The word hustle defines Millicent Omanga. Not only is she a politician, but she is also a businesswoman and a self-taught interior decorator at heart. On the day of the Art of Living interview, she had a crazy schedule, which was understandable.
Omanga lives in a sought-after area in a Nairobi suburb. The serene setting, striking features, and character make the five-bedroom ensuite lavish penthouse appealing, and warm.
We went straight from the entryway to her delightfully fresh and charming haven. Her lovely home is perfect for entertaining. Its exemplary detailing and tasteful stylish modern finishes give it a unique feel.
Her living room is bright, airy, and contemporary with an open style. The space is sunken but the dining area is raised. Huge floor-to-ceiling glass windows create an elegant and ideal backdrop with stunning views.
Silk grey curtains and wooden floors give the space a timeless and cosy feel. A vaulted high ceiling with exposed beams adds height and volume, redefining distinguished living and a truly warm and welcoming abode.
The neutral interior palette was a perfect canvas for her to immaculately display decorative silver-grey mirror design accessories in different shapes and sizes on all her walls. These add sparkle and glitter.
"Mirrors and lighting fascinate me. I love and collect mirrors because they are decorative and add glam into a space,'' she said.
I marvel at how she plays with neutral paint colours. Her focal wall is a statement. The stucco textured grey paint on the accent wall and tiny love hearts and butterfly accessory mirrors display create impact and expression. On a different wall, she used Swahili paint that shimmers with different lighting.
She has poured her heart and soul into this home. Her decor ideas are cutting-edge. For instance, she enjoys mood lighting, and what struck me the most was the amount of decorative and exquisite accessories and light fixtures that permeates her walls.
The glamorous giant chandelier chimed beautifully. Going a step further, Omanga changes bulbs to get different mood lighting effects on each wall and columns in the room.
As she humorously engaged me in her decor tricks, I absorbed the information with admiration. She shared that, sometimes, she creates her own 'night out mood' in the evenings by changing the lighting into disco lighting - that explains her passion for dancing. We can induce our little pleasure in our spaces, I thought to myself.
The room has white leather stylish handcrafted sofa sets, a marble, solid white round dining table, and white leather dining chairs. The brown cowskin rag on the floor complements the seamless look and adds a note of authenticity.
Omanga did her interior decor and she revamps it as often as possible. Additionally, she also owns a decor company. She informs me that her passion for interior decor began during her travels and she admired how people in other countries live.
Slowly, she began to import decor pieces from abroad. The decor business snowballed by accident, and now, she is a fully-fledged interior decorator with undeniable skills and passion.
Her 10-year-old daughter's ensuite bedroom is whimsical and playful. Her daughter chose the colour pink.
Omanga added gorgeous decorated cabinets, a cute and playful study desk, hello kitty curtains, and a bunker bed, in case her friend comes over for a sleepover. The tiles in the bathroom are unique.
Ascending the sweeping stairs to her master bedroom, Ithe galleried wall landing is impressive, a splendid view from the upstairs living room's decor.
Her ensuite master bedroom is as neat as a pin. It is luxurious and comfortable with his and hers closet, a bed with excellent craftsmanship that was imported from china, a quilted bedcover, and a massage seat. There is a jacuzzi bathtub in her ensuite bathroom.
"This is where I come and relax after a long day and sometimes when I am trolled on social media - although most of the time I dismiss the trolls because that does not define who I am,'' she says.
-For more inspiration watch this Art of Living episode on the KTN YouTube Channel
