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Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

Flame Studios Talk Carpet (4)
Homage to African Interior Design 

Flame Studios, a new recording studio that opened earlier this year, is located inside an old historical prison on Johannesburg’s infamous Constitution Hill. Tracy Lynch was the creative brains behind the studio’s African interior design and the help from the Nando’s design program. Lynch has transformed the space into more than just a studio. It is now a parade of vibrant South African art and architecture steeped in historical significance.

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

Clever Use of Color & Patterns

Tracy Lynch’s careful selection of bold colors is the first thing we notice when entering the studio. Splashes of blue, red, and green join with monochromatic elements to create a striking contrast. Lynch uses a different color in each room, which compartmentalizes the space into distinctive sections while still having cohesiveness. The modern take on the distinctively African tribal patterns flaunts the heritage of the country. Together, the geometric patterns complimented by the vibrant tones create a wonderful multi-layered aesthetic which makes the space feel alive and energetic.

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

One of the most striking patterns is by Renaissance Design and called The Frequency Pattern.” The design team has taken inspiration from conventional African prints and the soundwaves and vibrations of music. The result is a unique pattern of lines, circles, and geometric shapes. We love that the print reflects both the intended use of the space and the country’s heritage in which it lies. It is a beautiful playful, and modern twist on traditional African interior design.

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

Collaborative Effort from Local Designers

The furniture paired with the vibrant palette also showcases the best of South Africa’s creators and designers. Lynch works collaboratively with local designers for the project, and every piece within Flame Studios is made locally. Some of the well-established designers involved include TheUrbanative, Mash. T Design Studio, and Naturalis.

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

The intricacy of the pieces selected is arguably what gives the space an added edge. Casamento’s blue chair with contrasting yellow stitching adds a color pop to an otherwise monochromatic room. Naturalis has designed vintage-style chairs which take on the same geometric print and bold splashes of color found in the rest of the space. And one of our favorite pieces, a large circular orange rug by Mbele, is reminiscent of the hot African sun. The rounded shape adds softness to the angular edges and prints while complimenting the circular light fixtures hanging from above. These fixtures are also something to marvel at—up-and-coming designer Thabisa Mjo of Mash. T Design Studio has used intricate beading in vibrant colors to turn the pendants into a focal point. Together, the combination of pieces is a true celebration of African interior design and creative talent.

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

From Oppression to Liberation

The architecture of the building was also paramount in Lynch’s design process. Constitution Hill, where Flame Studios lies, has deep roots in the country’s turbulent past. Over the course of its 100-year history, thousands of South Africans were imprisoned at the site, including many world-renowned figures. Some of the most prominent names include Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Fatima Meer. Yet, South Africans from all walks of life were held captive within the walls, and the building has significance to all.

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

Lynch has genuinely honored the building’s past with her creative vision. Her work has not covered the venue’s history but highlighted its prominence in South Africa’s transition to democracy. It shows how far the country has come. Many of the old walls have patches that remain unaltered, with exposed brick and patina on show. The entryway into Flame Studios has also been left in its original state. These untouched areas within the architecture are a glaring contrast to the bold and contemporary African interior design.

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

Though previously a place of confinement and oppression, Flame Studios is now a self-expression, liberation, and creative place. The authentic South African aesthetic is a celebration of their culture and the artistic spirit of the people. Thanks to Lynch, Flame Studios is now a symbol for the transformative change and radical progress of South Africa.

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

african interior design, Flame Studios celebrates African interior design on Constitution Hill

It is no secret that Paris has been the capital of fashion since the seventeenth century. The city has been the playground for prestigious designers and couture brands like Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent. Today the Parisian style is not only an aesthetic choice but a philosophy. It embraces elegance, timelessness, and slow responsible fashion. The focus is on the cut and the quality of the materials. No fluff or excessiveness with a less is more approach. And what better way to understand Parisian fashion than to visit a museum dedicated to it.

For more than 70 years, the house has been crafting magical couture pieces in their atelier at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Christian Dior has made this location a legendary address since the first collection in 1947. Behind its new flagship, the House of Dior inaugurates a permanent exhibition in an extraordinary gallery, independently of its boutique. Mr. Dior wanted to be an architect; the building and the museum pay him a beautiful tribute today.

The staging is astonishing. A circular staircase at the entrance showcases 452 dresses and 1,422 accessories, all 3D printed. Bags, shoes, perfumes, and small objects: so many testimonies of the Dior style materialized to elaborate this Diorama.