safari inspired furniture

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• The Safari Campaign Collection
• The Victoria Falls Collection

The Safari Leather Collection

• The Safari Bedroom Collection
• The Classic Collection
• Chairs and Stools
• Tables and Dining
• Coffee Tables
• Leather Products
• How It’s Made
• Trade Partners

The African Touch

Handcrafted all-hardwood safari campaign furniture is a luxury few can afford. At The African Touch we design functional campaign style furniture as art. Our master-craftsmen hand build and finish these creations from the finest African hardwoods, natural leather and solid brass into affordable, beautiful pieces that will uplift your space and last for generations. Our designs draw inspiration from the traditional British Military Campaign furniture with our own special design elements. 

Safari campaign furniture is not only practical but also stylish. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space, whether it’s a luxury safari lodge or a home office. With its timeless design and versatility, hardwood furniture is a great investment for anyone who loves to travel or wants to add a touch of Africa to their home decor.

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Safari campaign collection.

Safari Campaign Furniture has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It was designed to meet the needs of the British Army officers who had to travel frequently on military campaigns.  

In recent years, modern-day safari campaign furniture has become increasingly popular in safari camps and lodges as well as in homes around the world. 

Early African Safaris were assessable to a privileged few. A caravan of porters carried the fine campaign furniture that was easily knock down to be assembled at each night’s luxury camp. This collection of unique designs are comfortable and functional for every-day use.

Safari leather accessories are an essential part of the safari industry. These leather drinks carriers are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities and are made from high-quality full-thickness veg-tanned leather – the best that there is. These safari leather accessories are not only functional but also add a touch of sophistication to any safari outfit.

Our Safari Leather Collection combines all these elements making them both durable and stylish.

Victoria Falls Collection

Our furniture studio lies within sight and sound of the mighty Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River – one of the great natural wonders of the world. The Victoria Falls Collection was inspired by this stupendously beautiful environment and the magnificent bridge built across the Zambezi Gorge in 1905.  Pieces include hardwood dining furniture, hardwood dining chairs and our famous Rhodesian teak Morris chairs.

Safari Bedroom Collection

African Safari Camps are renown for providing superb comfort to ensure a restful night’s sleep for guests. Storage is provided to pack clothes away and luggage racks for travelling bags.  Hardwood bedroom furniture is a popular choice for the safari industry due to its durability, natural beauty, and ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the African wilderness.

This collection of hardwood bedroom furniture is made from high-quality Rhodesian teak or mahogany, which are both known for their strength and resistance to wear and tear. Hardwood bedroom furniture is available in a variety of styles and designs, ranging from traditional to contemporary, and can be customized to suit your specific needs. Whether it’s a hardwood bed frame, a spacious camp wardrobe, or campaign bedside table, hardwood bedroom furniture is a timeless and practical choice for any home, safari camp or lodge.

African Touch Classic Collection

At The African Touch we love to design distinct, unique pieces that will set you apart from friends or competitors. This passion drives us to introduce new products on a regular basis. What’s more, you can leave to your African Touch furniture to your grandchildren!

The African Touch Classic Collection features a range of beautifully crafted hardwood furniture pieces that are perfect for safari lodges and camps. The collection includes a variety of hardwood tables which are all designed to add a touch of elegance to any room, whether it be a boardroom table, dining table or hardwood coffee table. We also offer a variety of hardwood desks, providing a sturdy and stylish workspace for your home or safari camp guests. For outdoor relaxation, the collection includes hardwood or wrought iron sun loungers which are perfect for soaking up the African sun. Overall, The African Touch Classic Collection is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality hardwood furniture that is both practical and beautiful.

Top Sellers

Safari Desk

Roorkhee Safari Chair

Safari Director’s Chair

Hemingway Field Bar

A desire to run his own business and a passion for woodwork led Richard Lowe to design and build furniture, which he has been doing out of the magnificent local timbers – Zambezi Teak and other African hardwoods – for the last 28 years.

How It's Made

Our craftsmen have been trained over the last quarter century in traditional woodworking skills, and are experts in producing very accurate and strong wood to wood joints such as mortice & tennon, dovetail & sliding dovetail, expanded tennon, half lap and so on. These joints, provided they are well constructed, form the strongest possible wood furniture joints.

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These African Interiors (and Exteriors) Show What ‘Safari Style’ Means Today

At lodges and camps across the continent, contemporary design, local crafts and sustainable materials mingle with traditional decor, making safari stays more authentic and enjoyable than ever.

by Melissa Biggs Bradley

January 9, 2022 While the term “safari style” once evoked classic canvas tents outfitted with Oriental carpets , brass lanterns and mahogany and brass campaign furniture , it is now just as likely to encompass grand homesteads filled with contemporary African art and dramatic feats of eco-architecture furnished with raffia carpets , log tables and local textiles.

For my book Safari Style: Exceptional African Camps and Lodges ( Vendome Press ), I selected 21 spectacular properties across seven countries — from Kenya to South Africa — that represent the breadth and depth of safari style today, places that provide unforgettable wildlife experiences while showcasing the unique and inspiring aesthetic of African interiors. 

As the founder of the luxury travel company Indagare and, before that, the longtime travel editor at Town & Country , I’ve spent months in Africa and stayed in dozens of extraordinary lodges, camps and private homes.

Some — like Singita Sasakwa, in Tanzania — pay homage to colonial influences with antique furniture, prints and rare books and maps. Others — like San Camp and Selinda Camp, in Botswana, and Mwiba Lodge, in Tanzania — draw on the continent’s tradition of trade by incorporating pillows and carpets from Morocco, tribal art from West Africa and lanterns, hammered trays and carved wooden doors from Zanzibar. (The word safari is Swahili and derived from the Arabic word for journey or expedition.)

A number of camps with a more modern perspective — like Bisate Lodge, in Rwanda, and Phinda and Singita Lebombo, both in South Africa — pair local textiles, weavings and crafts with contemporary furniture styles. The most extravagant lodges — like the Farmstead at Royal Malewane, in South Africa, and Kenya’s Segera Retreat, which is owned by Jochen Zeitz, the CEO of Harley-Davidson and founder of the Zeitz MOCAA museum in Cape Town — contain remarkable collections of contemporary African art. 

An indoor pond sits at the entrance of Phinda Homestead, inside the Phinda Private Game Reserve, in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region. The property showcases how architecture and design can be inspired by the bush. The area’s Zulu heritage is evident in the rooms’ traditional Nguni hides, intricate handwoven baskets and colorful crafts, all of which are sourced directly from local communities.

The villas at Bisate Lodge, in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, resemble giant weaverbird nests and combine amenities like soaking tubs and fireplaces with elements of Rwandan crafts, such as pillows made from traditional kitenge fabrics. 

Wildlife surrounds the Farmstead at Royal Malewane and sometimes even wanders in. 

San Camp’s tents are erected each year in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi salt pan at the start of the dry season in mid-April and collapsed before the annual rains in mid-October. Vertically striped fabrics line the interiors, where antique campaign-style furniture and raffia floor coverings topped by soft Berber rugs create a nostalgic aesthetic. 

What the properties share is a profound sense of place — which is probably common to all great design, regardless of the continent. Located in stunning landscapes, from the Serengeti Plain to the Namibian desert and Okavango Delta, the lodges emphasize their phenomenal views and offer ample outdoor areas for enjoying the wilderness and wildlife.

They are also, in many cases, designed to blend into the surrounding territory rather than to stand apart from it. At Faru Faru, in northern Tanzania, the Singita ethos of “touching the earth lightly” is infused into the suites through a neutral palette and sustainable materials — woven reed partitions, raffia mats, chunky knotted woolen rugs and rattan armchairs — that connect to the outdoors. Nature is brought indoors through palm leaf weavings, wenge wood tables and collections of seashells , botanical prints , animal horns , landscape photographs and sculptures of the Big Five, as lions , leopards , elephants , rhinos and buffalo are known to travelers to Africa. 

