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 The outdated tile countertops, bland oak cabinetry, and boxed-in layout made even washing dishes a drag.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.
Transform Your Space and Life with our Feng Shui and Mindful Organize Services
Do you feel like your physical space is keeping you back from living to your fullest potential? I mean feeling tired, uninspired and unmotivated? At Home & Heart Interiors, we understand the transformative power of a well-organized and energetically balanced space. In our fast-paced world, our living and working environments can often become chaotic, cluttered, and disorganized. This disarray not only affects the aesthetic appeal of our spaces but also has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
That’s why we are thrilled to introduce our new service offering: Feng Shui & Mindful Organize.
Why Decluttering and Organizing for Feng Shui
Feng Shui emphasizes the harmonious arrangement of our environment to optimize the flow of energy, or Chi. Clutter disrupts this flow, creating stagnant energy that can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and even physical discomfort. By decluttering and organizing, we can restore balance, allowing positive energy to circulate freely and enhancing our overall well-being.
Our Feng Shui & Mindful Organize service is designed to help you achieve this balance. Our virtual de-clutter coaching and organizing support sessions, we will guide you in transforming your space into a sanctuary of calm, clarity, and positive energy.
Coaching and Emotional Support: The Benefits of Organizing Coaching
Decluttering and organizing can be overwhelming tasks, especially when tackled alone. This is where the concept of body doubling comes into play. Body doubling involves having a supportive presence, to provide encouragement and accountability as you work through your tasks. Our virtual sessions offer this vital support, ensuring you never feel alone in your journey towards an organized and harmonious space.
During our virtual decluttering & organizing sessions, we provide:
Personalized Guidance: Tailored strategies to meet your specific needs and goals.
Emotional Support: A collaborative & compassionate approach to help you navigate the emotional aspects of decluttering.
Accountability: Regular check-ins to keep you motivated and on track.
The Power of Feng Shui and Mindful Organizing
Imagine walking into a space that immediately feels welcoming, peaceful, and energizing. This is the power of combining Feng Shui principles with mindful organization. By addressing both the physical and energetic aspects of your environment, we create spaces that support your lifestyle and aspirations.
Main Benefits of Our Feng Shui & Mindful Organize Service:
Enhanced Well-being: A clutter-free, balanced space promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, and improves overall health.
Improved Productivity: An organized environment boosts efficiency and creativity, making it easier to focus and accomplish tasks.
Emotional Resilience: Decluttering with emotional support helps release old patterns and make space for new, positive experiences.
Aesthetic Appeal: Beautifully organized spaces that reflect your personal style and energy.
How does this work?
Our Feng Shui & Mindful Organize sessions are designed to be interactive and supportive. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Consultation: We start with a detailed discussion to understand your goals, challenges, and the specific areas you want to focus on.
2. Personalized Plan: Based on your needs, we create a customized plan that includes Feng Shui principles and mindful organizing techniques.
3. One-Hour Sessions: During each session, we guide you through the process, providing step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and emotional support.
4. Follow-Up: After each session, we offer follow-up support to ensure you stay on track and continue making progress.
5. Feng Shui Report with recommendations to bring your space into alignment with principles of intentionality, balance & positive energy flow.
How to Get Started
Grab your FREE Feng Shui Quick Start checklist:
Embarking on a journey to a clutter-free, harmonious space has never been easier. With our virtual services, you can achieve the benefits of Feng Shui and mindful organization with the expertise, empathy and enthusiasm you need to make lasting changes once and for all.
Our Feng Shui & Mindful Organize service launches on June 26th. Visit Home & Heart Interiors to see our other upcoming services. Let’s work together to transform your space and, in turn, transform your life.
Feng Shui: Sorting Fact from Fiction in Home Design
What is Feng Shui?
The term "Feng Shui," which translates to "wind-water" in Chinese, captures such a vibrant and holistic approach to life! Rooted in the Taoist belief that everything in the universe is interconnected, Feng Shui is all about harmonizing with the surrounding environment. The energy, or "Qi" (Ch’i), flows through every living thing and object, connecting us all in a beautifully intricate dance of life.
As someone trained in the Form School of Feng Shui, this practice involves a careful evaluation of both objects and spaces to optimize the flow of energy. The ultimate aim? To arrange spaces in a way that objects are not just well-suited but also positioned to enhance well-being and functionality. It's all about creating environments where people can truly thrive, feel energized and at peace. Feng Shui really opens up a whole new dimension of connecting with our spaces and, through them, the world around us!
Why it works?
While some may be quick to write it off as superstition, emerging studies and principles from quantum physics suggest more scientific substance to Feng Shui than was previously realized. Feng Shui is about the flow of energy, balance, and harmony—concepts that have been observed and revered for centuries. This highlights a thrilling connection between traditional wisdom and modern scientific insights.
Similarly, studies in the area of spatial arrangement are shedding light on how the layout of a room can significantly boost productivity and creativity in the workplace. This really lends credibility to the principles of Feng Shui, which has long advocated for specific spatial arrangements to enhance particular qualities of spaces.
Feng Shui's perspective that the objects around us and their placement within our spaces are energetically linked to our own life experiences and energies opens so many possibilities for personalizing our environments in ways that resonate with our individual journeys. Therefore, imagine the potential for creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel aligned with our personal energy and life paths. Thus, another way of looking at it is Feng Shui enhances our daily experiences and emotional well-being through thoughtful and intentional spatial arrangement.
We all have first-hand experiences of how the design of a space can deeply influence how we function and the feel in said space. After all, we have all experienced how a cluttered spaces can increase our stress levels. while spaces that are well-lit and airy can boost mood and productivity. It’s all about creating environments that work for us, not against us.
Think of how comforted and relaxed we feel with natural elements such as plants, water features, and plenty of natural light. Isn’t it wonderful how a bit of nature can make such a big difference? Similarly, colors as well as sounds can have an energizing effect or a calming effect.
All of these elements tie beautifully into the principles of Feng Shui, which offers invaluable insights into creating spaces that are not only functional but also aligned harmoniously with our energies and life experiences.
What should you expect?
§ A Workspace where you will feel inspired & productive
§ Customized Feng Shui recommendations to give your space an energetic reboot for a comfortable and restorative home life.
§ Targeted Feng Shui remedies to improve your relationships, finances, career or creativity. Our recommendations will help restore energetic equilibrium in your space to support you in achieving the life you desire.
What Results Clients Can Expect from Seeking Out Feng Shui Services?
Embarking on a Feng Shui journey can be a transformative experience that touches various aspects of life. Whether you’re looking to boost your financial prosperity, enhance your health, improve your relationships, or even advance your career, Feng Shui offers a unique pathway to achieving these goals by the thoughtful arrangement of your living or working spaces.
Who is it for?
In short, Everyone. Irrespective of your design aesthetic or style, everyone can benefit from a space that is optimized using time-tested principles to thrive. With this in mind that, at Home & Heart Interiors, we follow the Feng Shui principles of intentionality, balance and personalization in our design philosophy to deliver authentic, discerning and soul-infused spaces. From our signature Masterplan Design Plan to the Decor & Art Sourcing & Curation Service to our Feng Shui & Mindful Organize service, we use Feng Shui principles to help you create a Home that is specifically geared to your aesthetic & functional needs.
Why work with Home & Heart Interiors?
At Home & Heart Interiors we combine our expertise in Feng Shui, interior decorating & professional organizing to provide a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and energetic harmony within a space.
Integrating the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui with contemporary design, we create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also promote well-being and prosperity.