Up till now those looking to add a little ethnic spice to their decor headed to Pier 1, best known for Asian merchandise. Last spring Oche Diche (Nigerian for “furniture design”), opened in Dudley Square offering fabric, art and accessories from Africa, an untapped market according to owner and interior designer, Beth DuVal Deare.
Showroom windows display best selling items like African carved mahogany pieces dressed in mud cloth and batik fabric from Zimbabwe, Mali and Nigeria. Inside, there are tribal masks imported exclusively for the store from Cameroon and Burkina Faso, colorful beaded salt and pepper shakers made by Npebele craftspeople, and wall hangings made out of Ghana Kente cloth originally reserved for African royals in the 12th century.
The unique approach to décor is something Deare has wanted to do since she and her brother, John Aki DuVal opened Jad Upholstery at the same location. “When people think of African décor they think “animal print” and this store gives them a chance to see many other options. It’s a way to slip a little ethnic design into traditionally designed homes that tend to have their roots in European decor,” Deare said.
By: Teri Borseti 508 533 5758
Oche’ Diche’
195 Dudley Street
Roxbury, Mass. 02119
617 442 1111
www.ochediche.com