With Safari Style , I wanted to not only shine a light on the natural glories of Africa but also demonstrate how travel-industry visionaries can both connect us more deeply to the places we visit and have a positive impact on conservation and community empowerment — every lodge featured is deeply committed to local employment and wildlife preservation. The book spotlights many of my favorite places to stay while on safari, but it’s really a celebration of the profound and powerful beauty of the bush.  

Melissa Biggs Bradley’s Quick Picks

“The earliest safari furniture was made to be collapsed for easy packing. This chair from the 1960s adds a modern spin to that style.”

“Quite a few of my favorite lodges in Africa have photographs by Peter Beard, and I cannot imagine any safari lover who wouldn’t adore to have one of his works.”

“This is the kind of portable desk that writers like Ernest Hemingway or Karen Blixen, who wrote under the pen name Isak Dinesen, might have brought with them on safari.”

“Bush breakfasts and sundowners are two of the great rituals of time on safari, and this vintage wicker basket would work for both.”

“Halston would not have created this hat with safari in mind, but it would work perfectly in the bush for sun protection.”

“Another must-have on safari is a pair of great sunglasses.”

“Doors and chests from Zanzibar are commonly used in safari lodges and add an element of Indian Ocean exoticism to any aesthetic.”

“Yves Saint Laurent took a lot of inspiration from Africa to create timeless pieces for his jewelry and fashion collections.”

Other Stories You Might Like

Designer Boyd Ferguson Defines High-End Safari

Through his work for the luxury lodge company Singita, South African designer Boyd Ferguson of Cécile & Boyd has almost single-handedly determined what the 21st-century top-flight safari experience looks and feels like. His design vision goes well beyond the bush, however, to include residences in the UK and around his native country, where he also has two impeccably curated home and decor shops.

London’s Todhunter Earle Puts a Refreshing Twist on Traditional English Design

With an emphasis on eclecticism, British duo Emily Todhunter and Kate Earle effortlessly inject wit, comfort and joy into homes both historic and contemporary.

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• Fully Assembled
• Black & White

Frame Material

• Faux Leather
• Manufactured Wood
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• "african safari style furniture"
• Price (Low to High)
• Price (High to Low)

• Includes: One (1) Cabinet
• Material: Mango Wood
• Accent Material: Faux Wood
• Color: Natural

Hand-Crafted Details

• Assembly Required
• Dimensions: 15.00 inches deep x 28.00 inches wide x 30.50 inches high

• 14 adjustable shelves hold a variety of media sizes
• Capacity: 640 CDs, 270 DVDs, 480 Blu-Ray discs, 160 VHS cassettes or any combination thereof
• Enlarged base for extra stability
• Constructed from CARB-compliant, laminated composite woods with a sturdy MDF backer
• Ships Ready to Assemble, includes an instruction booklet for easy assembly and has a 5-year manufacturer's limited warranty on parts
• Assembled dimensions: 38.75"W x 51"H x 8.75"D
• Proudly manufactured in Canada
• Shelf dimensions: 16.75"w x 4.5"d

• Perfect for the end of your bed to sit on for dressing yet ample storage for bedding and off-season clothing. Use in front of your sofa or chair.
• Whether you use this ottoman in your living room, entryway, family room, bedroom or basement, it will allow you to hide away all that mess.
• Attractive ottoman is extra strong and durable and features a beautiful stitched leather exterior and large interior storage
• Perfect for additional sitting for those parties and family gatherings, this storage ottoman seats one comfortably
• It can be used as a footrest, bench or a storage unit
• The balanced tufting design on the top of the ottoman shows a subtle attention to detail that can be expected throughout the entire piece
• Use to store accessories like purses and scarves
• The lid will stay open when lifted
• Easy to assemble

Specifications:

• Color: Black
• Material: Faux Leather
• Type: Storage Ottoman
• Style: Contemporary
• Pattern: Solid
• Storage Type: Flip Top
• Interior Color: Black
• Number of Leg: 4
• Leg Color: Black
• Leg Height:4.13"
• Overall Dimension: W50.39"*D20.27"*H13.78"
• Assembly Required: Yes

Package Includes:

Included Items:

• Nightstand in White and Pink x 1
• Desk in White and Pink x 1
• Kids White Bookcase in Pink Doors x 1
• Desk in White and PinkGraduated pink ombre-styled drawer fronts give this classically-styled desk an updated look. Different sized drawers hold everything from pencils to craft supplies and fitted with metal slides and built-in stops designed for trouble-free use. We include two sets of drawer knobs so that you can customize the look of your dresser. Like all Home Square products, this purchase helps support a major environmental initiative. Discover how this can help you and your child involve your community in habitat rebuilding!
• Finish: White, Pink
• Materials: Paper, PB
• Customize this desk by choosing from two sets of drawer knobs included
• Non-toxic, easy-to-clean white exterior with ombre pink drawer fronts
• Stability tested to meet or exceed tip standards
• Coordinates with all Home Square and Home Square youth bedroom collections

Specifications :

• Product Dimensions : 29.81" H x 41.63" W x 19.69" D
• Product Weight : 85 lbs
• Kids White Bookcase in Pink DoorsIt’s what every little bookworm dreams of – a kids’ bookcase to house all their favorite picture books and bedtime stories easily within their short reach – the Home Square Poppy Kids’ White Bookcase! Made of laminated MDF and particleboard, this adorable kids’ bookcase features three open shelves for storing all their favorite books and toys, two of which are adjustable to your preferred height. The two pink sliding door fronts on the bookcase’s bottom cubby give your little one a bonus storage space for their secret treasures, and we’ve included two different sets of knobs so you can customize the kids’ bookcase to your personal style. The Home Square Poppy Kids’ White Bookcase will not only be a charming addition to your kids’ bedroom décor, it just might be the very thing to catalyze your little scholar’s lifelong love of reading. For added peace of mind, the kids’ bookcase meets or exceeds the CPSIA Juvenile testing requirements and comes with a wall anchor kit to ensure your child’s safety. Home Square not only creates this and many more on trend kids’ furniture pieces, we also partner with the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife program to help save the Monarch butterfly.
• Made of laminated MDF and particleboard
• Includes 2 knob choices to customize the cubby’s sliding doors to your personal style
• Each shelf and the lower concealed cubby can hold up to 35 lbs. each
• A wall anchor kit is included to ensure your child's safety
• Nightstand in White and PinkThis classically styled Nightstand is part of the Home Square Youth Collection. A white, non-toxic chassis with a pink drawer is accented by the lower bookshelf area. Two sets of decorative knobs are included so you can customize the look of your nightstand. Metal slides with built-in stops gives the drawer long-lasting use. Like all Home Square products, this purchase helps support a major environmental initiative. Discover how this can help you and your child get involved in habitat rebuilding!
• Finish: Pink, White
• Customize this nightstand by choosing from two sets of drawer knobs included with the nightstand
• Non-toxic, easy-to-clean white exterior with contrasting pink drawer front
• Coordinates with all Home Square youth collection pieces
• Mix and match for an eclectic look
• Product Dimensions : 26.81" H x 19.69" W x 15.06" D
• Product Weight : 33 lbs

• Ideal for casual indoor and outdoor use
• Includes one (1) Bean Bag Chair
• Bean bag chair cover can be opened for re-filling needs
• Made in North America
• The eco-friendly fill is 100% polystyrene beads
• Available in a variety of colors to ensure that you find the perfect match for your décor style
• 200 lb Weight Limit

• Showcasing a modern and traditional farmhouse style
• Functional barn door sliding cabinet fronts for added style
• Includes cord management features in back, adjustable shelves to fit your things, and open and closed storage
• Made of high-grade MDF and laminate in a wood grain texture
• Can be used as a TV stand in your living room, buffet in your kitchen, or storage console in your bedroom
• Ships ready-to-assemble with step-by-step instructions
• Design: Cabinet/Enclosed storage
• Color: Sargent Oak
• Material: Manufactured wood
• Number of Cabinets: 2
• Cable Management: Yes
• Shelf Size: 28.8"(L) x 10.6"(H) x 14"(D)
• Cabinet Interior: 15.3"(L) x 14"(D) X 10.6"(H)
• Overall Dimension: 16"(W) x 58"(L) x 28"(H)

