I think I’m going through something. I’ve spent the last few years committed to neutrals – from my closet to my spaces – but I’m suddenly finding myself needing a bit more colour in my life. I just ordered a pair of green shoes and another pair of orange shoes and I don’t know who I am any more. I’m beginning to think my interior styling projects have something to do with it because everyone whose space I worked on between 2020-2021 wanted an injection of colour, and now I’ve caught the colour bug. It’s probably how I ended up with green seats – something I would’ve never considered two years ago.

I was going through old pictures on my phone recently and I came across this project from last year.

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The moment I walked into the house and met my client I knew I wanted to give her something modern, a little glam, but comfortable and functional. She had this energy, this vibrance about her that was a complete departure from the cream walls and brown recliners. So when she said she wanted colour, I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone and play with a more colourful palette. None of the usual whites and greys and wood tones with the token accent colour – an actual explosion of colour for me.

My only other experience of playing with lots of colour (and not different neutrals) was in this bedroom – and it belonged to a friend – so I was shit scared this time around! I didn’t want to waste a whole stranger’s money! But what I’ve learned is that fear can make you do some of your best work, and I think this is one of the spaces I’m most proud of. Check it out!

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I think the thing I’m most proud of is that you can’t tell I struggled to find the right furniture, or that I almost bungled the shades of blue and green and nearly sent the wrong table dimensions to my fundi so we almost ended up with a 6-seater instead of a 4-seater. I thought I had made a mistake going with the 2 rows of sheer curtains instead of the usual heavy curtains + sheer curtains combo but it ended up working out.

I’m obsessed with the navy blue sideboard (painted in Duracoat 2994C Navy Blue). It pairs really well with the grey velvet seats which bring a little luxury into the space, which is then juxtaposed against that beautiful oval wooden table that tones it down a little with its warmth. The fusion of clean lines with curves, textures, warmth against cool tones and simple accessories is just so yummy *chef’s kiss*.

I was right in the middle of moving house, settling in and trying to prove myself at work after a promotion while working on this, and at some point the anxiety and stress got so bad I almost quit, but I didn’t want to disappoint my client. I did however only take one other project after this before calling time on my budding career as an interior stylist/decorator.

I’m still not sure how my assistant Shiku and I did it, but we did. Somehow, we always got the job done, despite the fear and doubt. And that’s kind of dope. Do I miss it? Not really. I’m happy to relive the highs from my pictures. I am running out of project pics to show you though, so I’ll need to figure something out soon.

Also, if you don’t get the “In Living Colour” reference, your age is showing. Or mine is showing very loudly to those who know. And if you know, make sure to stretch when you wake up and every couple of minutes throughout the day, hydrate and moisturise religiously, respect alcohol and eat your vegetables – the body isn’t what it used to be 🙂

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Details

Paint, Jazz White / Jotun Paints

Juno 3-seater, Madison single seater, Uzuri coffee table / Narella Furniture

Lighting / Meydan Lightings

Lighting installation / Githinji (electrician) 0720 377875

Custom dining table and sideboard / Rosawood Fabrications

Grey velvet beetle chairs / Odds & Ends

Black and white carpet / Carpet Crafts

Multi-colour carpet / Client’s own

Gallery wall (custom frames, mounting & installation) / Chagwi Arts 0720 179930

Pillow inserts / Smartlady Home

Pillow covers / Luxe Feather Cushions

Accessories / Mr. Price, Ashley Furniture

Curtains / Fabric, TACC; sewing and installation, Maina 0721 281575

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XO,

Shiro

The Cultured Cow