African art at affordable prices.

I spent last weekend visiting some of my favorite stores for inspiration. I found lots of African inspired furniture, home decor and accessories. The prices were a bit overwhelming to say the least.  
Take a look at these fabulous pieces from Ethan Allen's (EA) cultural collection.

"African Basket" (EA) Original price $699.00

No argument that it's a beautiful piece. Now let's look at ways to get the same look at a much lower price.

Basket 12" (Available through Divine Interiors) $29.99

Shadow box lined with linen cloth $49.99 (Hobby Lobby) or other crafts stores.

Whew!! $79.98. Long way from $699.99.

Divine Interiors put this bedroom together for a client who had a passion for African art.  She had several baskets that she wanted to display but didn't know where, how or how many. This is what we ended up with. She was also free to rotate other patterns if she chose to. The uses of these baskets are numerous - but everything in moderation.

Now let's look at another example again from Ethan Allen.

"Aandaz" (EA) Original price $1,599.00

Again, it's a fabulous piece. Can we get the same or "like" look at a fraction?

Kuba fabric (Available at Divine Interiors) at $67.99.

Shadow Box (Michael's) at $14.99

Did we do it? I'd say so - $82.98.

Okay, last one.This was not at Ethan Allen but you can find a number of these in art museums, design houses etc.

http://www.africanart.com/framedkubacloth-kc21.aspx ($399.99)

Kuba squares 24"x 25"(Available at Divine Interiors $79.99)

30"x 40" from Michael's at $79.99

Again folks, we managed this at $159.98. Please understand that I am not against any store; I just know that I have clients who can afford the high prices and I also have some who can't. I encourage thinking outside the box; be inspired; create the look and still keep money in your pocket.