Twenty years ago, Sally Karago and her husband, an architect, bought and settled in their beautiful home in the suburbs of Nairobi.
Sally, an award-winning fashion designer, is one of the fashion industry's pioneers.
Over time, the couple has expanded and extended the house to fit their lifestyle. The duo's unparalleled attention to detail and signature artful touch, with the help of interior decorator Henry West, curated different styles and personalities for their four living rooms.
Sally has designed outfits for three First Ladies of Kenya, and her work is renowned internationally.
Enthusiastically, she ushers me into her palatial home for the Art of Living home tour.
The entry, with its ochre paint colour, is inviting and creates a stunning entrance. It is adorned with distinctive art pieces by famous artist Rajan. A huge flower vase placed on the sleek console table adds a touch of sophistication.
The entryway leads up to the first living room. The beautifully layered prints, patterns, and colours are luxurious. The wooden floor and neutral palette on the walls act as a calm backdrop. The gypsum ceiling creates depth in the room.
African-themed art pieces adorn the walls, giving the room an authentic and exquisite look. My eye is drawn to a massive distinctive Big Five art masterpiece that covers the entire wall.
Sink-in sofas upholstered in swirling, elegant turquoise leaf designs and cushions that look as soft as clouds are inviting. But the traditional fireplace is the focal point.
This is an adjoining living room to the first, and it is contemporary. The huge windows where light is spilling in instil serenity and add a sense of space. Persian carpets with intricate patterns are meticulously displayed.
"When I was young, it was my dream to have a collection of Persian carpets," Sally explains.
In this living room, antique chest drawers, cosy white sofas, and huge paintings capture the ocean theme.
Sally says: "I love these paintings because they encapsulate life's journey, and the storms of life eventually calm down just like the sea."
She quickly points at a striking wrought iron bike mounted on the wall. "That's my husband's memento mounted on the wall. He made it when he was still in college," she reveals.
Next is the dining room. Its exposed trusses, glamourous chandelier, and unique flower vases displayed on the table add a classic touch to it. "I collect flower vases; you will see flower vases everywhere in this house," she explains.
Expansive stained windows, beige cladding on one of the walls, ethnic light fixtures, and brown leather seats make this space undeniably inviting. Wendy, a husky, and her favourite dog get to play in this room with her other dogs. The dining room leads to the fourth living room that doubles up as her office.
Finally, Sally ushers me into her favourite room where she has meetings with herself: the place that offers her a true sense of escape. "It's so therapeutic. I have meetings with myself in this room," she shares.
She also enjoys the view of the sky through the clear roofing panels. The room is modern and relaxing. The sleek and cosy furniture is a mix of elegant and quirky handcrafted ocean-themed pieces, giving the space a charming feel.
Food for thought: Do you have a space in your home where you can have a true sense of escape? If not, create one. You need it!
-Watch this episode on KTN Home YouTube channel and Art Of Living episodes every Sunday at 6.30pm on KTN Home.
