Kitchen Glow-Up: Moody Maximalism Meets Afro-GrandMillennial Charm
Bold Afro-Grand-millennial Kitchen Reveal
Before: Dining Room Wall that Blocked the Flow
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home—and in Feng Shui, it’s much more than that. The symbolizes nourishment, abundance, and the well-being of everyone who lives there. But for years, my kitchen did the opposite: it drained me. The outdated tile countertops, bland oak cabinetry, and boxed-in layout made even washing dishes a drag. It was a space I wanted to escape, not create in.
An Evening Glow & Entertainment Ready Space
I knew it was time to stop piecemealing my dissatisfaction. I needed a full transformation—but without re-conceptualizing the entire kitchen. We didn’t change the layout, but gave everything else a thoughtful upgrade.
Before: Builder-Grad Tile & 90s Honey Oak
Honoring My Roots: A Kitchen Inspired by My Mother and Grandmother
Before I picked a paint swatch or sourced a single fixture, I asked myself:
“How would my mother and grandmother decorate their kitchen if they had the freedom to do so?”
Layered Storytelling :tribal wallpaper, Caribbean Artwork & floating shelf of greenery tie heritage & modern design into one view.
This question became the emotional blueprint of this entire project. Their kitchens were always full of life, flavor, and conversation—and I wanted to capture that energy in a way that also reflected my own bold spirit.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m dramatic—in the best way. I love high contrast, rich textures, and design that makes a statement. So I gave myself permission to go there. I leaned into joy. I leaned into heritage. And I gave myself as much creative freedom as possible.
Before: The Classic, the Cramped, the Uninspired
Kitchen that’s narrow & closed off
Our old kitchen had its moment, sure—honey oak cabinets, black tiled borders, laminate countertops. Classic 90s Americana. But it wasn’t us. The narrow galley layout ended at a blank wall you’d stare at while doing anything at the sink. It felt like a culinary prison, especially with the harsh overhead lighting and cramped sightlines.
Functional Flow: Optimized Layout for Prep & Cooking
After: Quartz Counters, Tribal Wallpaper, and modern Fixtures
The tile countertops were hard to clean, and the design lacked personality or narrative. Worst of all, the energy felt stagnant. And in Feng Shui, stagnant energy in the kitchen can ripple through your whole home—leading to burnout, blocks in creativity, and disconnect from your daily rituals.
Why We Chose a Renovation—Not a Remodel
Dining meets drama: opening the wall between spaces created flow, light and a seamless blend of everday meals with bold entertaining energy.
Quick design tip:
A remodel changes the structure. A renovation enhances what’s already there through thoughtful upgrades in finishes, fixtures, and flow.
We didn’t knock everything down. The floor plan remained the same. But we transformed the entire experience of the space—without changing the bones.
We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room to improve light, energy, and sightlines—knowing we’d be sacrificing some storage.
And guess what? We “bought back” that storage in smarter ways.
Storage Hacks That Work for Sm(All) Kitchens
Appliance Garage: Small Appliances & Slide-Out Trays in Upper Cabinets
Tiered Lazy Susan Organization
Though the footprint didn’t change, the functionality did—immensely.
Here’s how we maximized space and ease of use:
o We added sliders and pull-outs to make small appliances and dry goods easily accessible—no more crouching or digging.
o We turned a tight corner cabinet into a Lazy Susan, unlocking that dead space and turning it into an efficient storage hub.
o We added a ceiling-mounted floating shelf between the dining and kitchen areas to recoup some storage and visually divide the space without blocking light or views.
Everyday elevated: streamlined quartz counters & deep green cabinetry create a grounded backdrop for fresh produce & daily rituals.
Once the wall came down, cooking felt communal—and the new layout made the kitchen more inviting, functional, and perfect for working together.
Design Intentions: Function Meets Culture
A Feng Shui touch: the mirror above the stove doubles abundance & ensures the chef never cooks with their back facing the door to the garage directly benind.
