Sheila Awuor Odhiambo has figured out the one fundamental rule about decorating small spaces: less is more. The 26 year old marketer, popularly known as Shee, has steadily transformed a typical Nairobi bedsitter to a beautiful and functional space that shows off her interests and allows her creativity to shine.
If you go on instagram and search for home decor content in Nairobi, Shee’s page is probably one of the first that will pop up. Started only last year, Home With Shee is growing steadily, with an audience that appreciates Shee’s home decor and lifestyle content. She mostly posts reels about cooking, cleaning, and organising, and while you may think these to be mundane subjects, Shee has mastered the art of turning the mundane into something interesting and relatable.
“I started the page after a friend nudged me. My goal is to show people that a studio has potential. You don’t have to wait until you have a big house before you can decorate with intention” said Shee.
A studio, more commonly known as a bedsitter in Kenya’s real market parlance, is a space that combines the bedroom, kitchen and living room into one room. Landlords and developers have often been guilty of making these types of spaces too small to be comfortable but Shee has found a way to work with the limited dimensions.
Designing for the space you have, not the one you wish you had
Her studio layout is well thought-out and cohesive, using the house’s pre-existing structure to best advantage. Tucked in the farthest corner is a cosy sleeping space containing a single bed. Fairy lights hang overhead, lending the area a whimsical feel. Next to the bed is a living area that doubles up as a study, featuring a grey couch, a TV against one wall, and a desk and chair by a large window.
Behind the couch is a fully kitted out kitchen leading out into the entryway. Her colour scheme is predominantly neutral with pops of colour incorporated in smaller items including seat cushions, vases, and artwork.
Everything may be in one room but Shee has managed to create distinct and clear sections for each of the room’s functions. You’d expect it to feel cramped but it boasts a lightness and airiness that allows easy movement without having to move things out of the way. The overall effect is a masterclass in intentional, savvy design that makes excellent use of limited space.
“When choosing items to bring into my house I prioritise function first over aesthetics. Given that my space is small, I need to be frugal about what I let in. If I am not using it, I toss it,” she said.
Storage is king
Since floor space is limited, Shee has made the most of her walls, installing shelves above her bed and the TV to provide extra storage for books, candle holders and art. She has also incorporated baskets for smaller knick knacks that she wants to keep out of the way.
She made the shelves herself with the assistance of a friend who has a carpentry workshop. Their rough finishing adds texture to the space.
“I had a lot of fun making these shelves and I am proud of them even though they are imperfect. Other than giving me more storage, they add more interest to my walls, preventing the TV and bed from being focal points on their own, which would be boring,” she said.
When in doubt add a plant
The shelves are already weighed down with books and finds from thrift stores but Shee’s main decor items are the plants displayed to full advantage around the house. Some are full grown statement pieces while others are sprouting cuttings on the window sill, awaiting transplanting into pots. She now owns 15 plants and counting, and they are a compliment magnet, helping to bring nature indoors.
“The plants help me incorporate colour and warmth into this space in a way little else can. I also love books and I feel that looking around this room really allows you to appreciate that you’re in the home of a plant mom who reads a lot,” she says.
To keep the plants healthy, she keeps track of how often they need to be watered and changes their soil at least once a year. The rest is luck.
Look for inspiration then make it your own
Shee draws inspiration from fellow creatives online who also make videos about decorating small spaces. This, coupled with her own design flair and an eye for beautiful things, has allowed her to create a home she can thrive in, and use as a creative outlet.
“For me home is a space where I can be myself; comfortable and at peace. I am a homebody so my home needs to make sense to me,” she says.
She moved into the studio right after graduating from university and has formed a special attachment to it, describing it as a space that has grown with her. This is where she started living independently, kicked off her career, and started paying bills. It has held her through the transition into adulthood, providing a perfect launching pad into the real world.
“I was so happy when I saved up enough to buy the couch because it was the first piece of furniture I bought for myself. My bed was a gift from my dad but I have worked hard for everything else in this house. It therefore gives me a lot of joy to see how beautifully it has all come together,” she says.
For people who are also just moving into their own studios as they start their adult lives, Shee has a few words of wisdom.
“Enjoy your space and celebrate this season of your life. With a little intention and creativity, you can make any house beautiful and personal. And you don’t have to break the bank, thrifting is your friend,” she says.
Shee’s top tips for decorating a studio
- Measure everything carefully before you buy it to ensure that it will actually fit in your house.
- Do not cram your space with too many things or oversized items, leaving enough room to comfortably walk around. The time for big furniture will come.
- Don’t copy paste from others. Find inspiration, yes, but decorate for yourself with the things you love.
- Avoid clutter. It is much more visible in small spaces.
Shee’s tips for how to thrift like a pro
- Do it in person so you can better judge the quality of what you’re buying.
- Ensure that any imperfection on the item is something you’re genuinely willing to compromise on. Otherwise you won’t use it.
- Don’t let dirt fool you into leaving behind a good deal. Some things just need to be cleaned and styled and voila, they become exactly what you needed.
- Exercise restraint and avoid overbuying. Thrift with purpose.