Prime House Interior Takes on Diaspora Project — Leaves Client in Awe with Transparency and Quality
From 7,000 miles away to move-in ready, this is how Prime House Interiors gave Mr. Omondi peace of mind, professionalism, and a transformed Kenyan home.
For 25 years, James Omondi has been a familiar face in Toronto, Ontario. At his café, Maple & Brew, customers know him for his quick smile and perfect cappuccinos. And for Kenyans who visit his cafe, he is always eager to show off his amazing Kenyan home, perfected by expert interior design services from Prime House Interiors. How did it come to be?
As soon as he finished his higher education in Canada and started his business, Omondi designed a retirement plan which included a palatial dream home in Kisumu, the city where he was born. Good fish, reuniting with family and enjoying a quiet life away from Western drama. That was the dream.
In 2020, when his children finished school and his wife also began to speak of returning home, he decided the time had come. He invested in a large family house just outside Kisumu city. He imagined mornings on the veranda with fresh lake air, evenings with relatives, and a space that carried both Kenyan roots and the modern interior design standards he admired abroad.
But dreams, especially across borders, rarely land smoothly.
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The shocking handover
When Omondi visited Kisumu for the handover, the house was standing — but it felt wrong. The walls were bare, the lighting harsh. The rooms looked big but lifeless. It was not the welcoming space he had promised his wife. His contractor had done the bare minimum of sprucing up the house.
Even worse, family members had already started whispering. “Baba James built a big house, but it feels like a hall.” On WhatsApp, his cousins joked that the place looked like a government office.
This was not how he wanted his retirement story to begin. He flew back to Canada, but with a plan to make things better, from the interior of the house to the exterior. He needed to hire top interior designers in Kisumu.
The diaspora dilemma
Omondi faced a familiar fear. Many of his friends in Canada had lost money on home renovation projects in Kenya. Contractors disappeared or cut corners. Promises were broken. He could not afford to make the same mistake.
Still, he could not leave the house as it was. It carried his name, his reputation, his dream. What he needed was not just workers, but professionals who could deliver style, trust, and accountability.
That is when he began searching for the best interior design company in Kisumu.
Finding a trustworthy interior design partner
Late one night in Toronto, scrolling on his laptop, Omondi found Prime House Interiors (PHI). What caught his eye was not just the photos, but the promise: Kenya’s best interior design company for diaspora clients.
We understood the pain points: contracts that protect, milestone reports that reassure, and a process designed for people far away. Omondi wrote to us immediately.
Our first Zoom call lasted about one hour. He spoke of his dream and his disappointment. His wife sat beside him, quiet. He shared pictures of what he wanted and the international interior design standard he wanted replicated in his home. We told them, “Give us three months, and we will turn this house into the home you always imagined.”
Overcoming distance
Working with diaspora clients is different. We knew Omondi wanted details, proof, and speed. Our design plan for his residential house, Kisumu interior design project, included:
- Weekly photo updates shared directly on WhatsApp.
- Virtual material tours so he could see tile, paint, and lighting choices in real time.
- A legally binding contract with clear costs and timelines.
Most of all, we promised to make decisions with his dream in mind: warmth, personality, and efficiency.
Not everything was smooth. Some materials he wanted were out of stock in Kenya. Imported lights were delayed at Mombasa port. At one point, a storm slowed work for two weeks.
Each delay tested his patience. But unlike many projects, he was never left in the dark. We explained, adjusted, and pushed ahead. The tension gave way to trust.
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The transformation
Slowly, the house changed as we worked through every detail, updating, upgrading, tearing down, and adding new features and paint jobs.
- In the living room, we installed gypsum ceilings with soft cove lighting. Blue-gray walls, elegant wall lights for the living room, and new furniture placement turned it into the heart of the home.
- In the kitchen, we redesigned the cabinetry layout, adding storage and a central island. His wife loved the fresh finishes and clean look.
- The bedrooms gained calming colors, chandeliers, and cozy textures.
- We optimized ventilation and added energy-saving fixtures — solutions Omondi had admired abroad but rarely seen in a Kenyan interior design company for diaspora projects.
What was once called “a hall” by relatives became a showpiece.
The final reveal
When Omondi returned to Kisumu for the big reveal, he was eager and excited. His extended family gathered. Neighbors stood outside, curious.
The moment he opened the door, the whispers stopped. The living room glowed with style. The living room looked like it belonged in a Canadian design magazine. Bedrooms felt intimate and luxurious. His wife touched the cabinetry and smiled for the first time since arriving.
People began taking photos. This time, they were not mocking — they were admiring.
Lessons for Diaspora Clients
Omondi’s journey is a reminder for many abroad. Building or renovating in Kenya comes with risks. But with the right partner, the rewards are priceless.
- The best interior design company in Kisumu is not the one with the cheapest quote. It is the one that protects your dream.
- A Kenyan interior design company for diaspora clients must deliver trust, not excuses. It must be held accountable for every shilling spent.
- Home renovation in Kenya is not about decoration. It is about improving style, comfort, and personalizing the home to the lifestyle and preferences of the owner and occupants.
A home for the future
Today, Omondi prepares to retire from Maple & Bean in Toronto. He now has a home in Kisumu where his children can visit, where cousins gather, and where every wall tells a story of resilience.
His residential house in Kisumu’s interior design project is more than finishes and lights. It is a story of distance, trust, and transformation.
And for us at Prime House Interiors, it is another proof that every diaspora dream can be made real — with care, professionalism, and heart. Call us at +254 721 502 251 to discuss your projects!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company is best for interior designing?
The best company is one that balances creativity with professionalism. In Kisumu, Nairobi, and across Kenya, clients often look for teams that combine modern design ideas with reliable contracts, clear costs, and timely delivery. Prime House Interiors is trusted by both local and diaspora clients because we focus on style and structure. We provide designs that match each client’s needs, from residential homes to commercial spaces.
How much do interior designers charge in Kenya?
Charges depend on the size of the project, the style chosen, and the materials used. Small home renovation projects may cost less, while full-scale residential house, Kisumu interior design, or office projects can be higher. Some designers charge a flat fee, while others work with a percentage of the total project cost. Prime House Interiors gives clients clear, itemized budgets. We also offer flexible payment plans, especially for clients who prefer staged payments.
Which type of interior design is best for a home?
There is no single “best” type of interior design. The right style depends on how a family lives. Some prefer modern minimalism with clean lines and neutral colors. Others enjoy warm, traditional finishes that reflect Kenyan culture. The best design is one that makes the house feel comfortable, efficient, and personal.
What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?
The 3-5-7 rule is a guideline for arranging objects and patterns. It suggests grouping items in odd numbers — 3, 5, or 7 — because the human eye finds this more natural and balanced. For example, three cushions on a sofa or five photo frames on a wall often look better than even numbers.