Every decision was intentional, rooted in culture, and designed with longevity in mind.
· Color Palette: Deep green cabinets ground the space. It’s an earthy, enduring color—and yes, one of the most loved for kitchens across the board.
· Wallpaper: Inspired by our Afro-Caribbean and West African heritage, the tribal-style wallpaper wraps around the upper walls and peninsula, giving the kitchen a pulse of cultural storytelling.
· Countertops & Backsplash: We used white quartzite with subtle veining to bring brightness and simplicity. Running it up the wall as the backsplash eliminated grout lines and created a seamless, elegant finish that doesn’t fight with the wallpaper.
· Fixtures & Lighting: We swapped out the old fan and light combo for one that has a softer, sculptural silhouette with a natural tone—perfect for tying the look together.
Every layer tells a story—nothing here is just for show. It’s warm, textured, and fully lived in, just like us.
Our Boldest Choices: Wallpaper & Mirrors (for some colored cabinetry)
Feng Shui Touch: Mirror Above Cooktop for Prosperity & Safety
One of my favorite unexpected additions? A mirror above the cooktop.
Not only does it visually expand the room, but it also serves as a Feng Shui cure. Since the stove is the command center in Feng Shui (representing wealth and prosperity), reflecting it symbolically doubles its energy. Plus, it allows the chef to see behind them—creating a sense of safety and control. A small detail, but a big energetic shift.
Our Riskiest Design Move? That Wallpaper
Wallpaper Risk: Tribal Pattern E;levates the Everyday
Let’s be honest wallpaper in a kitchen is not for the faint of heart. But for me, it was non-negotiable. But two different patterns and colors of wallpaper is next level risky. I choose the brown tribal wallpaper to visually pull your eyes to the space; it creates a perfect backdrop for the dining room. Beyond this it opens your senses to experience to the rest of the kitchen and dark cabinetry, and black ikat wallpaper.
This decision made the kitchen feel elevated, warm, and impossible to forget.
What We Gained (Besides a Beautiful Kitchen)
· More usable countertop space at the sink
· Better light and energy flow with the open layout
· Layered storytelling through color, texture, and pattern
· Timeless finishes. Please note that removing the wallpaper which is much easier than hard finishes such as countertop and backsplash etc. Therefore, in future changing these are more cost effective.
Timeline & Budget Overview
Timeline: 6 weeks| Budget: $25k| Structural Change: Removal of Wall of Sink & Reinforcement of Ceiling above sink.
Your Home Should Tell Your Story
Natural light & intentional details: soft textures, fresh fruit, & handmade ceramics remind us that design is as much about feeling as fuction.
My goal was never to create a trendy kitchen. I wanted a kitchen that reflects our values: culture, creativity, and connection. A kitchen that feels like it belongs to us—and no one else.
If you’re dreaming of a kitchen that feels like you—bold, soulful, and functional—I’ve got you.
This is where the magic begins: with a mood board that brings textures, colors & culture together. Imagine what your home’s vision board could look like- we’d love to help you create it
Coming Soon: Our Virtual Design Masterplan
The revamped Design Masterplan is launching soon!
We’ll help you transform your space—virtually—with expert guidance on finish selections, layout suggestions, and personalized styling rooted in your unique story.
Follow along and read the blog to stay tuned for launch day.
Now I want to know—what’s the boldest design decision you’ve made? Would you do it again?
Let’s talk in the comments below.
Embrace Transformation Without Fear: Our Non-Judgmental Approach to Feng Shui & Mindful Organize
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with images of immaculate homes and perfectly organized spaces, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and self-conscious about our own living environments. At Home & Heart Interiors, we understand that life can get busy, and maintaining an organized home can sometimes feel like an impossible task. That is why we are committed to offering a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to our Feng Shui & Mindful Organize services.
Understanding the Fear of Judgment
We understand that there may be a fear of being judged for the state of your homes. It is completely natural to worry about what others might think, especially when inviting someone into your personal space. However, we want to reassure you that our goal is to create a supportive environment where you can feel comfortable and empowered to make positive changes.
