A friend of my family used to say that you can take the African out of Africa, but you cant take Africa out of the African. I believe it because I love African art. Even though I have not set foot in Africa as yet, I love African art. I have a deep connection with it. (By African, I also include items from the Caribbean, the Americas and from Aboriginal peoples.)

In pursuit of my love of African art I have travelled abroad, sourced books, subscribed to magazines, searched for hours (days?) on the internet and also visited many, many shops, exhibitions and fairs.

As African people we need to take African design out of the museums and take it into our homes just like many African Americans have. My love has influenced the decor of my home. Our homes are the one place we can be free to express who we are, at least do it in style, African style. I have spent years transforming my home into a peaceful retreat, which features a mixture of both traditional and contemporary African art and furnishings. You can do it too. It doesnt matter if your home is big or small. It doesnt matter if your style is contemporary, traditional, modern, minimal or eclectic youll be able to find a piece of African art to enhance your home dcor.

There is no complicated formula to achieving African style. You dont have to be an expert on the subject, but it helps to understand the cultural significance of the pieces that you like.

African design has been highly influential on the development of modern European art. For instance, celebrated European artists including Picasso, Matisse and Klee were fascinated by Kuba cloth. Matisse was so captivated by it that he had a large collection, displayed in his studio and bedroom. Major retailers are carrying imitation African items in their stores, giving it a worldwide platform.

African art has functional, cultural and aesthetic value and is often a very good investment. African art uses design and decoration as a form of communication generally only understood by the initiated. For instance, designs can express group identity, marital status or religious affiliation.

Here are some ideas:

Make a nice piece a focal point - A well carved large piece can be particularly stunning. We have a large Tji Wara (an intricately carved antelope from Mali) In the bay window of our living room for all to see. We also have a range of masks adorning our walls - with particular favourites being Bwa plank and Bwa butterfly masks.

Use cloth as an accent - You can use cloth on furniture, for cushions, for throws, for wall hangings or for re-upholstery. For instance, you could use a piece of Kuba, Mudcloth (Bogolanfini) or kente draped over one corner of the sofa. Kuba cloth is my favourite fabric. I love it. I find it luxurious and regal. It can be used as a throw lined with luxury silk or contrasting fabric, such as linen. We have used a piece as a throw on our bed with cushions to match. Kuba cloth can be found in museums and the very old, used cloth can be worth thousands of pounds. Kuba cloth is in nearly every room in our house and it really feels as if we have the wealth of Africa right here in our home.

Be innovative Try to do something creative. When you enter the hallway of our home. If you look carefully you will see that the spindles of our staircase have been made out of walking sticks from the Gambia. The finials on our bay window curtain rail have been made in the shape of the Sankofa sign.

Link in with contemporary items - Bringing African style into your home does not mean you have to sacrifice the things you love. I love contemporary style and I have incorporated the furnishings that we own and the objects we like into our African retreat. You will need to discover your own unique style. Translating the knowledge and the vision you have of Africa is what will turn your house into a home that expresses your unique reflection of African style.

Dont forget the children We need to introduce our children to African design so that they grow up with it and see it as the norm. Introduce them to masks, dolls, fabrics and small furnishing items such as footstools. Our daughters bedroom reflects all of the above she chose her own pieces and she loves it (but doesnt sleep there often!).

The more Ive learnt about African art the more fascinated I become. African style is to die for.