This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
As I gaze at my collection of maxi Ankara dresses, I'm reminded of the rich cultural heritage and personal style that comes with embracing African roots. But what about taking it a step further and incorporating Ankara into my home decor?
While I don't own any Ankara-clad furniture, I secretly envy those who do. A modern bench here, a cocktail chair there, throw cushions on the floor, lampshades, and pots of houseplants draped in Ankara – it's a bold statement that says, 'I'm adventurous and proudly Pan-African.'
However, I'm not convinced I have the palate to style my space in Ankara. At least, not yet. I'm open to the idea, though, as you never know where your style voice will take you. And let's be honest, Ankara is gorgeous fabric – even if you don't fancy it for your closet or your space, you must admit it's stunning.
But what about the practicality of Ankara for daily use? Will it inhale and exhale with strong breaths as the family slumps down on the couch to watch TV or rise up to get plates of food from the kitchen? Will the stitching hold its own? Does the fabric wear and tear with grace, or does it fade with an African accent?
These are the questions that keep me up at night. Questions like, should I style around the Ankara furniture and accessories, or should I ask them to fit wherever they so desire? Will the pieces upset the style cohesion I've been conscious to create and maintain? These pieces will steal all the personality in a room, won't they?
Fortunately, I spoke to Juliana, a fabric purveyor who supplies local artisans with Ankara fabric. She reassured me that the same fabric used for clothes is the same one used for upholstery and interior decor. 'The same way you care for your Ankara clothes is the same way to care for Ankara furniture – clean it with cold water and a gentle bar soap, don't scrub it with harsh detergents.'
With Juliana's advice in mind, I've decided to take the plunge and reupholster an old round ottoman from my husband's bachelor pad in Ankara. Maybe one day I'll surprise everyone and reupholster our entire dining room out of the fabric of my Ankara dresses.
