Africans at the cutting edge of interior design: Amechi Mandi and Kelechi Ejikeme

He began incorporating traditional techniques and patterns into his designs, and his work now includes a popular collection of cushions and throws, as well as a successful wallpaper collaboration.

“People have said to me, ‘Oh, your work isn’t African,’ because they want to see prints of Ankara. I’ve been so impressed,” Mandi told me.

“I draw inspiration from indigenous traditions and cultures, and then give it a more contemporary twist,” he added.

Listening to Mandi made me realize how much I had also come to associate modern African design with ankara fabrics.

These textiles have dominated African fashion and design and have made their mark on the global stages in recent decades.

And so, as I wandered through the exhibition, I could easily assume that African designs were absent from this remarkable gathering.

When she first started, Ejikeme juggled both law and interior design, working in one during the week and the other on weekends. It didn’t take long for her to realize where her true passion lay.

“In one world you try to control your energy, yourself or your expression so you don’t ruffle feathers, while in another world you can’t even extinguish your energy,” she said.

Since making the leap to full-time design six years ago, she has tackled a variety of projects, from homes and workplaces to film sets.

Last year she launched her own carpet collection, adding a new dimension to her work from her Swallow and Tea studio.

“It’s really something new and I’ve only had two shows but so far I’ve had mainly residential and retail buyers, mainly from Europe, probably because my first show was in Belgium. Decorex was my first UK show,” said Ejikeme.