10 minutes with local taste makers

At home with Mutindi Jacobs

When it comes to organisation, style and elegance, Mutindi Jacobs’ home scores a cool 10 out of 10. A mom, wife, lawyer and florist, Mutindi is a woman with a passion for making things beautiful. Not only does she pour this passion into her flower shop but also into decorating her homes in the most stunning and creative ways.

I had the pleasure of chatting to her about her love for homemaking which has turned into a business and a growing YouTube channel that she uses to share her latest decor hauls and home decorating and organising hacks.

When did you fall in love with interior decorating?

I fell in love with interior decorating when I purchased my first property a couple of years ago. As a young professional I had been working towards this goal for many years and when it finally materialised I threw myself into creating a space that would not only celebrate my accomplishment, but also show off my personality and creativity.

How would you describe your style of decorating?

My decorating style has definitely evolved over the years. When I started decorating my apartment, my style was Hollywood glam, which includes very sparkly, shiny and ostentatious things. Since becoming a student of interior design and styling my family home, my style is now more muted. I’m into timeless pieces which can transition between the various interior styles. I would describe my current interior style as a mix of mid-century modern and African luxe with a touch of modern farmhouse.

What are your current home styling obsessions?

I am currently obsessed with natural elements such as wood, stone, concrete and greenery. I’m using wood in my cutting boards, which I lean against the kitchen backsplash, and in the wooden dough bowl that I keep fruits in. I’m using stone in my mortar and pestle and my cheese boards, and concrete candle holders which are great for both indoor and outdoor use. These days I enjoy styling my tables with greenery and foliage, which is a much cheaper option than flowers and just as beautiful. Olive tree branches and Ruscus are my current faves.

If there was one country you could draw decor inspiration from for the rest of your life, which is it?

Namibia of course. There is so much beauty in our nature and diverse cultures and I draw inspiration from it daily. We recently refurbished our farmhouse with Namibian decorative elements and I am in love with it. From baskets to clay pots, camel thorn pods to wild grass, I didn’t have to look far for inspiration, everything we need to make our homes beautiful can be found right here.

How does motherhood influence the way you style your home?

I have to be very careful with what I put out. For example, since my son started walking I can no longer style my coffee table with glass ornaments or breakables. I now use brass ornaments to style anything where he can reach. Motherhood just means that I have had to find more sustainable and safer ways to decorate my home.

What would you say is the most prized item in your house?

In my case it’s several items. A fabric throw that I inherited from my grandmother, a framed photo of my family and I at Christmas and a storage box that I keep sentimental items in.

You’re very good at decorating on a budget, what are your top three tips for decorating without breaking the bank?

My number 1 tip is to ‘shop your home’ first. Sometimes you don’t have to buy anything to decorate a space. Make the most of your existing pieces. Simply move things around or relocate them to another room, where they could change or help elevate the look. You’d be surprised at how versatile home decor can be.

2: Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform your rooms. A fresh coat can instantly update a space or an object that needs to be elevated. I had some red vases lying around the house that no longer worked in my new space. Instead of throwing them out and buying new ones, I simply painted them black, which worked better in my new space.

3: Change your accents. Changing or replacing accents around your home will result in a quick and inexpensive makeover. For example, you can replace the handles and knobs on your kitchen and bathroom cupboards or drawers. You can also replace lampshades and light fixtures to transform your space instantly.

Rukee Kaakunga is a Communications Specialist and Freelance Writer based in Windhoek. Follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni, on Instagram @rukeekaakung or visit her website: www.rukeekaakunga.com.