Why We Are Judgment-Free
We’ve Been There Too:
Everyone, including myself, has experienced periods of clutter & disorganization and understand how overwhelming it can be. De-cluttering & organization for the long-term are a necessary foundation for home where positive energy can circulate and nourish the space.
We Focus on Solutions, Not Problems:
Our approach is solution oriented. We are here to help you find practical and effective ways to navigate your roadblocks to the home and space you want and not to dwell on its current state. As a Feng Shui consultant, troubleshooting, remedying and re-balancing spaces.
Respect and Empathy:
We believe in treating every client with the utmost respect and empathy. Our aim is to help you create a space that truly reflects your needs and desires. As one of our core values, inclusivity means we prioritize incorporating our clients' preferences, respecting and celebrating diverse cultural backgrounds, and practicing cultural sensitivity in all our projects.
Our Compassionate Process
Our Feng Shui & Mindful Organize service is designed to be as supportive and stress-free as possible.
Our one-on-one virtual decluttering and organizing sessions provide a non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive approach to decluttering and organizing. By focusing on emotional support and personalized guidance, we help clients create and maintain organized spaces in the long-run that contribute to their overall well-being.
1. Privacy and Comfort:
Clients can work on organizing their space from the comfort of their own home without the pressure of having someone physically present. This often leads to a more relaxed and open environment, where clients feel less judged about their space's current state.
2. Personalized Pace:
With our service clients are able to progress at their own pace, gradually building confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Emotional Safety:
- We understand the emotional challenges that come with decluttering and organizing and as such help provide a supportive and empathetic environment. We offer encouragement and validation without the potential stress of an outsider physically in the space.
4. Empowerment Through Learning:
- From clarity consultation to off-boarding this involves teaching clients skills and techniques that they can apply independently. This empowers clients to maintain their organized space long-term and foster a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance.
Here’s how we work to ensure you feel comfortable and respected throughout the process:
1. Clarity Consultation:
During our first virtual meeting, we take the time to understand your goals, challenges, and specific needs. This is a judgment-free zone where you can openly share your concerns and aspirations for your space.
2. Two (2) 45 mins Virtual Sessions:
Our online de-clutter coaching and organizing sessions are designed to provide you with practical guidance and emotional support. We work with you step-by-step, offering encouragement and strategies to de-clutter and organize without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Personalized Plan:
Based on your unique situation and natural tendencies, we develop a customized plan that integrates Feng Shui principles with intentional organizing techniques. This level of customization is a cornerstone of how we work to help our clients build lasting success in creating a Feng Shui-approved home that is functional and supportive of how they actuallylive. Through our detailed questionnaires and virtual coaching sessions encourage feedback and active client participation to understand clients’ their unique requirements for their space and life.
4. Ongoing Support:
We offer follow-up support to ensure you stay on track and continue to make progress. Our commitment is to help clients achieve lasting change and a harmonious, organized home.
Transform Your Space with Confidence
We want you to feel confident and excited about the transformation ahead. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
No Judgment, Only Support:
Remember, we are here to help you, not to judge you. Our purpose is to empower you in creating a space that feels peaceful and organized.
Every Step Forward is Progress:
Celebrate each small victory along the way. Every item you sort, every space you declutter, brings you closer to a home that supports your well-being.
Your Space, Your Pace:
There is no rush. We work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, ensuring that the process is manageable and stress-free.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
At Home & Heart Interiors, we believe that everyone deserves a harmonious, and functional space. Our Feng Shui & Mindful Organize service is here to support you in achieving that goal, free of judgment and full of compassion.
If you’re ready to transform your space and enhance your life, we invite you to complete our initial consult form to get started. Together, we can create a home that reflects your unique energy and supports your journey toward well-being.
Book this service here. Let’s take the first step towards a serene, organized, and energetically balanced home—together.