● Updated March 2026 · 20 min read · By Arch. Vincent Abuya, BORAQS Registered
Nairobi's apartment market in 2026 is driven by one truth: the difference between an apartment that sits vacant and one that commands a premium rent — or sells for 20% above market — is almost always design. At Aalis Studios, we are Nairobi's only Lexus Design Award-winning architecture and interior design firm, and we offer a complete service for apartment owners, developers, and investors: concept design, renovation, full fit-out, and new apartment development from foundation to handover.
01 — Why It Matters
Why Apartment Design Is the Highest-Return Investment in Nairobi
Nairobi's residential rental market is more competitive in 2026 than at any point in the city's history. New apartment stock has flooded Kilimani, Westlands, Lavington, South B, Syokimau and along Thika Road. For landlords and homeowners, standing out is no longer optional — it is the difference between an apartment that generates yield and one that sits empty.
Professional interior design in a Nairobi apartment typically delivers three measurable outcomes:
Rental yield uplift of 15–30%
A professionally designed and furnished apartment in Kilimani or Westlands consistently commands KES 5,000–15,000 more per month than a comparable undesigned unit. Over twelve months, that is KES 60,000–180,000 in additional income from a single property.
Perceived space increase of 30–50%
A well-designed 50m² apartment can feel more spacious and functional than a poorly designed 80m² unit. Space planning, storage strategy, lighting, and material choices are the four levers an architect-designer uses to transform the same floor plate into a fundamentally different experience.
Resale value increase of 10–25%
In Nairobi's buyer-driven market, buyers make decisions within the first 90 seconds of viewing a property. A designed apartment — fitted kitchen, gypsum ceilings, quality tiles, good lighting — creates an emotional response that supports a higher asking price and a faster sale.
Aalis Studios Residential Development · Nairobi, Kenya
Aalis Studios residential apartment development · Contemporary architecture with resort-style amenities · Nairobi, Kenya
02 — Aalis Studios Apartment Services
Full-Service Apartment Design, Build & Renovation in Nairobi
Aalis Studios offers the complete spectrum of apartment services under one roof. Whether you own a single studio apartment in Kilimani or are developing a 60-unit block in Westlands, we bring the same level of architectural rigour to every brief.
Interior Design
Design & Fit-Out
150K–5M+
KES · Per apartment
- ✓ Space planning & 3D visualisation
- ✓ Material & finishes specification
- ✓ Kitchen & bathroom design
- ✓ Fitted joinery & wardrobes
- ✓ Lighting design & specification
- ✓ Construction supervision
Most Requested
Design & Build
Full Renovation
1.5M–5M
KES · 1-bedroom apartment
- ✓ Complete design & architectural drawings
- ✓ Bill of Quantities & contractor procurement
- ✓ Full kitchen & bathroom renovation
- ✓ New flooring, ceilings & lighting
- ✓ Fitted wardrobes & storage
- ✓ End-to-end project management
Architecture
New Development
Custom
KES · Full apartment blocks
- ✓ Concept & schematic design
- ✓ Planning & county approvals
- ✓ Structural & services coordination
- ✓ BOQ & contractor management
- ✓ Amenity design (pool, gym, co-work)
- ✓ Foundation to handover
ⓘ
All cost ranges are 2026 Nairobi market estimates. Actual costs depend on apartment size, scope of work, finishes specification, and site conditions. Aalis Studios provides a detailed, itemised Bill of Quantities before any work begins. Contact us at +254 757 743 454 for a project-specific estimate.
Lexus Design Award · BORAQS Registered · NCA Registered
Looking for the best interior design company for apartments in Nairobi?
Aalis Studios is Nairobi's only Lexus Design Award Grand Prix-winning firm. We design and build apartments that are beautiful, functional, and built to last. Studio, 1-bed, 2-bed and full developments.
03 — Our Process
How We Design & Build Apartments in Nairobi
Every Aalis Studios apartment project follows a structured four-stage process that eliminates surprises, keeps costs under control, and consistently delivers results that exceed client expectations. Here is what working with us looks like from the first call to key handover.
