Decor & Lifestyle
The latest decor & lifestyle for the Kenyan market.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Expert property news, straight to your inbox.
Browse by category or keyword
All Decor & Lifestyle articles
51 articles in Decor & Lifestyle · page 1 of 5
Small Space, Big Style: Interior Design Ideas for Apartments
Before buying furniture or decorating, look at how you actually use each room. Furniture with built-in storage can also help reduce clutter, particularly in bedrooms and living areas. A neutral base can make a room feel bright and provide flexibility, but you can introduce colour through cushions, artwork, curtains, rugs or even an accent wall. Living in an apartment often means making the most of the space you have. You may have a beautiful living room, but it also needs to accommodate your sofa, dining area, television, storage and perhaps even a small workspace. Your bedroom has to fit your bed, clothes and everything else you need without feeling crowded. The good news is that a smaller space does not mean you have to compromise on
Why Homes Are Getting Warmer in 2026
Not too long ago, white walls and grey sofas were the in thing. Walk into one house, and there was a good chance the next one would look almost exactly the same. Clean lines, neutral colours, minimal décor and that very polished, put-together look. Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with grey sofas and white walls. Some people still love that look, and it isn’t going anywhere. What’s changing is the mood. Homes are getting warmer. And by warmer, I don’t just mean adding a few cushions to the sofa. Interior design in 2026 is leaning towards earthy colours, natural materials, softer shapes and more texture. There’s also a growing focus on making spaces feel personal rather than simply m
Older Home vs. New Home: Which Should You Buy in Kenya?
Should you buy an older home or a new one? It’s a debate with no one-size-fits-all answer. Some buyers love the modern finishes and convenience of a brand-new development. One of the biggest advantages of buying a new home is that it’s designed with modern living in mind. Older homes often sit on larger parcels of land, which can appreciate significantly over time. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And while factors like location and budget often take centre stage, there’s another important question many buyers face: Should you buy an older home or a new one? It’s a debate with no one-size-fits-all answer. Some bu
The Future of Luxury Living in Kenya: Smart Homes, Green Spaces and Better Design
Today, luxury is becoming less about what a home costs and more about how it improves the way we live. While these features are still mostly found in premium developments, they’re slowly becoming more accessible. Understanding land ownership, carrying out due diligence, verifying documents, knowing the costs involved, and choosing the right location are just as important as finding the perfect property. T he Luxury Living & Design Expo offered a glimpse into where Kenya’s real estate market is headed. Luxury has long been associated with bigger homes, premium finishes, and exclusive addresses. But if this year’s Luxury Living & Design Expo proved anything, it’s that the conversation is changing. Today, luxury is becoming less about what a hom
Open Kitchens Are Everywhere. But Why?
Whether it’s a new apartment in Kilimani, a townhouse in Syokimau or a family home being built from scratch, there’s a good chance the kitchen opens straight into the living room. For anyone living in an apartment where every square metre counts, that can make a huge difference. The kitchen is no longer seen as a room where one person disappears to prepare meals while everyone else carries on elsewhere. It’s become part of everyday life. If you’re buying, building or renovating, don’t be swayed by what’s fashionable alone. Ask yourself how you actually live. If you’ve been house hunting recently, you’ve probably noticed something. Whether it’s a new apartment in Kilimani, a townhouse in Syokimau or a family home being b
Should Your Personality Shape Your Home or Do Other Factors Matter?
