Nestled in the heart of Accra, Ghana, DAAR Living stands as a beacon of African heritage, artfully weaving the threads of tradition and modernity into each of its unique design pieces.
This isn't just a brand; it's a storyteller, celebrating the rich tapestry of African craftsmanship through a lens that's both timeless and contemporary. At DAAR Living, every item tells its own story, one of cultural identity, sustainability, and a bold vision that's reshaping the narrative of African décor.
We had the honor of interviewing Senanu Arkutu, the dynamic founder and CEO, during Women's Month, a time when we celebrate the achievements of women around the world.
Glamour: What inspired the creation of DAAR Living and how has it evolved since inception?
Senanu Arkutu: The creation of DAAR Living was inspired by the desire to see more diversely African handmade pieces be recognized, valued, celebrated and used as decoration in homes and spaces in Africa and around the world.
The ethos and mission of a Pan-African home décor brand showcasing and promoting the Continents expert artisanal works and heritage has not changed but 10 years ago we began with just retail in mind – then focused on interior design and decorating and have come back full circle to focus again on retail. Perhaps we will end up with a mix of the two.
Glamour: Design philosophy that drives your brand?
Senanu Arkutu: Artisanal African quality crafts, traditional and contemporary, brought together in fun and eclectic interiors that shows them off and represents how diverse the Continent is and how we can all sit seamlessly and beautifully together.
Glamour: How do you balance modern and traditional African influences in your pieces?
Senanu Arkutu: That is what makes our interior style ‘eclectic’. Not sure how to explain. It’s in the blood/ who I am.
GQ: What role does home décor play in reflecting personal identity and culture?
Senanu Arkutu: A huge role, like anything in lifestyle. The pieces you are drawn to to decorate your space with, or that decorate a space you choose to spend much time in say something about who you are and what makes you feel ‘at home’.
In turn the way they are put together and an interior style is created, mirrors you and your state of mind. How many times have you noticed your energy change in different spaces, or felt a space is ‘you’ and you are home?
Glamour: How are your source materials for products sustainability ethical practices -ethos?
Senanu Arkutu: Sustainability and ethical practices in sourcing have to be considered. You can not, not think about it in business.
We tend to source new products directly from the designer and build a relationship with them and know how products are made. We also, as with much of this current collection, re-purpose already made, unique vintage fabrics which allow us to avoid using mass-made and machine-made textiles which we all know can cause havoc.
Glamour: What trends in home décor are you excited about for 2024?
Senanu Arkutu: Although of course we stay on top of trends to know what is going on, I would not say ‘eclectic’ style brands really follow trends.
However, I am excited to see that the 2024 home décor trends according to Forbes include i) curved furniture – which lends itself to my love for vintage pieces reflected in all our collections; ii) Bold color – which is DAAR Living, which is African.
Glamour: How do you see DAAR Living influencing or shaping the future of home décor in Africa and beyond?
Senanu Arkutu: We have been and continue to be here to ‘Africanise’ the home décor industry! By that I mean, mainstreaming quality African artisanal pieces and contemporary designs.
We influence how you see craft, use it in contemporary interiors and how you value it today. We contribute to increasing visibility and availability globally and contribute to Africa’s growing creative economy.