Package Include:

• Installation Guide

• Includes: One (1) Club Chair
• Multiple Material Options
• Leg Material: Birch Wood
• Multiple Color Options
• Dimensions: 31.75 inches deep x 28.00 inches wide x 35.00 inches high
• Seat Dimensions: 20.75 inches deep x 21.00 inches wide x 18.00 inches high
• Arm Height: 25.00 inches
• Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

• Material: Fabric
• Fabric Composition: 100% Polyester
• Leg Material: Birch
• Light Assembly Required
• Dimensions: 34.75 inches deep x 27 inches wide x 36.25 inches high
• Seat Width: 20.08 inches
• Seat Depth: 22.44 inches
• Seat Height: 16.54 inches
• Arm Height: 23.62 inches

• Finish: Oak
• Classic sleigh bed design
• Requires use of Foundation or #G0001 Slat Kit
• Available in Many Colors
• Available in Twin, Full Queen and King Size
• Bed Type: Sleigh
• Frame Construction/Joinery: Glued,Screwed, Stapled
• Headboard Type: Sleigh
• Product Dimensions : 44.00" H x 63.00" W x 84.00" D
• Product Weight : 88 lbs
• Available in 6 finishes Cherry, Dark Chocolate, White, and Stonewash.
• The Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed comes with a limited 10 year warranty.
• Spencer Studio specializes in Cabinet Beds.
• ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Some assembly is required for this bench. All of the instructions and tools needed for assembly are included.
• Includes: One (1) Dining Bench
• Material: Acacia Wood
• Multiple Finish Options
• Dimensions: 15.00 inches deep x 63.00 inches wide x 18.00 inches high
• Curio cabinet with a single fixed shelf and two removable shelves
• Classic french door three-point locks. Cabinet locks securely the top and bottom of the door simultaneously.
• May be paired with coordinating ISF25084DS two door cabinet and ISF25136DS curio cabinet to complete the collection (sold separately)
• Includes anti-tip kit with instructions
• Style: Farmhouse, Country
• Finish: White, Natural, Clear, Black
• Material: Solid Mango, Tempered Glass, Metal
• Length: 18 inches
• Width: 42 inches
• Height: 80 inches
• Safety Rating: Dry Location - This item is rated for dry locations, meaning it can be used in an indoor area that is not normally subject to dampness. May include a location subject to temporary dampness provided ventilation is adequate to prevent any accumulation of moisture such as the bathroom
• 15" diameter small round ottoman perfect as a footstool or play seat
• Mushroom-inspired silhouette is fun and unique
• Faux sheepskin, sherpa-textured upholstery
• High-density foam with an inner wood frame provides ample support
• Weight capacity of 200 lbs
• Perfect as an ergonomic footrest or in a child's room as functional décor
• Modern and contemporary, Coastal Casual styles
• Overall Dimensions: 15"W X 15"D X 10"H
• Overall Weight: 7 LBS
• Weight Capacity: 200 LBS
• Number of Shipping Boxes: 1
• No assembly required
• Care Instructions: Cleaning Code S: Spot clean with a non-water-based solvent

• Overall Product Dimensions: 41.5" W x 29.5" D x 64" H
• Clear Acrylic Swing
• Gold Metal Base and Frame
• White Durable Fabric Seat
• Contemporary Design
• Weight Limit 300 Lbs
• White Fur Circular Rug Included
• Base Dia 26.5"
• Removable pillows included

Seat Dimensions:

• Seat Width: 41.3"
• Seat Height: 15.7"
• Seat Depth: 24.4"
• Can be placed anywhere in the room (without proximity to an outlet) with the addition of a FreeMotion cordless battery pack
• Features integrated USB charger and patent-pending Parker Switch technology to manage power draw
• Sumptously soft chenille fabric cover is effortlessly elegant
• A 240-degree swivel feature makes it easy to see and hear everything
• Glider function enables soothing rocking motion
• Chaise-style footrest provides continuous leg support
• Luxurious foam (1.8- to 2.2-density) provides plush cushioning
• Classic Designs Featuring Beadboard Panels
• Solid Hardwood & Wood Veneer Construction
• Lower Storage Compartment
• Two Upper Storage Cabinets
• Genuine Metal Hardware
• Easy to Assemble
• ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Some assembly is required for this loveseat. All of the instructions and tools needed for assembly are included.
• Includes: One (1) Loveseat
• Leg Material: Rubber Wood
• Fabric Color: Beige
• Leg Finish: Brown
• Dimensions: 25.50 inches deep x 55.00 inches wide x 30.00 inches high
• Seat Dimensions: 17.00 inches deep x 46.50 inches wide x 18.00 inches high
• 3-drawer bedside table
• Nickel hardware
• Fully assembled
• Finish: White
• Material: Wood veneers
• Dimensions: W 24" x D 18" x H 26"
• Drawer 1: 3.78"Hx14.96"Wx13.35"D

• Available Color: Steel Gray and Light Gray
• Plump Stitching Design
• Tufted Seat and Back Cushion
• Reversible Storage Chaise
• Pull-out Sleeper
• 18" Seat Height
• 18" Seat Depth
• Foam filled seat cushions
• Finish: White & Pink
• Material: Engineered Wood
• Five drawer dresser provide ample storage. Each drawer supports up to 40 lbs.
• Lock and key available on top drawer (only), keeps your business private.
• Contemporary style - fits any d�cor providing a modern and cohesive ambience.
• Each drawer has euro-glide metal tracks with safety stop and support for a sturdy long lasting chest.
• Elegant silver finish plastic bar handles.
• Dimension: 16� D x 29� W x 44� H.
• Color: Pink
• Style: Modern
• Collection: Cindy
• Product Weight: 60
• Product Height: 44
• Product Width: 29
• Product Depth: 16
• [Complete Smart Bed Frame] - For this bed frame, includes a headboard and footboard, with remote-controlled RGB LED lights featuring 22 dynamic modes, 20 static colors, 5 levels of brightness, and 6 lighting modes. The built-in charging station includes a power strip with 2-outlets(AC)+1 Type-c(Fast Charger) &1 USB +1USB (Fast Charger) ports, and a 6.5-foot length power cord with a UL plug. This platform bed frame provides support for all mattress types with no box spring needed.
• [Bed Frame with Organized Storage] - This bed frame included 4 large pull-out drawers fit underneath the storage bed frame perfectly and they easily slide in and out for continuous use. The headboard of the bed frame also has 2-tier storage shelves for additional items to help make sure everything you need is always within reach.
• [Highest Quality Bed Frame] - Powder-coated industrial metal frame with P2 grade MDF board, aluminum grooves for the LED lights, and PVC lampshade. All legs of the bed frame solidly and firmly rest on the ground with a strong and stable foundation and 700lb max load. The metal mute bar is reinforced with EVA foam making for a completely noise-free experience.
• [Fast & Easy Assembly] - Minimal parts and detailed instruction manual with easy-to-follow pictures and directions for this bed frame. Assembly time for two person is only 50 minutes and requires a Phillips screwdriver.
• [Measurements for Bed Frame] - Overall dimensions of the bed frame: 86.25"(L) x 61.63"(W) x 36.63"(H), drawer dimensions: 29.63"(L) x 19.81"(W) x 6.43"(H), headboard height: 36.63". This storage bed frame is the perfect size for your mattress and room and will help save space in your room. Enjoy comfort and technological integration for your pleasure and benefit with this bed frame.
• Material: P2 grade MDF Board
• Frame: Metal with powder coating
• LED Light: Aluminum groove + lamp strip + PVC lampshade
• Charging Station: Plastic
• Overall Dimensions: 86.25"(L) x 61.63"(W) x 36.63"(H)
• Drawer Dimensions: 29.62"(L) x 19.81"(W) x 6.43"(H)
• Headboard Height: 36.63"
• Maximum Load: 700 lbs for bed, 30 lbs for headboard shelf, 30 lbs for each drawer
• 1 x Bed Frame
• 1 x Remote Control
• 1 x Power Cord
• 1 x User Manual

Product Details:

