Creating a beautiful home interior doesn’t require millions of shillings. With creativity, smart shopping, and DIY skills, you can transform your space on a budget. Here’s how Kenyans are making their homes look great affordably.
Setting Your Interior Design Budget
Before starting, determine what you can realistically spend:
Budget Tiers
Minimal refresh (KES 20,000-50,000):
- New paint, curtains, small furniture pieces
- DIY decorations and arrangements
- Best for: Renters, single rooms
Moderate makeover (KES 50,000-150,000):
- Paint, new furniture, lighting upgrades
- Window treatments, artwork, accessories
- Best for: Living room or bedroom transformation
Full home transformation (KES 150,000-500,000):
- Multiple rooms, built-in furniture
- Quality pieces, professional touches
- Best for: New homeowners, major renovations
Where to Spend and Where to Save
Spend More On:
Quality seating: You use sofas and chairs daily—invest in comfort and durability. Good quality sofas: KES 35,000-80,000 (last 10+ years).
Mattresses: Health and sleep quality matter. Don’t buy the cheapest mattress. Budget KES 15,000-35,000 for a good queen mattress.
Lighting: Good lighting transforms spaces. Invest in a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Budget KES 10,000-30,000 for a room.
Save On:
Decorative accessories: Hunt for bargains at markets, second-hand stores, or make your own. Vases, picture frames, cushions from KES 500-2,000.
Art and wall decor: DIY or buy from emerging artists at affordable prices. Frame local fabrics or prints. Budget KES 2,000-10,000.
Trendy pieces: Fashion changes—don’t overspend on trendy items. Buy classic pieces that last.
Color: Your Most Affordable Tool
Paint is the cheapest way to transform any space.
Choosing Colors for Kenyan Homes
Living rooms:
- Neutral bases: Beige, grey, off-white (timeless, easy to change accents)
- Accent walls: Bold colors like terracotta, deep blue, forest green
- Avoid: Very dark colors (make small rooms feel smaller)
Bedrooms:
- Relaxing tones: Soft blues, greens, lavenders
- Warm neutrals: Cream, warm grey, light brown
- Avoid: Bright, stimulating colors (disrupt sleep)
Kitchens:
- Clean, bright: White, light grey, soft yellow
- Energizing: Light green, warm orange (in small doses)
- Avoid: Very dark colors (show dirt, feel heavy)
Paint Costs in Kenya
Budget paints: KES 800-1,200 per 4-liter tin
- Brands: Pearl, Basco
- Coverage: 40-50 square meters (2 coats)
- Good for: Rental homes, frequently changed colors
Mid-range paints: KES 1,500-2,500 per 4 liters
- Brands: Crown, Sadolin
- Better coverage and durability
- Good for: Own homes, high-traffic areas
Premium paints: KES 3,000-5,000 per 4 liters
- Brands: Dulux, Kansai
- Excellent coverage, washable, long-lasting
- Good for: Bathrooms, kitchens, children’s rooms
DIY painting: Paint a 100 sqm house for KES 15,000-30,000 (materials only). Hire a painter: Add KES 15-25 per square meter for labor.
Furniture Shopping in Kenya
Where to Buy Affordable Furniture
Biashara Street, Nairobi: Wide variety, negotiable prices, sofas from KES 25,000, dining sets from KES 30,000.
Gikomba Market: Second-hand furniture in good condition, 40-60% cheaper than new. Clean and refurbish yourself.
Athi River/Mlolongo: Furniture manufacturers sell direct, 20-30% cheaper than showrooms. Custom orders available.
Facebook Marketplace/Jiji: Pre-owned furniture, often from expats leaving Kenya. Quality pieces at good prices.
HomeAfrique/Faulu Sacco: Affordable installment plans, furniture from KES 2,000 per month.