Stage 01
Design Consultation
Week 1
Site visit & brief
We visit your apartment, measure the space, assess natural light, and hold a detailed brief with you. We review your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget. For diaspora clients, we conduct this via video call with shared floor plans and mood boards sent in advance.
From KES 5,000 · Credited to your project
Stage 02
Concept Design & 3D Renders
Weeks 2–3
Full visualisation
Before a single tile is ordered or wall is touched, we produce complete 3D renders of your apartment. You see exactly what the space will look like — kitchen joinery, ceiling treatment, lighting, flooring — before committing any money to construction. This eliminates the most common cause of budget overruns: changing your mind mid-build.
Zero surprises · Full approval before work begins
Stage 03
Bill of Quantities & Specification
Week 4
Cost certainty
We produce a detailed, itemised Bill of Quantities covering every element: floor tiles, gypsum ceiling, kitchen cabinets and countertops, bathroom sanitary ware, paint, lighting, joinery, and all labour. You know the full cost before work begins. No hidden costs, no contractor surprises.
Full cost transparency before groundbreaking
Stage 04
Project Management & Handover
Weeks 5–16
From site to handover
We manage the entire fit-out on your behalf: coordinating contractors, inspecting workmanship at every stage, managing the programme, and ensuring the project delivers what the designs promised. Diaspora clients receive weekly photo and video site reports via WhatsApp throughout construction.
On-programme · On-budget · To specification
Luxury apartment living room with floor-to-ceiling glazing and garden view · Aalis Studios interior design · Nairobi, Kenya
04 — Studio Apartments
Studio Apartment Design in Kenya — Making Every m² Count
Studio apartments in Nairobi — particularly in Kilimani, Lavington, and Westlands — typically range from 28m² to 55m². Designing a studio well requires a fundamentally different approach from designing a larger home: every element must earn its place. There is no room for anything that does not contribute to comfort, function, or beauty.
The five principles Aalis Studios applies to every studio apartment design in Kenya:
Open-plan zoning, not open-plan chaos
A studio should feel like a considered home, not a box with furniture in it. We use ceiling treatments, area rugs, lighting zones, and changes in floor level or material to create distinct ‘rooms’ — a sleeping zone, a living zone, a workspace — without physical walls. The result reads as a full home, not a single room.
Vertical storage — floor to ceiling, everywhere
In a studio, floor space is precious and wall space is not. We design floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, floating shelves, above-door niches, and full-height kitchen cabinetry that maximise every centimetre of height. A well-stored studio feels larger because there is nothing on the floor that does not need to be there.
Multi-functional furniture — every piece does two jobs
A sofa bed that is genuinely comfortable to sleep on. A dining table that folds against the wall. A bed with deep under-storage drawers. A window seat with lift-up storage below. In a well-designed studio, the furniture disappears when it is not in use — and the space breathes.
Light palette and strategic mirrors
Small spaces feel larger when they are brighter. We use warm whites and light neutrals — warm greige, soft sage — on walls and ceilings, with colour introduced through soft furnishings and joinery. In Nairobi’s climate, we also maximise natural light through sheer curtaining, and use full-length mirrors to double the perceived depth of key spaces.
Compact kitchen design that actually functions
A studio kitchen in Nairobi does not need to be large. It needs to be efficient. An L-shaped or galley layout, integrated appliances, a magnetic knife rack instead of a block, and a fold-down breakfast bar can produce a fully functional kitchen in as little as 3.5 linear metres — with nothing feeling compromised.
“The best small apartments in Nairobi do not feel small. They feel precise. Every decision has been made deliberately, and nothing is there by accident. That is what good design looks like at any scale.”
Arch. Vincent Abuya — Principal Architect, Aalis Studios
05 — 1-Bedroom Apartments
1-Bedroom Apartment Design in Nairobi — Ideas & Principles
One-bedroom apartments represent the largest segment of Nairobi’s ownership and rental market, particularly in Kilimani, Lavington, Westlands, South B, Syokimau, and along Thika Road. At Aalis Studios, the brief for a one-bedroom is almost always the same: make it feel bigger, make it feel better, and make it feel like a home that a person is proud to live in.