• Please refer to second image for color
• Add a splash of color and style to your home furnishings with this futon cover. This futon cover features a classic double-corded design and is available in eighteen striking color options.
• Includes: One (1) Futon Cover
• Dimensions: Futon Cover: 75 inches wide x 54 inches deep x 9 inches high
• Browse Color Name: Blue
• Fabric Type: 100% Polyester
• LA Baby's 32" Contour Style Changing Pad with Organic Cotton Layer.
• Changing pad has two 4" high sides to keep baby safe and has an overall size of 32" x 16" x 4".
• Features a USDA Certified 100% organic cotton layer inside and a non-skid bottom that prevents pad from sliding while changing baby.
• The deluxe Jacquard fabric cover is waterproof, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, stain resistant and easy to keep clean with mild soap and water.
• Safety harness for baby with a quick release buckle.
• Includes security strap for holding changing pad to changing table or dresser top.
• Proudly made in the U.S.A from domestic and imported sources. 1 year warranty.
• Flexible functionality for any type of room
• Faux leather and subtle stitching gives this ottoman a rich, luxurious look to any room in the house
• Serve as inspiration when redecorating your room
• Number of Legs: 4
• Leg Height: 2.36"
• Interior Dimension: 44.49"(W) x 14.37"(L) x 9.06"(H)
• Overall Dimension: W46.85"*D16.54"*H16.34"

• Includes: One (1) Table and Four (4) Chairs
• Table Material: Medium Density Fibreboard with an Oak Veneer
• Table and Chair Leg Material: Rubberwood
• Chair Material: Fabric
• Table Finish: Natural Walnut
• Chair color available in: Mint, Dark Gray, Light Beige
• Chair Leg Finish: Natural Walnut
• Table Dimensions: 29.53" D x 47.24" W x 29.53" H
• Chair Dimensions: 23.03" D x 17.52" W x 32.09" H
• 17.00" D x 17.50" W x 19.25" H
• Includes: One (1) Recliner
• Leg Finish: Dark Brown
• Dimensions: 34.50 inches deep x 28.50 inches wide x 41.00 inches high
• Reclined Dimensions: 62.00 inches deep x 28.50 inches wide x 29.00 inches high
• Seat Dimensions: 21.00 inches deep x 20.00 inches wide x 19.25 inches high
• Arm Height: 24.75 Inches

Product Details

• Includes: One (1) Bar Cart
• Finish: Rich Mahogany
• Industrial Dining Counter Stool for Indoor or Outdoor Use
• 500 lb. Weight Capacity
• Stack Quantity: 10
• 12" Seat Width with Drain Hole to assist with drying
• Plastic Caps on cross brace protect finish when stacked
• Distressed Black Powder Coated Frame Finish
• Footrest promotes better sitting experience
• Rubber Floor Glides to protect floors when used indoors
• Quality constructed metal stool, lightweight for ease of movement
• Metal Stack Stool for kitchen, dining room, bar, patio, pool, restaurant or game room
• Assembly Required : No
• Color : Black
• Finish : Black Powder Coat
• Material : Iron, Plastic
• Seat-Size : 12"W x 12"D
• Back Size : 0
• Seat Height : 24"H
• Overall Dimension : 16"W x 16"D x 24"H
• Product Weight : 12 Lbs
• Fabric and Microfiber Composition: 100% Polyester
• Leg Finish: Dark Espresso
• Dimensions: 34.25 inches deep x 27.00 inches wide x 38.00 inches high
• Extended Dimensions: 59.50 inches deep x 27.00 inches wide x 28.00 inches high
• Seat Dimensions: 21.50 inches deep x 20.00 inches wide x 18.50 inches high
• Color: Ink Black
• Type: Office Computer Desk Chair
• Material: Bonded leather, metal, wood
• Overall Dimensions: 23.6" W x 22.4"D x 30.1"-34.1"H
• HardwareManual
• Wooden Pulls: Each drawer features a chic and easy-to-pull wood handle, ensuring smooth opening and closing without any hassle;
• 8 Fabric Drawers: With eight drawers, our double dresser makes a statement while keeping your space tidy and your style on point;
• Solid Steel Frame: Ensure our double dresser stands up to frequent use and the demands of a busy household;
• MDF Top: Ideal for displaying a bouquet of flowers, a stylish lamp, or even a mirror for your daily makeup routine.
• Includes: One (1) Double Dresser
• Overall Dimensions: 32"w x 13"d x 32"h (4 SHELVES)
• Drawers: 8 Drawers
• Not Included: Dresser Mirror
• Top Weight Capacity: 30 lbs

• This hardwired fixture is compatible with existing dimmable wall switches
• Paired with a dome-shaped shade.
• The shade is metal and finished in blackened bronze.
• Rated for one 60W incandescent bulb; 9W LED bulb, 13W fluorescent (CFL) bulb, or 9W self-ballasted LED bulb. E26-base bulb.
• Includes four 12-inch rods and one 6-inch rod for height adjustability up to 4.5 feet. Full uncovered cord length is 8 feet.
• Color: Blackened Bronze
• Material: Metal
• Size: 10.75W x 10.75D x 6.87H
• Depth (inches): 10.75
• Height (inches): 6.87
• Width (inches): 10.75
• Dimensions: 15.00 inches deep x 48.00 inches wide x 18.00 inches high

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23 Best Safari Chair Picks for Your Inner Adventurer

By Elissa Suh

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Born from both adventure and practicality, the safari chair has transcended its 18th-century origins being lugged around the great outdoors to become a beloved icon of design. From luxurious leather to sleek modern lines, we’ve curated a collection of the best safari chairs and hunting-inspired chairs available today. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or a comfortable spot to unwind, high-quality leather or canvas options, these chairs will bring a dash of exotic allure to any space.

Historically safari chairs were thought of as portable, collapsible chairs designed for the outdoors . They were meant to provide comfortable seating in rugged environments while being easy to tote around, with lightweight frames you could take apart. Kaare Klint is usually cited as the creator of the modern safari chair, based off British military designs (like the  Roorkee chair), and played an instrumental role in refining and popularizing its design. Eventually the look of the safari chair—along with its brethren, the hunting chair—evolved over time with various designers adding their own creative twists to the original.

Classic safari and hunting chairs

Modern safari and hunting-influenced chairs, vegan safari chairs, safari-inspired sling chairs.

Kaare Klint KK47000 Safari Chair

Danish Design Store

Kaare Klint, the father of Danish modern design, originated this chair and a matching ottoman in 1933, adding buckled belts for extra support. Made of oiled white ash, this classic piece of furniture embodies a sense of adventure and sophistication.

BM 1106 Huntsman Chair for Carl Hansen & Son

Design Within Reach

Børge Mogensen was mentored by Kaare Klint, and his influence can be seen here in another version of a safari chair with a solid frame, made nearly two decades after the initial design. This chair has a slightly higher seat height so it would also make a compelling dining chair.

Arne Norell Sirocco Safari Chair

Norell Furniture

While Swedish designer Arne Norell ’s originals are readily available on vintage furniture retailers like Chairish and 1stDibs, you can also buy them new in a variety of leather colors (including midcentury avocado green) and an ash, wood, or teak frame.

OGK Safari Chair

Finnish Design Shop

Pack up this easy-to-assemble beechwood chair in a linen bag for your next picnic. The sisal ropes twisted across the legs add a touch of both functionality and beauty to the timeless. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a matching portable daybed.

Borge Mogensen Hunting Chair

Sink into this hunting chair and its sharply sloped seat and you’ll never want to leave. It’s a knockout piece of decor that’ll get better with age.

Klassik Studio Hunting Chair

Designed by Kurt Østervig in 1960, this sturdy, functional chair has a slight recline and would look perfect in your den. The thick, blocky arms are wide enough to comfortably rest your mug or teacup.  

Anthropologie Stanton Chair

Anthropologie

In this updated safari chair, the leather arm slings are decorated with brass studs. The feather-blend cushions add an extra level of comfort—and they’re removable, so you get two looks for the price of one. 

Anthropologie Sherpa Stanton Chair

Anthro Home also makes another version of the Stanton chair with sherpa upholstery for an extra dose of cozy.

