INSPIRING
A rich blend of influences, from modern Lagos and the Caribbean to English country houses, infuses this historic home packed with colour and pattern, art and books, all reflecting the passions of its owner and celebrating her family’s heritage
HOME PROFILE
WHO LIVES HERE Kemide Lawson, creative director of The Cornrow (thecornrow.com), an online home and lifestyle store, her husband and their two young daughters
THE PROPERTY A Grade II-listed brick workman’s cottage built in 1750, in Stanmore, north-west London
SITTING ROOM
A natural soft green chosen for the wallpaper and fireplace is a calming backdrop to the eclectic mix of colour in the room. Grasscloth wallpaper in Lawnmower, Altfield. Fireplace in Calke Green, Farrow & Ball. Tiles, Topps Tiles. Sofa covered in Peyote Ember, Zinc Textile. Large artwork above fireplace, Rudi Patterson
EXTERIOR
Kemide and her daughters outside their historic home
HALLWAY
The wallpaper depicting Haitian gingerbread houses is teamed with artworks of traditional houses. Wallpaper, Toile Des Caraïbes, Yaël & Valérie. Cushions, The Cornrow. Rug, Justina Blakeney x Loloi, Jungalow
Classic symmetry and a doll’s house-pretty facade would suggest a traditional interior within Kemide Lawson’s Georgian home in Stanmore, north-west London. But anyone entering with expectations of gently worn beams and faded florals would be in for quite a surprise.
Kemide, who lives here with her husband and their two daughters, has a dual Jamaican and Nigerian heritage, and has created a living space that reflects her passion for black history while also respecting the original character of the building. Apowerful mix of bold colour, cultural references and family narrative sits alongside old and new furniture and artwork, layered with accessories from independent brands including her own online home and lifestyle store The Cornrow. ‘The building’s age inspired me to embrace my own history and heritage as a way of adding to and complementing its story,’ says Kemide.
A childhood spent in Lagos, London and at a boarding school in the English countr yside, explains why Kemide’s deep interest in the history of black interior design is matched by a love of the country house aesthetic. Her decor also echoes the fact that the cottage is set in a nature reser ve – in the living room, textured grasscloth wallpaper brings the outside in, while in the k itchen, cabinets have been painted in a stunning jade green. ‘For the main bedroom, I wanted to create a tranquil feeling, so chose a blue and white cloud mural wallpaper.’
Positive role models are another influence, through artwork, books and striking vibrant yellow wallpaper depicting powerful blac
