BoConcept, a Scandinavian furniture house in Victoria Island, Lagos, has been at the forefront of integrating art into home design for over a decade. The company's Art Meets Design concept has revolutionized the way Nigerians live with art, shifting from mere decoration to a vital part of a space's character and identity. This approach has resonated with clients who now seek art that complements their spaces and reflects their personality.
According to Derrick Chidumebi, Head of Marketing at BoConcept and Nomadic Art Gallery, people are becoming more intentional about collecting art that fits seamlessly into their spaces. This trend is also evident in corporate settings, where art is now considered alongside office design and construction. The BoConcept showroom exemplifies this fusion, where clients can find furniture and artwork that harmonize with their unique style.
BoConcept's journey in Nigeria began in 2014 when Charlotte Obidairo launched the franchise. As a Danish woman married to a Nigerian, Obidairo recognized the potential for the Scandinavian brand in a market where homes often feature strong African influences. Initially, sales were slow, but Obidairo's keen ear for feedback helped her identify the missing link: a connection between the furniture and the African homes it would inhabit.
Obidairo's passion for art led her to innovate by incorporating African artworks into the BoConcept showroom. By showcasing the furniture alongside African art, she demonstrated how the two could coexist in perfect harmony. This approach has become a hallmark of the BoConcept showroom, where African art blends with high-end modern furniture and minimalist interior design for homes and offices.
Some furniture pieces at BoConcept boast artistic qualities, such as the Imola chair, with its curved design reminiscent of a tennis ball, and the Sweetart chair, featuring curves and neat lines that evoke an artist's strokes. These designs embody the brand's mission to merge art, architecture, and everyday living.
The collaboration between BoConcept and the Nomadic Art Gallery has been instrumental in promoting African art. By working with local artists, the company provides a platform for them to showcase their work, while also giving clients the opportunity to own unique pieces that reflect their African heritage.
As BoConcept continues to evolve, its commitment to integrating art into home design remains unwavering. With its latest Paraggi collection by Claudio Belli, the brand is poised to push the boundaries of art and design even further.
Key points
- BoConcept's Art Meets Design concept has changed the way Nigerians live with art.
- The company's collaboration with the Nomadic Art Gallery promotes African art.
- BoConcept's furniture designs often carry artistic qualities, blurring the line between art and furniture.