Furniture Price Guide
Living room:
- 3-seater sofa: KES 25,000-65,000
- Coffee table: KES 5,000-15,000
- TV stand: KES 8,000-20,000
- Side tables: KES 3,000-8,000 each
Dining room:
- 4-seater set: KES 20,000-45,000
- 6-seater set: KES 35,000-70,000
- Buffet cabinet: KES 15,000-35,000
Bedroom:
- Queen bed frame: KES 15,000-35,000
- Wardrobe (3-door): KES 25,000-55,000
- Dressing table: KES 10,000-25,000
- Bedside tables: KES 4,000-10,000 each
Money-Saving Furniture Tips
Buy during sales: Furniture stores have major sales in January, July, and November. Save 20-40%.
Negotiate: Always negotiate, especially when buying multiple pieces. Ask for discounts on cash payments.
Buy unfinished: Buy unfinished wood furniture and paint/stain yourself. Save 30-40%.
Refurbish old furniture: Sand, paint, reupholster. YouTube has countless tutorials. A KES 10,000 sofa can look new with KES 5,000 of fabric and effort.
Built-In Furniture: Worth the Investment
While initially more expensive, built-in furniture offers excellent value:
Kitchen Cabinets
Budget option: Melamine cabinets, KES 25,000-40,000 per meter Mid-range: Lacquered MDF, KES 40,000-65,000 per meter Premium: Solid wood, KES 70,000-120,000 per meter
A 4-meter kitchen costs KES 100,000-160,000 (budget to mid-range). Lasts 10-15 years and adds property value.
Bedroom Wardrobes
Freestanding wardrobe: KES 25,000-55,000 (takes floor space, mobile) Built-in wardrobe: KES 35,000-75,000 (maximizes space, looks custom)
Built-ins use vertical space better and can include drawers, shelves, shoe racks customized to your needs.
TV Units and Shelving
Freestanding TV stand: KES 8,000-20,000 Built-in entertainment unit: KES 30,000-70,000 (includes storage, shelving, cable management)
Built-ins create a cleaner, more organized look and provide much more storage.
Lighting: Transform Your Space
Lighting dramatically affects how your home feels.
Types of Lighting
Ambient lighting: General room lighting (ceiling lights, chandeliers) Task lighting: For specific activities (reading lamps, kitchen counter lights) Accent lighting: Highlights features (wall sconces, picture lights)
Use all three types for a well-lit, dynamic space.
Affordable Lighting Options
LED bulbs: KES 300-600 each (last 10+ years, use 80% less power) Ceiling fixtures: KES 2,000-10,000 (wide variety at Ngara, Luthuli Avenue) Floor lamps: KES 3,000-12,000 (add ambiance, mobile) String lights: KES 500-2,000 (create cozy atmosphere) LED strip lights: KES 1,000-3,000 per 5 meters (under cabinets, behind TV)
Lighting Hacks
Maximize natural light: Use sheer curtains, mirrors opposite windows, light-colored walls.
Layer your lighting: Don’t rely on one ceiling light. Add lamps at different heights.
Dimmer switches: Control mood and save energy. Install for KES 1,500-3,000 per switch.
Warm vs cool: Use warm white (2700-3000K) in living spaces, cool white (4000-5000K) in work areas.
Window Treatments
Curtains and blinds affect both aesthetics and comfort.
Curtain Options and Costs
Ready-made curtains:
- Basic: KES 1,500-3,000 per panel (limited sizes, basic fabrics)
- Mid-range: KES 3,000-6,000 per panel (better fabrics, more sizes)
- Premium: KES 6,000-12,000 per panel (quality fabrics, designs)
Custom curtains:
- Fabric: KES 400-1,500 per meter
- Lining: KES 250-500 per meter
- Tailoring: KES 500-1,000 per panel
- Rods and fixtures: KES 1,500-5,000 per window
Total for custom curtains: KES 5,000-15,000 per window (depending on size and fabric).
