bottle. He opened their eyes to other ways of sourcing for bottles and introduced useful contacts. He brought to “23 Glass Studio” a depth of wisdom, skill and experience that would have taken a long time to build.
Today Charles and Simon are the core team that runs “23 Glass Studio.” Barthez and Brian having moved on to other pursuits. They are an unlikely duo, brought together by serendipity. The difference in their ages is not a hindrance but an asset to their partnership. Charles has long learned to lean on the wisdom and counsel that Simon provides, while Simon on the other hand admires, and finds it hard not to be infected by the drive and vision in this young man. Their bottles are now sourced from restaurants and other establishments that are happy to dispose of bottles in an environment-friendly way. What
this means for them is that, they can produce consistently premium sets of drinking glasses. They make unique drinking glasses, stronger than the ordinary glasses used in most homes or establishments. They can also be made into candle jars, vases and other custom pieces. These make great gifts. The Cullet on the other hand is sold as building material and for other processes. Although not every one can do the ‘heavy lifting’ when it comes to a sustainable environment, supporting businesses such as “23 Glass Studio” and using other recycled items in our interiors can be our little way of contributing to a better, cleaner Earth.
Simon on the left and Charles, at the “23 Glass Studio” workshop.
“well-made” - Highlights
Clockwise: Crockery from Ceramica Africa; Tea-light holders from Undugu Fair Trade; Emroidered Napkins from Tosheka Textiles; Table linen from Kenya Kanga Collection; and Pillar Candle stands from Soapstone Interiors.
“Well-made!”
Webelieve
that there is a lot of skill and talent around us and are on a mission to uncover local and regional makers creating noteworthy products; and highlighting it in these pages. We were excited by the beautiful, custom tableware and accessories that we came across and really appreciated that they allow our identity to shine through. We recognize and celebrate these gifted creatives and skilled craftsmen.
Napkins and napkin rings celebrating creativity & good workmanship
If all you want are subtle hints of Africa on your table, a ‘safe’ way to start is with Napkins and Napking rings. AMANI AFRICA has beautiful 100% screen-printed Napkin sets in various prints and colours. They also have these wildlife-themed Napkin rings that are hand-carved out of wood by local Artisans and painted to mimic different animals. You can either mix the different ones or use the same type for your tablescape.
PLACEMATS and napkin rings
TOSHEKA
TEXTILES uses locally sourced materials and processes for its handwoven textiles that are adorned with pattern, prints. These matching Placemats and Napkins are sure to add much colour and texture without overpowering other elements. They blend tradition and sophistication bring elegance to your dining table.
All photos on this page, credit: Tosheka Textiles
Table Linen
Credit: kenyakangacollection.com
We like the bright cheery tablecloths from the KENYA KANGA COLLECTION, who use the Kanga cloth to bring African charm to the dining table. The Kanga is a deceptively simple-looking piece of cotton cloth embodying the colours and messages of Africa. It is one of the most practical and versatile items an East African woman can possess. It is used as a skirt, shawl, headdress, blanket, apron, baby carrier, and we can add tablecloth to that list. The tablecloths from the KENYA KANGA COLLECTION blend traditional design and elegance. They are as beautiful as they are vibrant.
Photo
Tableware
Wewere drawn in as soon as we came across tableware from CERAMICA AFRICA. Their product range, creativity and ability to customize pieces for clients had our attention. They are a Kenyan company that produces quality ceramic-ware that blends traditional African artistry and designs, with modern craftsmanship to create custom pieces.
Organic Homeware
These beautiful plates from DIADOTA are curved from premium wood. They are stylish, durable, unique and speak of quality craftsmanship. DIADOTA is a Kenyan Organic Homeware brand that re-imagines African design for contemporary living. Organic Homeware is free from synthetic material and harmful chemicals.
TheseKente cushion covers from SIAFU HOME are our choice for a sophisticated Afro-inspired space. They are made from interwoven panels of cotton fabric inspired by the Ghanaian weaving tradition. They bring a classy, yet tactile quality that is quite inviting. We love how calming and beautiful their colours are. You can use throw cushions to make your dining chairs more comfortable, on floors for low dining tables or on benches among other places. They are a great for adding colour and texture.
Decorators
love variety and options. Locally made Soapstone Candleholders offer plenty of that. Once upon a time, we seemed stuck producing the same old pieces, but the variety and creativity on display now is refreshing. Here are some pieces that we liked.
Left from top: Pillar candle holders and below that, Yin and Yan Tea light candles both from SOAPSTONE INTERIORS - neutral coloured with a very modern appeal.
Right from top: Tower Stripped Candle holders and Elephant Trunk-Up Tea-lite holders, both from UNDUGU FAIR TRADE LTD bring vibrant colour for your displays or tablescapes.
Photo Credit: Instagram @soapstone_interiors
Photo Credit: undugu.co.ke
Photo Credit: Instagram @soapstone_interiors
Photo Credit: undugu.co.ke
Published by Kiasili Interiors 0722 844128, 0788 765454, sebule@kiasili-interiors.com, www.kiasili-interiors.com