Jenni Kaye Leather Safari Chair

Jenni Kayne

A flawless example of modern vintage, this safari chair from Jenni Kayne boasts a neatly streamlined design that will help keep your space airy and serene.

CB2 Anacapa Saddle Leather Lounge Chair

Created in an exclusive collaboration with California design firm Lawson-Fennig , this lounge chair looks good from any angle. With wiry metal arms, wooden blocks, and a woven back crafted from Danish paper, it’s a successful mishmash of contrasting styles. 

Joss & Main Tesso Leather Armchair

Joss & Main

The white leather on this chair provides a stylish pop of color and would fit right at home in a Nancy Meyers’ film, Gwyneth Paltrow’s summer home, and your apartment.

Room & Board Lars Leather Lounge Chair

Room & Board

The majority of reviewers highlight how comfy this chair is—but one thing they can’t agree on is whether it’s a display piece or an informal one, which only proves its versatility. Available in cherry, white oak, and walnut wood.

Safavieh Dilan Leather Safari Chair

This spacious chair has a woven leather seat  and back, which you can accentuate with a checkerboard rug or complement with a more subdued, abstract one.

Sun at Six Plume Chair

This minimalist chair comes in two different seat heights (12 and 16 inches) so you can choose between lounge-y and extra lounge-y. The vegetable-tanned leather comes from Italy, and the oil-finished wood resists stains and spills, so this chair remains neat and clean even when you’re at your clumsiest.

We Do Wood Nomad Chair

Afternoon Light

For those who actually want to go on safari—or, maybe just the park—check out this appropriately named portable chair that can be disassembled at your leisure. 

Lue Bona Folding Accent Chair

This vegan leather chair can fold in half and comes with a handlebar, making it easy to store or carry outside. There’s also a matching ottoman that curves downward and complements the chair’s upward slope. 

Pottery Barn Abbot Acacia Woven Outdoor Lounge Chair

Pottery Barn

Looking to furnish your outdoor space? Check out this hunting chair in weather-resistant weave, which comes in three different colorways so you can be sure to match the rest of your patio setup. The wood is FSC-certified, ensuring that the forests are sustainably harvested.

Maiden Home Hayes Chair

Maiden Home

Suede ties connect the leather seat (your choice of marine blue, classic black, or white hide) to the frame (beechwood or walnut), and lend a graceful touch to the already elegant design.

The Citizenry San Rafael Safari Chair

The Citizenry

This simple and versatile chair, handcrafted in Mexico, can hold its own unadorned or dressed up with some nubby, textured throws.

Sundays Sweet Life Sling Lounge Chair With Headrest

This chair is a winner if you’re in the mood to kickback and relax. With a high back and padded head-rest that you can adjust to your height whether you’re taking an afternoon nap or watching Netflix. As an added bonus, the weight capacity maxes out at 350 lb., much higher than your standard chair.

HAY Bernard Lounge Chair

When it comes to combining functionality and design, you can always count on HAY, and their roomy lounge chair is a perfect example. It has an unfussy aesthetic—with leather and canvas options—and a deep seat that offers comfort and support.

Parachute Leather Sling Chair

This low-to-the-ground chair takes cues from Mogensen’s Spanish chair, but adds a modern twist with a robust wooden side frame connecting the legs. The cognac leather back is seamlessly integrated with dowels and will stretch and mold to your body overtime.

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

By Elaheh Nozari

By Zoë Sessums

SAPELE & HIDE

WOOD & LEATHER ARTISANS

For Your One Of A Kind Creations

Inspired by our own adventures and a great appreciation for exotic natural materials, we specialize in custom safari lifestyle products. We are particularly known for our safari chairs but are frequently commissioned for other campaign furniture pieces as well as sporting accessories. Whether for the field or your living room, we trust you'll be thrilled with the unique products we create. Please contact us to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind creation for you.

"Everything in Africa bites, but the safari bug is worst of all"

Journalist and Author Brian Jackman

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The 54kibo African decor store offers a curated collection of modern African home decor for sale, perfect for interior designers and stylish home decorators. Shop our African home decor collection which includes a wide range of African home accessories and furnishings such as  light fixtures ,  accent decor ,  luxury African pillows ,  modern wall art ,  area rugs ,  furniture ,  tabletop  and  gifts . Whether you're looking to enhance the look of your living room, bedroom, office, kitchen, or bathroom, our high end Africa inspired home decor can complement any interior style, including modern, contemporary, ethnic, afrocentric, afro bohemian, farmhouse, eclectic maximalist, coastal, rustic, and safari decor from East Africa and South Africa.

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At 54kibo, we are committed to showcasing the creativity of African style contemporary home accessories decor from talented artists and designers from Africa and its diaspora including African American and Caribbean decor. Our handcrafted high end home decor collection features curated black owned home decor for sale, furniture from black owned furniture makers and afro centric decor accents that are modern, colorful, eclectic and inspirational. Each piece is handcrafted using centuries-old design techniques, such as beadwork, goldsmithing, basket weaving from zimbabwe, textiles, wood work and embroidery, to create unique decor that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Africa. The mostly woman-owned Africa inspired home decor vendors and production teams that we work with at 54 kibo, also prioritize environmentally sustainable practices and socially sustainable business operations. The artisans work and are given continuous training to improve their skills and most of the artisans are employed from local communities. When you shop at 54kibo African decor you are supporting the artisans work, the local community and preserving Africa's artisanal heritage for future generations.

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In summary, the collection of African home decor for sale at 54kibo is perfect for interior designers, stylish home decorators, and anyone looking to add African inspired style to their home. Our curated black owned home decor and afro centric decor accents that we sell are modern, colorful, and inspirational, perfect for enhancing any interior style with an African decor living room, bedroom, office, kitchen, bathroom or nursery. At 54kibo African decor store we prioritize environmentally and socially sustainable practices, making us the go-to black owned furniture store for those who value ethical business operations. Search for a unique African home decor item or tabletop gift on our site and shop today for free shipping within the contiguous USA.

Safari-Inspired Home Decor Is Trending Right Now—Here's How to Get the Look

We're imagining ourselves under the shade of a canvas tent, surrounded by handsome and tailored furnishings.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It's often touted as the trip of a lifetime—a safari spent traversing across the plains of Africa, gazing upon magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and sleeping among said animals in traditional canvas tents that are as handsomely outfitted as the Land Cruisers that carry one during the day. This summer, we're dreaming of an adventure of this sort that is like no other, but until our own African moment comes along, we're creating our own safari-inspired getaway thanks to these 10 transporting designs. Here's how to pull off safari-inspired home design in your own space.

Justin Van Breda Safari Buckled Occasional Chair

The silhouette takes its cues from the utilitarian nature of folding camp chairs, but the bronzed frame and natural leather (on the feet caps as well!) take this armchair to an elegant place.

Peter Beard Gardeners of Eden Photograph

The iconic Peter Beard's Gardeners of Eden photograph - which was originally shot in 1984 - captures his love affair with the wildlife of Africa.

Hollywood at Home Palisades Side Table

Carved details and a distinct wood grain pattern make this handsome side table the tailored addition every library and sitting room is yearning for.

Thibaut Design Navajo Wallcovering

A textured wall covering immediately transports a room into a different aesthetic—something more natural, organic, and of our natural surroundings.

Vendome Press Safari Style: Exceptional African Camps and Lodges

Melissa Biggs Bradley's latest book delves into Africa's latest eco-conscious camps and lodges in seven different countries across the continent. You'll love this book's spectacular photographs that will totally capture your imagination.

Alfonso Marina Marseille Sofa 2pl With Right Table

The perfect sofa for an afternoon of lazy lounging features a side table for depositing your drink, reading materials, and a potted plant or two.

Pinto Lodge Sun Lounger

After a long day on the plains, a sophisticated chaise lounger trimmed in orange piping is a chic place to rest.

Scalamandré Leaping Cheetah Wallpaper

Celebrating one of the wild's most captivating animals, this cheetah wallpaper will bring movement and imagination to any space.

