SHOW HOUSE IDEAS WITH INTERIOR DESIGNER KIYONDA POWELL

Add new dimensions to your personal design style and learn how to infuse a modern home with high end show house ideas. Interior designer Kiyonda Powell, Creative in Chief of Kiyonda Powell Design Studio in Washington, D.C, shares how she incorporates contemporary African design to execute her show house ideas.

WHAT WAS YOUR ROLE IN THE ASPIRE HOUSE?

Powell: When given the challenge and opportunity to design a showhouse room, I was tasked with bringing the recreation room to life. Inspired by cozy gatherings in a rustic cabin setting nestled in the woods, I wanted to create warmth with hardy wood textures and layer the space with familiar, yet reimagined patterns and motifs. I have coined my design concept “Cabin Cool”, the place where people can gather and enjoy each other’s company with games and lively conversation - the cool place to be! I wanted the space to have a casual and flexible footprint, sprinkled with playful elements befitting a recreation room.

WHAT ARE YOUR SHOW HOUSE IDEAS THAT HELPED CREATE YOUR CABIN COOL AESTHETIC?

Powell: To help achieve this, I turned to 54kibo to help bring this vision to life with a few key pieces to style my space. When I think of some of the more familiar patterns and motifs you find in a cabin, I think of large scale layered patterns in textiles and tapestries. I selected the Jinja Floor Basket for its rich texture and bold pattern. The contrast in color with the weaving makes a striking statement in the room. It is perfect for the storage of blankets for chilly evenings or even for toys and games for the family.

TELL US ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR SHOW HOUSE IDEAS?

Powell: Adding to the pattern play are a pair of screen prints from Lisa Hunt: the Royal Palm Repeat and the Hourglass Beads Turquoise. The dynamic gold leafing and geometric patterns added contemporary African flair to the collection of items I used in the gallery wall. They are great as a stand alone piece or can definitely enhance an eclectic mix displayed on a gallery wall.

The Amur Table Lamp in gunmetal finish brings additional contemporary African art in the form of a light fixture. It was important to me to add the bold and unique perspective from African artisans. This piece not only adds warmth with light to the buffet, but adds modern interest to the vignette with the art, florals and beverage tray.

Consider contemporary African designs such as wall art and lighting to infuse a modern home with quality show house ideas. Explore the contemporary African design collections online and shop a few of Powell’s hand picked selections below.