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As much as we love it, color can be intimidating. It’s not always easy choosing what to paint your walls or deciding between different shades of glassware. But when you sit back, relax, and not overthink…this is when your true creativity shines. Follow Ethiopian-born designer Hana Getachew‘s lead as she reaps the rewards of playing by her own design rules via her latest Bolé Road Textiles collection for West Elm.
For the patterns she created, Getachew was inspired by the vibrancy of the African coast—which she translated into her contemporary creations that paid tribute to her upbringing. “This collaboration means that homes around the country will have Ethiopian-made pieces in them,” she says in a statement. “It’s why I do what I do: to share Ethiopian artistry and craft with the world.”
In fact, she did a deep dive into the region in order to give customers authentically unique items. “I wanted to capture a feeling in this collection that was bold and dynamic,” she shares with House Beautiful. “I pulled imagery from coastal cities like Dakar and Accra—their markets, towns, and architecture. I pulled from the styling work of Mobolaji Dawodu and the designs of Akosua Afriyie-Kumi (of AAKS). I also looked at weaving traditions from these places, as well as Ethiopia.”
As a result, all the pieces are spot on, and bringing in a combination of things is sure to elevate your space in every way. There are pillows, rugs, and even shower curtains available all starting at just around $45. Plus, it’s clear that there’s no wrong way to incorporate these picks into your place. “The lumbars are great stand-alone accent pieces for your bed, she explains. “The long multicolored lumbar also has a coordinating bed runner, making an instant finished look.”
And as far as Getachew sees it, you can never have too many pillows. “The three square pillows from the collection were designed to be styled together, so they look great on dark or light-colored sofas,” she reveals. “If you have an oversized sectional like I do, just add two more of your favorite patterns to complete the look.”
And if you’re having trouble settling on the perfect combo, Getachew emphasizes the importance of going with your gut. “Start with a few in a colorway you really love,” she suggests. “You can then ease into other textiles like throws and table linens. When you gain more confidence, you can get into incorporating color into rugs, artwork, and walls.”
On top of that, consider the not-so-obvious spots that need brightening up. “I love placing pillows in nooks and spaces that aren’t used, like a chair that’s often empty or a corner in a room because it just makes the space more inviting,” she adds. Is your mind filled with the possibilities of how to style these buys? Shop some best-sellers below or check out the full collection here.
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