African home decor adds personality to your home

An alchemy of natural materials, African craftsmanship, and contemporary vision drives the renovation of the home of the founder of People of the Sun, a project that supports artisanal design in Malawi.

Natural materials, African craftsmanship, and a contemporary vision redefine the living area—the heart of the home—in the renovation project partnered by Krei. We are in Isola Farnese, a small village built on the ruins of an ancient Etruscan city. It has preserved the magic of the place, almost suspended in time, nestled among the rolling hills of the Roman countryside and the Veio Park—so much so that it’s hard to believe you’re just a few kilometers away from the chaos of Rome.
In this fairytale setting, Krei is a partner in the renovation of the home of the architect and founder of People of the Sun—a project that supports Malawian craftsmanship by fostering creative collaborations between international and local designers.
Specifically, the project involved the research and selection of numerous materials, including a distinctive Brazilian granite, seamless surfaces, and handmade terracotta—resulting in a fully custom-made supply.

The kitchen space makeover

At the heart of the renovation project is the kitchen—an open space connected to the living area. It is the true soul of the home, the result of a delicate balance between functionality, beauty, and personality. Scenes of everyday life unfold before your eyes: the warmth of hospitality, the sound of shared laughter, the quiet of reflection, and a moment to oneself. In the kitchen, preparing meals is an ancestral ritual—intimate and meaningful—carried out in anticipation of sharing with friends and loved ones. The spaces we live in shape how we see life, how we feel, and how we act. Likewise, the furniture and accessories that fill them speak of who we are and reflect our essence.

The warmth of Africa-made home accessories

The driving force behind the project is a palpable desire to create a narrative through furniture and accessories, highlighting African craftsmanship through the lens of contemporary aesthetics.

The homeowner works closely with craftsmanship and shares its values. By founding People of the Sun, her commitment is to revive the artisanal traditions of Malawi, rooted in manual skills, through design. Craftsmanship gives objects a soul, making them truly valuable, while design helps preserve and elevate these abilities, which would otherwise fade away.

People of the Sun, awarded the SEED Award in 2015 for its sustainable and innovative business model, offers home decor and furniture solutions rich in cultural tradition, engaging and supporting the finest artisans discovered in the markets and villages of southern Malawi.

Innovative products are created: tapestries meticulously handwoven by the first basket weavers in Malawi, abstract masks woven as wall decorations, and handmade chairs and sofas crafted from bamboo rubber and rattan.

Patagonia Granite for the Kitchen Countertop

A stunning and dramatic stone, Patagonia granite is a high-quality material and a rare type of granite due to its composition of two different natural materials pressed together by the power of nature. Originating from Brazil, its uniqueness comes from the intricate blend of shapes and colors: the variety of rocks and minerals it is made from is skillfully combined with its volcanic nature.

The choice to make the kitchen countertop in Patagonia is striking: the eye is drawn to its chaotic soul, created by the interplay of light between the natural marble-like section and the glossy quartzite part. You can easily get lost in the infinite hues, letting your imagination run wild with the slabs cut and arranged in an open pattern. The range of colors and patterns blends effortlessly with a wide variety of furniture and living styles, from modern to traditional. Due to its fluid and at times elusive color variations, it adds a touch of surprise to each space, creating a visual impact akin to that of a work of art. Among its qualities, the longevity of this material stands out, as it can withstand the test of time while maintaining its natural beauty. Additionally, its exceptional resistance to scratches, chips, impacts, and acids makes it the ideal choice for high-traffic areas, such as kitchen countertops.

The kitchen floor with a seamless surface

In a harmonious dialogue between floors and wall coverings, the latter were chosen to contrast with the seamless surfaces, free of any joints, blending classic, modern, industrial, and rustic styles with trendy contrasts that are highly favored in contemporary design. These are customizable, non-absorbent, and durable surfaces with high decorative value, which is maintained even under heavy foot traffic.

One of the key qualities of this material is its variety of colors and textures: seamless surfaces can be customized with a base color and, more importantly, with different types of marble, creating a unique combination. Like marble, they can have various finishes suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, altering the surface itself. The final result is sleek, contemporary surfaces with a uniform appearance that are particularly resistant to scratches, impacts, and wear, with the added benefit of water- and oil-repellent treatments.

Text: Silvia Cutuli