Living room & dining area
The living and dining area in a Nairobi one-bedroom apartment is typically 18–35m². The most impactful thing you can do is remove unnecessary furniture and invest in fewer, better pieces. An L-shaped sofa proportionate to the space, a floating TV unit, a four-person dining table, and a three-layer lighting system (ambient, task, accent) will make a one-bedroom apartment feel like a show home.
For 2026, the most requested living room aesthetic in Nairobi apartments is warm minimalism: neutral walls in greige or warm white, natural material accents (wood grain joinery, linen upholstery, stone surfaces), indoor plants, and dimmer-controlled recessed lighting.
Bedroom design
The bedroom in a Nairobi one-bedroom apartment is typically 12–22m². The three highest-value design decisions are storage, lighting, and the window treatment. Floor-to-ceiling fitted wardrobes create a cleaner visual line than freestanding alternatives and provide significantly more storage per square metre. Bedside pendant lights instead of table lamps free up bedside table space entirely. Blackout roller blinds under sheer day curtains give you full light control in a city that gets 12 hours of sun.
Kitchen design
The kitchen is where apartment buyers in Nairobi make their biggest design investment — and correctly so. A well-designed kitchen adds more value per shilling than almost any other intervention. Aalis Studios kitchen designs for one-bedroom apartments typically feature: handleless cabinetry in moisture-resistant MDF, engineered quartz countertops (more durable than granite for everyday use), integrated hob and oven, and wherever the layout permits, a breakfast bar that doubles as a dining and work surface.
Open-plan apartment living room with panoramic views · Aalis Studios interior design · Nairobi, Kenya
Free Consultation · Nairobi
Get a design brief for your Nairobi apartment
Consultation from KES 5,000 · credited to your project
Book a one-on-one session with Arch. Vincent Abuya. In 60 minutes we will assess your space, advise on design direction, and give you a realistic cost estimate. Available in-person or via video call for diaspora clients.
06 — 2-Bedroom Apartments
2-Bedroom Apartment Design in Nairobi — Space, Flow & Premium Finish
Two-bedroom apartments represent the sweet spot of Nairobi’s investment and owner-occupier market. Large enough to accommodate families, sharers, or a home office without compromise, yet efficient enough to sit within the KES 12M–30M ownership range that defines the city’s most active buyer segment. At Aalis Studios, the 2-bedroom brief almost always focuses on three things: an open-plan living and dining area that genuinely functions as a social space, a primary bedroom that feels like a retreat, and a kitchen that earns its place as the visual centrepiece of the home.
Open-plan living & dining
The living and dining area in a Nairobi two-bedroom apartment typically runs 30–55m² when combined. The biggest design mistake in this space is treating the dining area as an afterthought — pushed against a wall with a four-seater table that nobody uses. We zone the open plan deliberately: a living cluster anchored by a statement sofa and a floating TV wall; a dining area defined by a pendant light and a six-seater table positioned for both conversation and views; and, wherever the layout allows, a kitchen island or breakfast bar that creates a natural social threshold between cooking and living.
Primary bedroom & en-suite
The primary bedroom in a well-designed two-bedroom Nairobi apartment should feel different in character from the rest of the home — quieter, warmer, more considered. We typically use a slightly deeper wall colour (warm stone, soft clay, or dark sage) to distinguish the bedroom palette from the lighter living areas. Floor-to-ceiling fitted wardrobes, integrated bedside lighting, and blackout blinds under sheer curtains are non-negotiable in our 2-bedroom briefs. The en-suite bathroom, even when compact at 4–7m², should feel spa-like: large-format porcelain tiles, a frameless glass shower screen, and a floating vanity with a backlit mirror.
Second bedroom & home office integration
In 2026, Nairobi’s two-bedroom buyers increasingly request that the second bedroom function as both a guest room and a productive home workspace. Aalis Studios solves this with a built-in desk unit that spans one wall — fitted with above-desk shelving, cable management, and task lighting — combined with a single bed or a fold-down wall bed (Murphy bed) that disappears during working hours. The result is a room that photographs as a bedroom and functions as a professional office without visual compromise in either mode.