Marie Daâge Zephyr and Agave Dessert Plates

Hand-painted dessert plates mimic the natural cadence of the African landscape with their changing hues of sand and soft brush strokes.

de Le Cuona Smoking Jacket Fabric

This silk jacquard's small feather-like pattern makes us think of the grasses of the African landscape swaying in the hot breeze.

Rachael Burrow is the Style Director at VERANDA, covering the latest design and market trends, from jewelry to fashion, tabletop to furnishings, and everything in between.

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The Complicated History Behind Campaign-Style Furniture

The portable furniture style has a dark past—especially across Africa, where it is often associated with violent colonialism. Here's how we can contend with that.

Vintage campaign-style furniture bears the same burden. The interior design style that is so heavily coveted today still bears the historical legacy of empire building in Asia and Africa. Whether antique or replica, the heavy wooden trunks, x-framed table legs, and folding paragon chairs reference a problematic history. The easily transportable elements were the accoutrement that facilitated British soldiers and colonists’ settlement in places that were not their own. Their sturdy workmanship was required in rugged terrain and the artistry was meant to convey the powerful permanence of these new arrivals who had come to stay. Vintage cabinets and weighted dressers had a “civilizing mission,” bringing European letters and attire to parts of the world that had very different cultural mores and values. And while today many can agree on the harmfulness of such colonization and the injustices that accompanied it, the aesthetics of the era remain wildly popular. But is that a bad thing?

Jomo Tariku, an Ethiopian-American artist and industrial designer, thinks that the “furniture should be judged by its utility to the buyer, collector, or user—or a combination of all.” Tariku became a pioneer of modern African design when he launched his namesake furniture collection in 2017. It was inspired by diverse art and created objects his family collected during their travels across Africa and beyond. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, to Ethiopian parents, Tariku has always blended heritage, humanity, and design sensibility. He encourages buyers to consider that in determining if these vintage styles meet their current needs.

He admits that the name “campaign-style” has a negative connotation but he puts it plainly: “that is the name and the purpose it was used for: for colonial soldiers’ comfort while they were on the move with their invading army. If the question is should we stop using the name, I prefer to argue that it is better to diminish its association with the global South by producing new work that will break that association.”

Tariku does this by inventing modern furnishings that are a continuation of a long tradition of creativity and crafts from Africa. His work uses Western technology—digital fabrication, power tools, 3D software and printers—to redefine the body of work that traditional craftsmen or women have long-since produced. His is part of a new body of work coming from African designers like Hamed Ouattara from Burkina Faso, Dokter and Misses in South Africa, and Piratas do Pau in Mozambique, that are breathing new life into home decor and furnishings associated with the continent.

.css-17t1xj6:before{content:'“';display:block;font-size:7.5rem;line-height:1.1;font-family:Apparel,Apparel-roboto,Apparel-local,Helvetica,Arial,Serif;margin-bottom:-4rem;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;background-image:none;} .css-x1fw4v{font-family:ApparelItalic,ApparelItalic-roboto,ApparelItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Sans-serif;font-size:2.0625rem;letter-spacing:0.015rem;line-height:1.1;margin:0rem;}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-x1fw4v{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-x1fw4v{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-x1fw4v b,.css-x1fw4v strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-x1fw4v em,.css-x1fw4v i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} " It is better to diminish its association with the global South by producing new work that will break that association."

These new artisans remind us that although colonial styles might be associated with a difficult past, many of those quintessential pieces were locally crafted, using indigenous labor, unique woods, and handwrought metal. In that way, there is a hint of shared agency behind antiques. As contemporary buyers eye authentic pieces for modern spaces that represent and include people of diverse backgrounds, it is worthwhile to weigh the historical context of period pieces against the impressive myriad of present-day alternatives.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram .

Nafeesah Allen is an independent researcher with an interest in literature, gender, and diaspora studies in the global South. In 2019, she completed her Ph.D. in Forced Migration from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, South Africa. She leads BlackHistoryBookshelf.com, a book review website that highlights global Black histories organized by language, theme, and country. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @theblaxpat.

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Les Ottomans Handpainted Bamboo Gold Collection Salad Plate

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Hermes Equateur Vintage Silk Scarf Lumbar Pillow

Andy Warhol Vintage 1986 Limited Edition Endangered Species Large Fine Art Lithograph Print " Orangutan " 1983

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Andy Warhol Vintage 1986 Limited Edition Endangered Species Large Fine Art Lithograph Print " Grevy's Zebra " 1983

Brunschwig and Fils "Le Zebre"charcoal Brown & Off-White Pillows - a Pair

Andy Warhol Vintage 1986 Lmtd Edtn Endangered Species Large Fine Art Lithograph Print " Siberian Tiger " 1983

Andy Warhol Vintage 1986 Ltd Edtn Endangered Species Large Fine Art Lithograph Print " Orangutan " 1983

Andy Warhol Vintage 1986 Lmtd Edtn Endangered Species Large Fine Art Lithograph Print " Grevy's Zebra " 1983

Andy Warhol Vintage 1986 Lmtd Edtn Endangered Species Large Fine Art Lithograph Print " African Elephant " 1983

Ashanti Small Wood Elephant Stool

1970s Vintage Italian Safari Brown Leather and White Lacquered Chairs- a Pair

1970s Karin Mobring for Ikea “Natura" Pine Rustic Chair

Iron Saddle Strap Cocktail Table With Smoked Glass Top

Bassett McNab Company Chenille Leopardskin Square Pillow

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Go for a wholly thematic approach, or work subtle safari elements into your decor with leopard rugs, bold artwork, and fierce furnishings.

Search African wall art for inspired works. Plus find elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, or animal prints in anything from bedding to bath towels. Neutral colors of brown, black, and gold provide an aesthetic balance to this dynamic look.

Safari Decorating Tips

The safari decorating approach is perfect for risk-takers that still want to keep things balanced: animal prints offer graphic appeal, while neutral shades of black, gold, tan, and brown help to keep things balanced.

If you're concerned your final look might come off as too thematic, don't worry. It's easy to work these bold elements into a variety of styles, from contemporary to eclectic.

For example, in a sassy home office filled with fashion prints and bold upholstery, leopard rugs add a feminine and feisty touch. Situate one underneath your computer desk to help break up solid colors and add some visual interest.

Or, if you're gunning for an unapologetically Serengeti vibe, anchor a woven-top coffee table with zebra prints. The black and white color dynamic is always sophisticated, but you can still spice things up with a bright red slim-neck vase on the tabletop above.

Looking for an interesting piece for over the sofa? A narrow canvas depicting leopard eyes is the perfect way to accent this unusual space. Explore an array of safari and African wall art for an inspired composition. Just make sure it's hung at eye-level, which will feel more natural to viewers.

Likewise, merge function with beauty, and adorn your walls with African style wall decor. Hang wood wall ledge shelves with simple carved designs and a mahogany finish. These would work well in a modern bathroom dominated with other dark woods. Top these shelves with fluted vases and ornamental grass, apothecary jars, or handmade soaps.

For the adventurous, a mirror framed in elephants looks absolutely ravishing in the entryway. Bring it all together with a chunky jute rug and a stylized giraffe sculpture in the corner. Safari wall decor lends itself well to a variety of rooms, from your dining area to the hallway.

Pick out a comforter arrayed in Peruvian-inspired diamonds, or find sheer animal print draperies in natural hues. With safari and African home decor at your disposal, you'll find just the thing to boost your look—whether that's a sleek cheetah sculpture or an exotic lamp.

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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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Moscow Has a New Standard for Street Design

• Written by Strelka Magazine
• Published on August 25, 2016

Earlier this year the development of a new Street Design Standard for Moscow was completed under a large-scale urban renovation program entitled My Street , and represents the city's first document featuring a complex approach to ecology, retail, green space, transportation, and wider urban planning. The creators of the manual set themselves the goal of making the city safer and cleaner and, ultimately, improving the quality of life. In this exclusive interview, Strelka Magazine speaks to the Street Design Standard 's project manager and Strelka KB architect Yekaterina Maleeva about the infamous green fences of Moscow, how Leningradskoe Highway is being made suitable for people once again, and what the document itself means for the future of the Russian capital.