Our homes are more than just places to live, they’re personal havens, reflections of who we are. It’s natural to want our style, tastes, and quirks to shine through. But is personal expression the only thing that matters, or should other factors, like the space itself, the people we live with, and how we actually use our rooms, also play a role? Decor isn’t just about what looks good on Instagram or what you pinned last week. It’s about living well in a space that fits your routines, your energy, and your relationships. A bright statement wall might thrill you, but if it clashes with a partner’s idea of calm or makes a small room feel cramped, the joy can quickly fade. That’s the balancing act: how do you infuse your home with personality while keeping it functional, harmonious, and comfortable for everyone who shares it with you? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are w
When Design Works, You Don’t Notice It
Have you ever walked into a house and felt comfortable immediately, without knowing exactly why? You didn’t pause to admire the tiles. You didn’t analyse the layout. You just felt… settled. That’s good design. The funny thing about good design is that it rarely announces itself. It doesn’t demand compliments or show up loudly in photos. It simply makes life easier, quieter, and more comfortable. And because it works so well, you almost don’t notice it at all. READ ALSO : Top Interior Design Trends in Kenya for 2025 Table of Contents We Think Design Is About Looks, Until We Live in the Space Flow: When a Home Moves the Way You Do
How to Add a Touch of Festive Magic to Your Home This Season
December has a way of stirring something gentle inside; a quiet excitement that feels both new and familiar, like an old song you forgot you loved. The year slows, the air softens, and suddenly the festive season isn’t just on the calendar, it’s in the glow of Christmas lights along the streets, the flicker of fairy lights in your living room, the smell of warm spices in the kitchen, and the soft comfort of family gathered nearby. Whether it’s a sunlit escape to Diani or a quiet trip to the countryside, December carries a warmth that settles deep in the heart. That warmth naturally spills into our homes. There’s an instinct to match your space to the season, to make it cozy, inviting, and festive. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to do it. Small, thoughtful changes can completely transform your home and bring that warm, fuzzy feeling to life. Here are a few simple tips to make your space feel instantly f
How to Create a Home Office That Actually Inspires Work
You spend half the time fighting distraction, not getting anything meaningful done. Look for natural light; it does wonders for your mood and focus. Colour isn’t just about style, it changes how you feel. Your home office doesn’t have to be perfect, expensive, or Pinterest-worthy. It just needs to be a space where your mind feels free and your energy flows. Your workspace does more than hold your laptop. It has the power to shape your mood, your focus, and even your energy. Think about it, have you ever tried working at a cluttered dining table or in a dark corner? You spend half the time fighting distraction, not getting anything meaningful done. But step into a space that feels clear, light, and intentional, and suddenly, work doesn’t feel like such a heavy lift. So, ho
Why Colour Psychology is the Unsung Hero of Home Staging
Inspired by Winnie Onyando’s article in the Daily Nation . When it comes to selling a home, many people focus on the usual factors: price, location, amenities, and layout. But as Winnie Onyando insightfully highlights in a recent Daily Nation feature, there’s another quiet force influencing buyer decisions, and that is colour. At BuyRentKenya, we’ve always emphasized the importance of staging a property to sell. READ ALSO : The Art of Home Staging: Tips for Selling Your House in Kenya Faster But this article opened up a fresh angle: how the emotional and psychological effects of colour which is known as colour psychology, can make or break that crucial first impression. We’re not just talking about slapping on a coat of paint. According to Faith Mak
Commercial Space Design: How Office Layouts Have Evolved
Office spaces have undergone a tremendous transformation over the years. Today, productivity, creativity, and even employee satisfaction are closely tied to a company’s culture, and a big part of that culture is influenced by the look and feel of the office environment. A study published in Harvard Business Review found that open offices could reduce face-to-face interaction by 70%, as employees turned to digital communication to avoid distractions. Office spaces have undergone a tremendous transformation over the years, a reflection of the global trends while adapting to the unique needs of the workforce as well as business culture. You see, not very long ago, office spaces were just functional places for people to come together, work in and go home in the evening. While that basic purpose hasn’t changed, how we approach office
Designing Your Dream Space: Where Style Meets Functionality
Having an amazing design does not mean compromising on functionality . Every space serves a purpose, and identifying that purpose is the first step in any successful design. The most memorable spaces reflect the personality and story of their occupants. Walking into a space should be impactful— it should make you feel happy, warm, comfortable, motivated, relaxed, comfortable and every other amazing feeling there is. That is the kind of power good interior design has! Having an amazing design does not mean compromising on functionality. Most people have the perception that these two things cannot be achieved together. However, that is untrue. It is very possible to achieve an aesthetically pleasing space while maintaining functionality. Let’s explore how.