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TikTok home makeover: Why young Kenyans are redecorating their spaces for the camera
12th August, 2026 03:53 PM
For a growing number of young Kenyans, moving into a new house is no longer the end of the process. It is the beginning of another project of transforming the space into a home that looks good, feels personal and, increasingly, photographs well.
Across TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest, home makeover videos, room tours and transformations have become a major source of inspiration. A plain bedsitter or apartment can quickly become a makeover project, with residents adding mirrors, artificial plants, wall art, rugs, curtains, warm lighting and carefully arranged furniture.
Social media has made home décor more accessible by giving young people ideas they can recreate without necessarily hiring an interior designer. Many browse videos for affordable tips, do-it-yourself ideas and ways to make small rental spaces appear larger and more stylish.
For some young renters, the motivation is simply comfort. After spending long hours at work, they want to return to a space that feels peaceful and reflects their personality. Others, particularly content creators, have another consideration, how the space will appear on camera.
Social media effect
A well-decorated bedroom can become the background for a TikTok video, while a stylish living room can feature in Instagram photos or home tours. This has blurred the line between decorating for personal enjoyment and decorating for an online audience.
The trend is also creating opportunities for local furniture and home décor businesses. Mirrors, lamps, rugs, storage organisers, faux plants and statement furniture are increasingly popular among consumers trying to recreate the aesthetics they see online.
However, keeping up with décor trends can become expensive. What begins as a small makeover can quickly grow as people purchase new curtains, bedding, furniture and accessories to achieve a particular look.
There is also the pressure created by seeing seemingly perfect homes online. Constant exposure to carefully staged interiors can make ordinary spaces feel inadequate and encourage people to compare their homes with those of influencers.
Still, for many Kenyans, redecorating is ultimately about creating a space where they feel comfortable and proud.
As social media continues to influence everyday lifestyles, the Kenyan home is becoming more than just a place to live. For some, it is also a reflection of identity, a creative outlet and a carefully curated backdrop for the digital world.