Blinds and Shades
Roller blinds: KES 2,500-6,000 per window (modern, clean, easy to maintain) Vertical blinds: KES 3,000-8,000 per window (good for large windows, patio doors) Roman shades: KES 4,000-10,000 per window (soft, elegant, more fabric)
Budget Window Treatment Tips
Use one rod for two panels: Instead of buying expensive wide curtains, hang two narrower panels.
Lengthen cheap curtains: Buy 2-meter panels and add a decorative border to reach ceiling.
Hang high: Mount rods close to ceiling, not just above window—makes rooms feel taller.
DIY: Buy fabric from KES 250/meter at Eastleigh or Biashara Street, sew yourself or pay a tailor KES 500 per panel.
DIY Decor Ideas
Save money and add personality with DIY projects:
Wall Art
Framed fabric: Buy beautiful Kitenge, Maasai, or batik fabric (KES 500-1,500 per meter). Frame pieces for KES 800-2,000. Total cost per piece: KES 1,300-3,500.
Photo collages: Print family photos (KES 50-200 each), arrange in inexpensive frames. Personal and meaningful.
Macramé wall hangings: Learn basic knots, buy rope (KES 500-2,000), create bohemian wall art. Total cost: KES 1,000-3,000.
Painted canvas: Buy blank canvases (KES 300-1,500), paint abstract designs. No artistic skill needed for modern abstract art.
Decorative Accessories
Cushions: Buy cushion inserts (KES 200-500), make covers from fabric remnants (KES 200-500 per cushion).
Vases and pots: Paint old glass bottles with spray paint (KES 500 per can), use as vases. Or paint terracotta pots for plants.
Trays and organizers: Repurpose shoe boxes, cover with contact paper or fabric. Use for desk organization, bathroom storage.
Throw blankets: Buy fleece fabric (KES 600-1,000 per meter), hem edges yourself. Drape over sofas for color and texture.
Furniture Makeovers
Paint old furniture: Sand, prime, paint. Transform a tired wardrobe into a statement piece for KES 2,000 in supplies.
New hardware: Replace old drawer pulls and cabinet handles (KES 100-500 each). Instant facelift.
Reupholster chairs: Buy fabric (KES 800-1,500 per meter), staple gun (KES 800-1,500), follow online tutorials. Reupholster dining chairs for KES 2,000 per chair.
Stain or paint wood: Bare wood furniture can be stained (KES 800-1,500 per liter) for a custom look.
Flooring on a Budget
Flooring is a bigger investment, but affordable options exist:
Budget Flooring Options
Cement screed: KES 200-350 per square meter (functional, can be painted or stained) Vinyl flooring: KES 800-1,800 per square meter (water-resistant, easy to clean, many designs) Laminate flooring: KES 1,200-2,500 per square meter (looks like wood, affordable, DIY-friendly) Carpet tiles: KES 400-1,200 per square meter (soft, warm, easy to replace damaged sections)
Flooring Hacks
Area rugs: Can’t afford to redo floors? Large area rugs (KES 5,000-20,000) cover old flooring and define spaces.
Painted floors: Cement or wood floors can be painted with floor paint (KES 1,500-3,000 per liter). Create patterns with stencils.
Vinyl planks: Looks like wood, installs over existing floors, no professional needed. DIY a bedroom for KES 15,000-25,000.
Plants: Nature’s Decor
Plants add life and improve air quality. Very affordable in Kenya:
Common indoor plants:
- Snake plant (Sansiveria): KES 200-800 (low maintenance, air purifying)
- Pothos/Money plant: KES 150-500 (easy to grow, trailing)
- Spider plant: KES 150-400 (produces babies, cascading effect)
- Peace lily: KES 300-1,000 (flowers, low light tolerant)
- Aloe vera: KES 200-600 (medicinal, easy care)
Pots and planters:
- Plastic pots: KES 50-300 (lightweight, inexpensive)
- Ceramic pots: KES 300-2,000 (attractive, heavy, better for stability)
- DIY options: Reuse tins, buckets, baskets lined with plastic
Buy plants from local nurseries, markets, or get cuttings from friends. Ten plants cost KES 2,000-5,000 but transform your space.
