The Styles in Our Home
The Formal and Middle side of the Living room combining The Wabi Sabi, Eclectic and Industrial Styles
After getting married in Romania, moving to The Netherlands in 2008 and then in Kenya, in 2017, we decided to sell our home in Rotterdam in 2020 and build one in Nairobi merging different sustainability facets and styles. As an intercultural family that has travelled and lived on different continents we have developed a love relationship to everything organic, raw, (hi)story infused and celebrative of interculturality. Each culture has an innate beauty of its own and, especially since in Africa, we have discovered the invaluable beauty of the handmade and embraced the perfect imperfections of it fully.
Metal, Concrete, Nature Inspired with Congolese Kuba Cloths turned into cushions and ‘wall/window’ art
From Eclectic, Industrial, Brutalism and Wabi Sabi to the sustainable idea of circularity and using only local materials - except what could fit in the suitcase :) - we wanted to counter the import trend and show it is possible to produce something high-end locally by believing in the potential of the local market. We expected and yearned for a home that would speak of our heritage and styles we love, a canvas for all of the above, released, combined and put into practice through our own designs while at the same time revealing the souls and signature of local craftsmanship.
Eclectic – is a passionate, beautiful dance of diversity in harmony, where every piece tells a story, every color whispers a memory, and every texture shows one’s individuality and taste. It's the art of curating a world that reflects the depth and richness of your life's experiences, where old and new, east and west, blend seamlessly to create a symphony of style that is uniquely and passionately yours.
Vintage Morroccan Rug, Cameroon Ten Bamileke Feathers, Maasai Tribe Blanket Cushions, Silk and Velvet floor cushions from left over fabric
Wabi Sabi – is more than a design style, it’s a philosophy, a way of life that celebrates imperfection, impermanence, texture and the beauty of natural authenticity of raw, unadorned materials while expressing and celebrating life and its transient identity reflected in items old, touched by time with visible grains and chipped paint or vignettes of natural elements.
Industrial - is a style that speaks of the raw, rugged charm of urban spaces inspired by factories, warehouses, and industrial settings. It embraces exposed brick walls, weathered wood, and utilitarian materials like metal and concrete to embody an unfinished look and emphasise functionality. Open floor plans, high ceilings, and large windows are featured to maximize natural light and space. It's a style that blends form and function with the beauty of raw materials to convey the authenticity of industrial heritage in it’s organic simplicity.
Open Plan Kitchen, High Ceilings, Industrial I Beams
Brutalism - an architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by its raw, rugged appearance and use of exposed concrete. It often features massive, block-like structures with geometric forms. Brutalist buildings typically emphasize functionality and structural honesty, with little embellishment or ornamentation. This style gained popularity in the post-war era for its bold and assertive design language, challenging conventional notions of beauty and architectural tradition.
Raw looking concrete walls, Scrap I Beam Side Table & Candle Stands
Circularity - the reuse and repurposing of existing materials that could find a second life on a different location. A style that counters the idea of purchasing more in order to avoid waste and protect the environment. A style we applied most in The Tree House and Guest House.
Tree House Loft with a repurposed bed frame and Baobab Seed Lamps we turned into hanging side lamps & a sconce into a ceiling lamp
Forest Bathing, ‘Shinrin Yoku’ - a Japanese concept I happened to stumble upon in one of my reads and can apply really well to our home since we did all we could to preserve trees and embrace and build on the relationship with the forest surrounding us. It speaks about enjoying nature, particularly in forested areas which leads to improved mental, emotional, and physical well-being, stress reduction, lower blood pressure, mood boosting and better immune function .
