African Mud Cloth

LA: Known in Malian culture as Bògòlanfini, or Bogolan, West African Mud Cloth is an ancient practice that dates back hundreds of years.  Traditionally, men weave the handmade cotton fabric and women dye it with fermented mud. Because every piece is handmade, each textile is one of a kind.  The painted symbols tell different stories with their arrangement, color and shape, not unlike ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.  

As makers that believe in handcrafted, one of a kind pieces, here at Mignonne we love the aesthetic that African Mud Cloth brings to our furniture!  Displayed in Picture One is our 'MUD CLOTH' Chair, a 1920's antique slipper chair reupholstered with original African mud cloth, available now in our West Berkeley shop, Mignonne Decor. 

In Picture Two, a reupholstered mud cloth chair spotted in the studio of woodworker (and maker of many things) Ariele Alasko, whom we adore!  This is a stunning example of integrating traditional West African patterns with a simplistic, modern interior.  Here, the mud cloth provides an earthy, natural look that is eye catching and unique.  

Interested in having an African Mud Cloth of your own?  We can reupholster a piece you may already have, or check out our site for more transformation ideas.  And email us at quotes@mignonnedecor.com to start a conversation about a project of your own.  

xoxo mignonne

THE CHESTERFIELD

IR: A recent arrival here at Mignonne is our lovely and comfortable, Chesterfield couch, and we'd love to see something great happen with it. A classic piece, complete with all-over tufts, this puppy is a star in the making, but don't take my word for it, just take a look at what can be done!

Shown here in four different upholstery ways, the Chesterfield couch is a classic that may be styled, and even upholstered with your own unique flare.

Picture One, a fabulous example of custom upholstery in a Union Jack pattern. Perfect for the Vivian Westwood types. This shining example was found on Flickr.

Classic in rustic leather, the Chesterfield couch, as you can see, can be just as at home in a mid century room like in Picture Two (found on No. 19 blog), as it is amongst the bohemian gothic decor of Picture Four (found on La Decorista blog).

And lastly, I'd like to talk about the shock wave of a couch in Picture Three, custom upholstered in a silver vinyl to awe and inspire. Not for the faint of heart, but certainly for the love of design, this couch turns a classic into a mid-century style futuristic (found on Svpply to accent their equally funky white bookshelf wall paper)

Don't have a Chesterfield to have reupholstered? Don't worry! We have one in stock for you here under available couches/settees to transform, these are just a few ideas, but with a versatile and functional piece like this one, the options are vast. Email us at quotes@mignonnedecor.com to start a conversation about our Chesterfield or other upholstery projects you have in mind. 

xoxo mignonne