Storage Solutions
Good storage keeps homes organized and attractive:
Open shelving: Install yourself with brackets (KES 500-1,500) and boards (KES 800-2,000). Display books, plants, decorative items.
Under-bed storage: Shallow boxes or drawers for seasonal items, shoes, extra linens. Buy or DIY with wheels.
Wall hooks: KES 50-300 each. Hang bags, keys, jewelry, artwork. Decorative and functional.
Baskets and bins: Woven baskets (KES 300-2,000) look good and hide clutter on shelves.
Over-door organizers: KES 500-2,000. Add storage without taking floor space.
Room-by-Room Budget Makeover
Living Room (KES 50,000 Budget)
- Paint (DIY): KES 5,000
- Throw pillows (5): KES 5,000
- Coffee table: KES 10,000
- Area rug: KES 12,000
- Curtains: KES 8,000
- Table lamp: KES 4,000
- Wall art/decor: KES 3,000
- Plants and pots: KES 3,000
Result: Refreshed, cohesive living space
Bedroom (KES 40,000 Budget)
- Paint: KES 4,000
- Bedding set: KES 8,000
- Curtains: KES 6,000
- Bedside lamp: KES 3,000
- Throw blanket: KES 2,000
- Decorative pillows: KES 3,000
- Wall art: KES 2,000
- Wardrobe organizers: KES 3,000
- Plants: KES 1,500
- Area rug: KES 7,500
Result: Cozy, personalized sleeping space
Kitchen (KES 30,000 Budget)
- Paint: KES 4,000
- Curtains or blinds: KES 4,000
- Open shelving: KES 3,000
- Storage containers/jars: KES 3,000
- New cabinet handles: KES 2,000
- Dish rack and organizers: KES 2,000
- Bar stools (2): KES 10,000
- Plants/herbs: KES 1,000
- Decorative items: KES 1,000
Result: Fresh, organized kitchen
Common Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid
Buying everything at once: Build your space gradually. Live in it first, understand your needs.
Ignoring scale: Furniture too big or too small for the room looks awkward. Measure carefully.
Too many colors: Limit to 3-4 main colors for cohesion. Use the 60-30-10 rule (60% dominant color, 30% secondary, 10% accent).
Pushing furniture against walls: Float furniture to create intimate conversation areas.
Ignoring lighting: One ceiling light isn’t enough. Layer different light sources.
Following trends blindly: Choose what you love and what suits your lifestyle, not just what’s trendy.
Clutter: Less is more. Display a few meaningful items, not everything you own.
Where to Find Inspiration
Pinterest: Search “Kenya interior design” or “African modern interiors” for ideas suited to our climate and style.
Instagram: Follow Kenyan interior designers and home decor stores: @alvinculture, @onredesignke, @archiventures.ke
YouTube: Channels like “The Sorry Girls,” “Mr. Kate,” and “Home Decor DIY” have budget-friendly projects.
Magazines: Local publications like Home & Living Kenya, Architecture & Building Kenya.
Local showrooms: Visit for inspiration even if you buy elsewhere. Note what you like and find budget versions.
Conclusion
Creating a beautiful home on a budget in Kenya is absolutely possible. The keys are:
- Prioritize: Invest in quality pieces you’ll use daily, save on decorative items
- DIY: Learn basic skills—painting, simple sewing, furniture assembly
- Shop smart: Buy from markets, second-hand, direct from manufacturers
- Start small: Transform one room at a time
- Personalize: Add items that reflect your story and culture
Your home should be a reflection of you, not a copy of expensive showrooms. With KES 50,000-150,000 and some effort, you can create a space that is both beautiful and uniquely yours.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and remember that the best homes are built gradually with love, not overnight with money. Start today with one small change—paint a wall, buy a plant, rearrange your furniture—and watch your space transform.