Strelka Magazine: What is the Street Design Standard and what does it include?

Yekaterina Maleeva: The Street Design Standard is a manual for street planning in Moscow . The Standard is divided into four books, each one of them covering particular aspects of street design. Many cities across the globe have developed their own standards and the concept has gained a lot of popularity over the last decade. The New York Street Design Manual is a famous example; the book has even been translated into Russian. However, Moscow streets have little in common with New York streets, for example; every city has its own unique urban typology and simply copying existing solutions from another manual is not a viable option.

When we started our work on the Standard , the first thing we did was study Moscow streets, their peculiarities and common features. The first volume of the Standard focuses on the typology and distinctive attributes of the streets of Moscow. We gathered data on more than 3,000 streets and processed the data. Despite the large sample size, we discovered certain similarities. We managed to identify ten of the most common street types, but some unique streets could not be categorized. For instance, Tverskaya Street, built in 19th century, originally fell under category "10C." But after it was widened in the 1930s, Tverskaya ended up in a unique place within the urban fabric of Moscow. Such objects as that require a case by case approach and an individual project.

What can be found in the other volumes?

After we identified these ten street types, we started working on defining the best way to approach the development of each. The second book describes what a street of each type must have. We developed a general profile and functional zoning for each type. The pavement is more than just a pedestrian lane: there is a buffer zone between the roadway and the walking lane where the parking posts, street lights and communication lines are located. It’s a mandatory utility zone that has to be paved in such a way that any section can be easily unpaved and replaced. There is also a pedestrian fast lane for people walking to their workplace and a promenade with benches and other objects. Building façades have a large impact on the street they are facing. Restaurants and shops are located in these buildings. Making the adjacent zone retail-friendly is important. Cafes and restaurants must be able to open street patios to attract customers without disrupting the pedestrian traffic. How to apply these concepts to each of the street types is thoroughly explained in the Standard .

The third book describes eleven groups of design elements, including surface materials, benches, trash bins and lights. This catalogue of elements contains no mention of suppliers. It does not promote any manufacturers; instead it describes the attributes which define a quality product. For instance, the third book explains which type of tree grates will serve the longest while causing no damage to the root system of a tree. Styles of grates, bins, benches and other elements may vary, but all the items must comply with the quality standard.

Finally, the fourth book focuses on the planning process: how to perform preliminary analysis, how to apply user opinions during the development and how to achieve quality implementation. Additionally, there is a special emphasis on the fact that street planning cannot be carried out without any regard for the context of the street. A street should be regarded as a part of an interconnected system of various public spaces, together with adjacent parks, garden squares, yards and plazas.

Does the Standard have an official status? Should it be considered a law or merely a guideline?

There are a number of state-level laws and regulations relevant to street design issued by the Moscow Government. They were taken into account during the development of the manual. These regulations ensure safety standards and must be complied with. While the existing legislation covers safety aspects, our books introduce comfort standards. The Standard is basically a non-binding, advisory guideline created with the goal of improving the urban environment everywhere across the capital and maintaining it at a high level.

What happens if a street does not fit any of the mentioned types (and is not as significant as Tverskaya)? For instance, what if a street located in the New Moscow territory has cottages on one side, apartment complexes on the other and an entrance to the Moscow Ring Road somewhere along the way?

A standard is not a ready-made solution. The streets share common features yet also retain their individual attributes at the same time. Applying a single standard profile to every street is impossible. Adjustments are always in order.

The Standard offers three sets of solutions for each type of street with a large potential for combining various elements. The manual basically offers a convenient database that a designer working with a new space could use. That does not mean that all the new projects will look exactly the same. Some solutions featured in the Standard are yet to be implemented anywhere in Moscow . For instance, our collaboration with Transsolar, a German company consulting us on environmental comfort, revealed that Moscow’s largest environmental problem was not in fact CO2, but small-particle dust produced by studded tyre traction. And a simple method to control this type of pollution already exists. Many busy streets outside the city center have a green buffer zone separating the roadway from the sidewalks. A 1.5m high ground elevation running along this zone could filter out up to 70% of the tyre dust, preventing it from spreading into the residential areas. Western countries have been successfully using this technology for many years. Now it is a part of Moscow Standard . By the way, a terrain elevation could also help reduce the level of road noise.

Does the Standard offer anything for the main roads? For example, nowadays Leningradskoye Highway basically splits the city into two disconnected parts; it’s a car dominion.

The Standard does not offer solutions for transportation problems. When we were defining our street typology, we relied on traffic load data calculated using Moscow ’s transportation model. We pursued a goal of only offering solutions that would not aggravate the current transport situation. Any planned sidewalk extension or addition of a bicycle lane or road crossing should first be approved by the Moscow Department of Transport.

As for the main roads, our research revealed that the streets with the highest traffic load also have the heaviest pedestrian traffic. One would think that it should be the other way around. However, the main roads have metro stations, which generate a lot of pedestrian traffic, which in turn draws retail. Treating main roads the same way as highways is impossible. The needs of both vehicle traffic and local residents must be taken into account, which creates a paradox.

These territories have every opportunity to become more comfortable. Some have relatively large green buffer zones that currently remain underused. The Standard proposes to augment these zones with additional functionality. On one hand, some of the main streets will gain attraction centers, especially near intersections connecting them to the adjacent residential areas. Weekend markets are one example of such centers. On the other hand, the Standard involves the creation of zones able to absorb extra precipitation flowing from the roads and filter it. There is a list with types of vegetation best fit to handle this task. The same zones could be used to store snow in the winter. The meltwater will be naturally absorbed by the soil, alleviating the need for moving the snow out to melt. This, however, would require decreasing the quantity of melting chemicals sprayed over the snow, as the plants underneath might be susceptible to their effects.

Can the new Standard rid us of green lawn fences, yellow curbs and other eternal eyesores?

The choice of yellow and green appears random, so we have no idea how to actually fight that. The Standard offers no colour schemes. As long as fences meet the set requirements, their colour does not matter. However, currently they seem to fail to comply. The Standard states that lawns do not require fencing. This is a waste of materials: people will not trample grass and bushes just for the sake of it, while dog owners will trespass anyway. There are many other options for protecting lawns from being trampled. For instance, a same-level pavement strip with a different texture could protect a lawn from accidental intruders just as well as a curb can.

Natural soil water absorption is currently largely ignored, with most  precipitation going down the storm drains. Meanwhile patches of open terrain on a street are able to absorb water. Employing these natural cycles in street layout could save resources.

Does the Standard provide any financial estimations? For instance, an approximate cost of renovating a street of a particular type?

No, as the Standard does not list any products of any particular brand, there are no prices to refer to. Nonetheless, the Standard was developed to fit three potential price ranges. Whether their estimated price is low or high, all the elements ensure that quality requirements are met. The same quality level must be maintained across the whole city and never drop below the set standard.

Let’s say a world-famous architect arrives to Moscow to design a street. He puts incredibly beautiful things into his project, which, unfortunately, contradict the Standard and are not guaranteed to work as intended. In that scenario, will the architect be told to stick to the Standard ?

This could happen and I think it would be a good thing. If an architect plans to place a sculpture on a 1.5 meter wide sidewalk, would that really be a good idea? Following the Standard ensures smooth movement. Its goal is to reinvigorate the streets. In Copenhagen, new design manuals helped increase average time spent by residents outside by 20% over 10 years. That was achieved through creating convenient and attractive public spaces. Moreover, implementation of the Standard enables the creation of professional documentation for architects, which excludes the possibility of any instructions that will later be unclear to the experts trying to work with them. Finally, the Standard also pursues the task of providing the opportunity for the development of street retail.

Isn’t retail a whole different story? How can retail be introduced in such places as Strogino District, where the ground floors are living floors and have security bars on windows? By reintroducing street vendors?

True, business has no direct relation to street renovation. However, there is a strong connection between them. In Strogino, building façades are mostly located far from the sidewalk. Moreover, facades are often concealed by shrubbery and trees, making local businesses even less noticeable. Another problem is that first floor apartments cannot be used for commercial purposes due to insufficient ceiling height (3 m compared to 3.5 m required minimum). Nonetheless, we discovered multiple examples of shop owners reconstructing apartments in residential districts to meet the requirements.

