Editorial · Editorial

Interior design trend: Still lifes in the kitchen

By Daffa Konaté October 7, 2024

@Charles Goloba Why hang a piece of art in your kitchen? The kitchen is a vital part of the home, where we spend precious moments. Decorating this space, where we spend so much time, with one or more pieces of art is not only an original idea, but…

@Charles Goloba

Why hang a piece of art in your kitchen?

The kitchen is a vital space within the home, where we spend precious moments. Decorating this space, where we spend so much time, with one or more works of art is not only an original idea, but also a source of delight for several reasons:

  • Paintings allow you to inject a dose of personality into the kitchen, transforming a purely functional space into a place that reflects the tastes and passions of those who live there.
  • A work of art can radically change the atmosphere of a room. In the kitchen, a painting can make the space more welcoming and cosy, which is essential in a room where we spend so much time.
  • In modern kitchens, especially those with a minimalist design, a painting can serve as a focal point, drawing the eye and adding visual interest to the space.
  • Hanging paintings in the kitchen is also a way of celebrating art and culture in everyday life, by incorporating works that have a story, a message or a significant cultural origin.

Trend: Modern still lifes

Still life is an artistic style that is perfectly suited to kitchen décor. Historically celebrated, still life—with iconic works such as Eugène Delacroix’s “Bouquet” or Frida Kahlo’s “Viva la Frida”—is experiencing a revival in contemporary art. Having left its mark on the 20th century, visible in the work of the Surrealists and in Pop Art as a reflection of consumer society, contemporary art is once again embracing this genre.

Traditional still-life subjects, such as utensils, fruit, flowers, and even food, remain at the heart of this practice. Thus, the current craze for still-life paintings in kitchen décor fits perfectly with this trend. Much more than a mere decorative element, a still-life brings soul to this essential room in your home.

A work of art depicting a bouquet of flowers can radically transform the atmosphere of a room, lending it a genuine elegance. Imagine vibrant poppies, pure white peonies or deep red roses, resting in a burgundy vase. Tulips or sunflowers complete this palette, adding a touch of modernity to your space. Here is a chic and timeless way to keep your kitchen in bloom all year round.  

Viva la Vida by Frida Kahlo

Contemporary African Art & Still Lifes

I highly recommend the works of Charles Goloba, which are ideal for complementing your kitchen décor. Charles Goloba began his education in Uganda, starting at Baptist High School before going on to Kyambogo University. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete his studies, as the tuition fees were beyond his financial means. Charles’ inspiration is rooted in his childhood, spent in a family setting surrounded by a variety of plants and animals, including those they had planted themselves and others that grew wild.

This early immersion in nature has left an indelible mark on his artistic work, having been raised amidst these elements. Living in Dubai since 2018, he initially worked as a cleaner before joining the Tresind studio as a resident painter, a role he has proudly held for the past two years.  

Selected works

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