This is the shelf I got for Fashionable Stepmum’s office.

What we had when we moved in. Landlord cream walls really baffle me, and they did nothing for my ivory curtains.

First we painted the walls. That white detail was supposed to look a little different, but this wasn’t a bad Pinterest fail, and it made the space more interesting.

Adding this sisal rug I picked from Tile & Carpet Centre during The Big Annual Sale brought the texture I was craving. You can see more pictures of how I styled it here.

I wasn’t unhappy with the bookshelf I had, which was a cheap roadside find. I just wanted a change.

I should’ve added a few more inches on the bottom shelf to comfortably accommodate these big speakers, but it still works. Shelf, Muundo.

I was worried that it might crowd out the dining area, which isn’t very big, but it’s a perfect fit. I just need to move the rug a little. Seat, custom made, roadside fundis on James Gichuru, near Muthangari Police Station. Pillows, Imani Home Styles.

Already picturing it with lighter walls, but I really like it. Table and Eames chairs, Odds & Ends. Shelf, Muundo. Pendant light, Noor (Sarit Centre).

My new breakfast view. I don’t hate it. Small beaded vase on dining table Haute Baso (Kigali, Rwanda), previously seen in my kitchen, you can watch the makeover video here. Candle, Casa Gallery.

Picked pieces from all over the house to style it. The gold bowl, top left, is a cheap wooden bowl picked from Masai Market a few years ago, which I spray painted in 2017. The black metal lanterns (left, far right top) are from TACC.

In a remarkable show of bravery, I added some real succulents (to the fake palms). Because I want to try and keep some real plants alive. Planter, Kuzi Trading Company.

Not sure this plant is going to survive me. Or Gong. But it looks cute here. Planter from Kuzi Trading Company, for 500 bob. Such. A. Steal. Clay plate and plant bought from the plant shop at The Arbor, on James Gichuru Road.

The basket at the far end was in my bedroom, so was the round piece of decor and pillow, both from Mabel Homestyle. They were previously on my balcony, they’ve been in the living room, master and Gong’s bedroom as well. The black and white beaded vase is from Haute Baso, who gifted it to me when I was in Kigali, Rwanda after I mentioned wanting to steal a similar one from the Radisson. Love them! 

This black and white ibiseke is from Rwanda Traditional Wear. I picked it up during the last Savannah Space Street Fair, and it was initially in my bathroom holding hygiene products (aka tampons and panty liners). Gong occasionally wears the lid as a hat.

This picture was taken when Gong was 3 months old and we went for our first picnic at Arboretum, for my sister’s birthday. I like adding sentimental pieces to each space. When I get tired of this picture I’ll just swap it out. Frame: TACC.

I’ve protected this ceramic chicken from breaking a couple of times, because I feel like I paid way too much for it. Now it’s here waiting to receive offering when you come visit us. It’s from Panache Kenya.

Artificial palm, Mabel Homestyle. The glass vase is an old one from TACC. Spray painted wine bottle (you can get the spray paint from regular hardware stores, Text Book Centre). The little plastic toy car has been in the family for about 6-7 years. My Lover bought it in Gikomba from a roadside vendor.

Not bad, I have to say. And I didn’t even copy anything from Pinterest LOL. The brass candle holder on the right, middle, is from Target.

I’ve dreamt about these terracotta vases from Decor Gallery for a few months now.

I love the texture, and the hand painted design. Plus I’m really feeling natural-looking neutrals at the moment. They might inspire my next wall colour.

Sorted out my books by colour, realised my absolute favourites were in the yellow and blue stacks.

Tiny Birds Far Away, Emma’s War and Under The Udala Trees are highly recommended. I usually buy my books from Bookstop, Yaya Centre. They have a great selection of African writers/fiction, my preferred genre.

Look at the beautiful, tan leather. I’m obsessed with it. I should have straightened that rug, but didn’t have the strength to either lift the bookshelf or drag the rug with the dining table and chairs still on it.

The record collection is slowly growing. This is the only magazine in this house. I didn’t buy it; someone gave it to me because my sister is on the cover. I took it out of politeness.

The 70’s and 80’s were cool I guess, but those of us in this house who prefer the 90’s are still waiting to be catered to.

Records, record player and all its complementary pieces are from The Real Vinyl Guru, Kenyatta Market. I need to figure out a way to keep all the cables tidy and still get them to the power source.

My little labour of love and avoidance. The wall bracket is from Noor, Sarit Centre. It was supposed to be an outdoor light.