Our British consultant Phil Wren, a street retail expert, travelled Moscow ’s residential districts and studied the existing examples. He came up with a great idea: building an expansion connected to the façade and facing the sidewalk. This makes it possible both to achieve the required ceiling height and increase the visibility of the business to the passers-by. The part of the shop located in the apartment can be used as a utility room or a stockroom. This way the noise level is reduced, regulations are met and store space is increased. Our Russian consultants confirmed the viability of the proposed concept. And the Standard will ensure that any added expansions will look presentable.

Does the  Standard also regulate façade appearances, an architectural element? What should be expected from this? It is unlikely that all houses which fail to comply will be demolished once the Standard is implemented. 

Renovation works with what is given. Of course, façades cannot be changed. Central Moscow has a problem with mansions and many other buildings being fenced off, which prevents them from accommodating street retail. Central streets are also relatively narrow. The Standard proposes sidewalk expansion wherever the access to the first floors is open. Street renovation does not always involve planting trees. Some places require enhanced crossings so that people can quickly reach the other side of the street to get to a shop or a café. Those streets where the facades are windowless are a more suitable place to plant more vegetation.

Can an average person – not an architect, designer or construction worker – understand the new Standard , or is it a technical document which can only be interpreted by a professional?

Any person can. The Standard is written in a way that both professionals and common citizens are able to understand. The Standard contains multiple images, photos, infographics and diagrams and is written in plain language. We would love for more people to read it: the books contain many interesting solutions for our city that affect every pedestrian.

In late March it was revealed that Strelka KB would be developing a standard for recreational zones and public areas in Moscow . What differences will that document have from the Street Design Standard ?

The two standards will have a lot in common. The city currently faces a task of developing a connected system of public spaces. The first logical step was to work with the streets which actually connect areas of attraction and other public spaces. Now the work on all other public spaces takes off. Parks, garden squares, yards, water bank recreation areas, plazas near metro stations must all fall into place. Work with these territories will set a single quality standard. In addition, it will improve Moscow ’s quality of life and reduce air pollution. Simple solutions could improve airflow, increase biodiversity and reduce noise levels at the same time.

The renovation program is quite long and depends on numerous standards and documents. But when exactly will the endless repair works end? Are there any time estimations for when all these concepts will finally get implemented?

This is not an easy question. Full renovation may last decades. The Standard is the first step towards actually controlling the renovation process and its timeline. Until now renovation has been proceeding rather haphazardly. Now the city has decided that the way the streets are designed should be clarified. We understand that the Standard cannot last unchanged for eternity and should, just like any regulation, undergo periodical updates. The Standard uses flexible typology: a street of one type could transition to another within a few years under certain conditions, such as changes in its usage and its user categories. Everything must stay regularly updated according to the accumulated experience.

During our work on the Standard , we held regular roundtables joined by experts and ordinary citizens. One of our guests mentioned that he had recently started paying attention to Moscow ’s facades, their beauty and their drawbacks. He was able to do that because he no longer had to watch his step. So the process has already started and we already see some results.

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Mcconnell mansion museum, mcconnell house.

• Location: Moscow Idaho Regional Essays: Idaho Latah County Architect: William McConnell Types: single-family dwellings boardinghouses historic house museums (buildings) bay windows brackets (structural elements) Styles: Italianate (North American architecture styles) Eastlake Materials: clapboard siding millwork aluminum (metal)

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Wendy R. McClure, " McConnell Mansion Museum ", [ Moscow , Idaho ], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/ID-01-057-0001-01 . Last accessed: April 30, 2024.

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In 1886, entrepreneur William E. McConnell began building a two-story house, sunken garden, small carriage house, and barn for his family on an entire block in the Fort Russell neighborhood. Like other early Fort Russell residents, McConnell sited the house on the block’s most prominent corner, the intersection of Second and Adams streets, to showcase its eyecatching design and position his family at the center of Moscow’s social life.

The house reflects an eclectic blend of Victorian-era architectural styles including Eastlake, Italianate, and Gothic Revival. Rather than engage an architect, McConnell likely used plans from a pattern book and worked with a carpenter to integrate elements and detailing from the three styles. The resulting cohesive design made a unique statement in the fledgling city.

On the exterior, characteristically vertical proportions are expressed in several ways. Three two-story bays capped with slender gable roofs define its signature massing; windows and doors on each facade are correspondingly tall and narrow. As viewed from intersecting sidewalks and streets, verticality is further amplified by the site itself, which slopes steeply upward toward the house. Exterior ornamentation is extensive: decorative brackets support window bays and roof overhangs, and gable ends feature highly articulated wood ornamentation. Although the original clapboard siding has been replaced with metal siding, gable ends continue to display cedar shingles with sawtooth imbrication.

Both the spatial organization and interior detailing reflect a combination of Victorian-era influences. The original ground-floor plan featured front and rear parlors separated by wood sliding doors, a dining room, kitchen, pantry, and servant’s quarters. Four bedrooms and children’s playrooms were housed on the second floor. High ceiling heights prevail throughout the house. Windows feature interior wooden shutters (made in San Francisco) that serve to further accent vertical proportions in each room.

Consistent with the later Victorian era, appearance rather than quality weighed heavily McConnell’s decisions regarding finishes. Interior detailing was largely crafted from Moscow’s limited pallet of available materials. Locally prevalent fir and pine were used for interior millwork and flooring; the inexpensive wood was then painted with graining to create the appearance of more costly hardwoods. Similarly, the steel-backed fireplace in the back parlor was embellished with a thin veneer of Vermont marble bordered by gold leaf and black onyx trim.

The family fell into financial hard times following McConnell’s two-term governorship and the financial panic of 1893, during which he was forced to declare bankruptcy and close his downtown department store. To avoid losing the property, McConnell’s wife declared it an official homestead. The bank took ownership of the house in 1897 and it remained vacant until 1901, when it was purchased by William Adair, one of the community’s first physicians. Since the house was larger than his family required, Adair rented rooms to local entrepreneurs and university faculty. Frederic Church, a European history professor who, at one time, rented a room in the house, later purchased the building as his own single-family residence. The barn was sold and converted to a single-family residence in 1926. Church bequeathed the house to the Latah County Historical Society upon his death in 1966.

Since 1968 the house has served as both headquarters and museum for the Latah County Historical Society (LCHS). It provides one of the best remaining examples of Italianate and Eastlake architecture in the state of Idaho. Though compromised by some unfortunate decisions surrounding its ongoing maintenance, such as use of metal replacement siding, the McConnell House continues to communicate a significant architectural presence while serving in its adapted role as a museum.

Doyon, Annie, and Kathryn Burke-Hise, “Fort Russell Neighborhood Historic District,” Latah County, Idaho. National Register of Historic Places District Boundary Increase and Additional Documentation, 2015. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington D.C.

Monroe, J. Moscow: Living and Learning on the Palouse . Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2003.

Otness, L. A Great Good Country: A Guide to Historic Moscow and Latah County, Idaho . Moscow, ID: Local History Paper # 8, Latah County Historical Society, 1983.

Renk, Nancy. “W.E. McConnell House,” Latah County, Idaho. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, 1974. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington D.C.

Writing Credits

• Location: Moscow, Idaho Regional Overviews: Latah County Architect: William McConnell Types: single-family dwellings boardinghouses historic house museums (buildings) bay windows brackets (structural elements) Styles: Italianate (North American architecture styles) Eastlake Materials: clapboard siding millwork aluminum (metal)

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SAH Archipedia tells the story of the United States through its buildings, landscapes, and cities. This freely available resource empowers the public with authoritative knowledge that deepens their understanding and appreciation of the built environment. But the Society of Architectural Historians, which created SAH Archipedia with University of Virginia Press, needs your support to maintain the high-caliber research, writing, photography, cartography, editing, design, and programming that make SAH Archipedia a trusted online resource available to all who value the history of place, heritage tourism, and learning.