Interior design in Cameroon is undergoing a renaissance as homeowners, architects, and designers seek to merge contemporary comfort with traditional aesthetics. Inspired by cosmopolitan influences from Europe and Asia, yet deeply connected to local craftsmanship, today’s Cameroonian interiors reflect cultural pride and global sensibilities. From boutique hotels in Limbe to upscale residences in Yaoundé, unique design elements—handcrafted woodwork, vibrant textiles, and artisanal décor—have become hallmarks of modern Cameroonian style.
Artisans in regions such as Bafoussam, Bamenda, and Foumban specialize in woodworking: mahogany, iroko, and sapele timbers are carefully selected and kiln-dried to prevent warping. Traditional motifs—Ndop (Bamum) symbols, Bamileke geometric patterns, or Bafia wood carvings—adorn cabinet doors, bed headboards, and wall panels. In Douala’s Bonapriso district, workshops showcase live demonstrations of carving techniques: master carpenters use chisels and adzes to transform raw logs into elegant cabinets, coffee tables, and intricately detailed masks.
Textiles play an equally critical role. Wax prints—often misattributed globally to “African prints”—originate from Dutch production but have been embraced and reinterpreted by Cameroonian designers. In urban centers, upholsterers offer custom covers for sofas, armchairs, and throw pillows in Ankara fabrics bearing local proverbs or symbolic patterns. Local tailors tailor curtains, bed linens, and table runners to match clients’ tastes—be it subdued earth tones or vibrant reds and golds reflecting the palette of the Western Highlands.
Interior designers like Candace Kolly (based in Douala) champion “Afro-Scandi” aesthetics: minimalist furniture lines juxtaposed with colorful Cameroonian baskets (nautié) and woven Raffia rugs from the coastal Southwest. This blend emphasizes natural light, open floor plans, and functional décor. Homeowners invest in floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and lush indoor plants—banana palms, monstera deliciosa, and bird-of-paradise—bringing the tropical environment indoors.
Furniture boutiques in Douala’s Bali district curate collections of locally made and imported pieces. Clients browse mid-century modern-inspired chairs alongside carved wood coffee tables featuring brass inlays. For eco-conscious consumers, reclaimed wood furniture—crafted from decommissioned Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) buildings—is gaining traction. Artisans repurpose old wooden beams into rustic dining tables, each piece telling a story of Cameroon’s agricultural heritage.
Lamps and lighting fixtures hold special significance. Traditional “lombura” lamps—made from coconut shells or bamboo—cast dappled shadows on walls. Starburst chandeliers crafted from brass and cut glass crystals find homes in boutique hotels like La Falaise in Limbe. Modern LED installations, meanwhile, provide adjustable color temperatures, allowing residents to transition from bright daylight to warm evening ambiance.
Local potters produce ceramic vases, planters, and decorative bowls—often featuring embossed motifs of forest animals—sold at Yaoundé’s Mvog Betsi Art Gallery. These ceramics serve dual functions as plant holders or standalone sculptures. Glassblowers in Garoua craft ornamental bottles and colored glass window panels, adding luminosity to interior spaces.
Interior décor emphasizes multi-functionality. Open-concept living areas integrate lounges, dining spaces, and small office nooks. Homeowners install modular shelving systems—made of wood and metal—that can adapt to changing needs (from displaying family photographs to holding spices in kitchens). Kitchen cabinetry often features pull-out baskets woven from local palm fronds, facilitating ventilation and adding textural contrast.
For those seeking contemporary art, Cameroonian painters such as Barthélémy Toguo and Romuald Hazoumè have pieces exhibited in residential and commercial interiors. Large-scale canvases depicting stylized landscapes or abstract interpretations of Cameroonian village life serve as focal points in minimalist rooms. Gift shops adjacent to art galleries often stock small sculptures—bronze castings of forest elephants or Bakossi masks—ideal for accent pieces on console tables.
Urban developers incorporate Cameroonian design principles into commercial projects. The Yaoundé Grand Mall features common areas decorated with clay pots and woven baskets from Maroua, while Douala’s Limbe Botanic Gardens visitor center uses red clay bricks and traditional thatched roofing, inviting natural ventilation. Co-working spaces such as Impact Hub favor reclaimed wood furniture, potted rubber trees, and exposed rafters—blending industrial chic with local warmth.
Workshops and DIY classes are proliferating. In neighborhoods like Bonabéri, woodworking collectives offer weekend courses teaching basic carpentry, furniture restoration, and upholstery. Textile studios in Mvog-Betsi host sessions on dyeing techniques using indigo and mordants derived from local plants. These initiatives empower citizens to personalize living spaces and preserve traditional crafts for future generations.
Cameroon’s interior design scene is at a crossroads—honoring ancestral craftsmanship while embracing global trends. For homeowners and professionals alike, the challenge lies in balancing functional modernity with cultural authenticity. Whether it’s a sleek loft in Douala adorned with wooden Bamileke stools or a rural ecolodge furnished with Raffia-woven chairs, Cameroonian aesthetics celebrate creativity, resourcefulness, and pride in local heritage.