Kitchen as the social anchor
In a two-bedroom apartment, the kitchen is visible from the living room almost by default. This means it needs to be designed, not just functional. At Aalis Studios, our standard 2-bedroom kitchen features handleless cabinetry in a two-tone palette (base units in a deeper tone, uppers in a lighter complement), engineered quartz worktops, a statement pendant or under-cabinet lighting strip, and wherever possible, a peninsula or breakfast bar that connects the kitchen to the living space rather than separating it.
Storage strategy across the whole apartment
Two-bedroom apartments attract buyers and tenants with more possessions. Storage strategy must be built into the design from the start: floor-to-ceiling wardrobes in both bedrooms, a utility cupboard for the washing machine and dry goods, a hallway storage unit that captures coats, shoes, and bags before they reach the living room, and kitchen cabinetry that goes all the way to the ceiling. An apartment with well-designed storage feels significantly more valuable — and commands a meaningfully higher rent — than one where storage was an afterthought.
07 — Architectural Apartment Types
Architectural Design for All Apartment Types in Nairobi & Kenya
Nairobi’s apartment market has diversified considerably in recent years. Aalis Studios designs across the full spectrum of apartment typologies — from compact studios to full-floor penthouses and multi-level maisonettes. Each typology demands a distinct architectural and interior design approach. Here is how we approach the most common apartment types we work with across Kenya.
Penthouse apartments
Nairobi’s penthouse market — concentrated in Westlands, Kilimani, Upperhill, and Riverside Drive — requires a fundamentally different design vocabulary from the floors below. Higher ceiling heights (typically 3.2–4.5m), private terrace or roof access, panoramic views, and the expectation of a premium finish throughout. Aalis Studios penthouse briefs typically include double-height feature walls, bespoke joinery, natural stone specification, integrated smart home systems, and landscape or terrace design as part of the same scope. The primary challenge in penthouse design is not lack of space — it is ensuring the design matches the expectation the address creates.
Duplex & maisonette apartments
Duplex apartments — two-level units within a larger building — are increasingly common in Nairobi’s premium residential developments in Karen, Runda, and Muthaiga. The architectural opportunity is the vertical journey: a well-designed staircase is the design centrepiece of a duplex, not an afterthought. Aalis Studios designs open staircases with glass balustrades, cantilevered timber treads, or feature steel stringers depending on the overall aesthetic. The lower floor typically carries the social spaces (open-plan living, dining, kitchen) and the upper floor the private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms), with the stair as the connecting gesture between two distinct characters.
Bedsitter & studio apartments
The bedsitter and compact studio category — typically 20–40m² — demands the most rigorous design thinking of any apartment typology. There is no room for anything that does not earn its place. Aalis Studios approaches these units as precision instruments: every wall surface is a storage opportunity, every piece of furniture has a secondary function, and the spatial sequence is choreographed so that the apartment always looks larger than its footprint. These units, designed well, achieve the highest rental yield per square metre in Nairobi’s market.
Serviced apartment & short-stay design
Nairobi has a significant and growing serviced apartment and Airbnb-type short-stay market, particularly in Kilimani, Westlands, Upperhill, and along Waiyaki Way. Designing for short-stay occupancy requires a different brief from owner-occupier design: materials must be highly durable and easy to clean, storage must accommodate both permanent and transient occupants, kitchen specification should be commercial-grade, and the overall aesthetic must photograph well — because the listing photograph is the sales tool. Aalis Studios designs serviced apartment interiors to a hotel standard, with the operational efficiency of a professionally managed property built into every decision.
Accessible & age-in-place apartment design
As Nairobi’s population ages and disability-inclusive design becomes both a regulatory requirement and a social expectation, Aalis Studios designs apartments that accommodate all occupants comfortably. This means: level thresholds throughout, wider door openings (minimum 900mm clear), wet-room bathrooms with fold-down shower seats and grab rails integrated into the tile design, and kitchen layouts that allow seated or standing operation without redesign. Done well, accessible design is invisible — the space feels generous and considered, not clinical.
Off-plan & developer apartment fit-out
A large proportion of Aalis Studios apartment work comes from developers who have sold units off-plan and need to specify and deliver the interior fit-out for handover, and from buyers who have purchased off-plan and want to upgrade the developer’s standard specification before moving in. Both scenarios require a design that balances cost efficiency at scale with a level of finish that meets buyer expectations and supports re-sale value. We have extensive experience managing multi-unit fit-out programmes across Nairobi, including procurement, contractor management, and quality assurance across buildings of 12–80+ units.
All Apartment Types · Nairobi & Kenya-Wide
Whatever your apartment type — we’ve designed it before
Consultation from KES 5,000 · credited to your project
Studio, 1-bed, 2-bed, penthouse, duplex, serviced apartment, or full development — Aalis Studios brings architectural rigour and award-winning design thinking to every brief. Book a consultation to discuss your specific apartment type and scope.
08 — Renovation Costs 2026
Apartment Renovation Costs in Nairobi 2026 — Real KES Figures
Apartment renovation is among the most requested services at Aalis Studios, particularly from two groups: homeowners who purchased off-plan and want to upgrade developer-standard finishes before moving in, and landlords looking to improve condition and rental yield before relisting. Here are realistic 2026 cost ranges for Nairobi.
| Renovation Scope | 1-Bedroom (KES) | 2-Bedroom (KES) | Timeline |
|---|
Cosmetic refresh
Repaint, new fittings, accessories, lighting |
150K – 350K |
250K – 500K |
2–3 weeks |
Mid-level renovation
New kitchen cabinets, bathroom retile, gypsum ceilings, lighting |
600K – 1.4M |
900K – 2.2M |
5–8 weeks |
Full renovation
Complete kitchen & bathroom, new floors, wardrobes, electrical, plumbing |
1.5M – 3.5M |
2.2M – 5M |
10–16 weeks |
Studio apartment full fit-out
Complete design and construction from blank shell |
800K – 2M |
— |
6–12 weeks |
| Interior design fees (design only, excl. construction) |
KES 3,000–7,000/m² |
KES 3,000–7,000/m² |
2–4 weeks |
Quick Estimate — Mid-Level 1-Bedroom Renovation Nairobi
Kitchen + bathroom + ceilings + lighting = KES 600,000 – 1,400,000
Average: KES 1,000,000
For a detailed, itemised Bill of Quantities specific to your apartment — contact Aalis Studios: +254 757 743 454
These figures are 2026 Nairobi market rates. Mombasa projects typically add 8–12%. Projects outside major urban centres may add 15–25% for material transport. Diaspora clients: all costs are quoted in KES with USD/GBP/AED equivalents on request.
09 — Amenities & Communal Spaces
Designing Apartment Amenities That Add Real Value in Nairobi
For apartment developers in Nairobi, the difference between a development that sells out and one that stalls is increasingly the quality and thoughtfulness of communal amenities. Buyers in 2026 — particularly in the KES 8M–25M price bracket — are comparing your development against international benchmarks. Aalis Studios designs the full amenity stack for apartment developments: from rooftop pools and fitness centres to co-working spaces, children’s play areas, and concierge lobbies.
Amenity Design · Aalis Studios Apartment Developments · Nairobi
Amenity design by Aalis Studios · Fitness centre, children’s play area & co-working business lounge · Nairobi apartment development
Rooftop & podium pools
An infinity or lap pool is the single most effective amenity for improving sale prices and rental yields in Nairobi’s mid-to-high-end apartment market. We design and specify pools that are structurally integrated into the building, thermally efficient in Nairobi’s climate, and finished to a standard that photographs well — which matters as much as it functions.
Fitness centres
A well-designed gym does not need to be large — it needs to feel premium. We design fitness spaces with floor-to-ceiling glazing where possible, warm timber detailing, high-quality rubber flooring, and equipment layouts that allow comfortable simultaneous use. A gym that looks like a gym on Instagram leases apartments faster in Nairobi’s current market.
Co-working & business lounges
Since 2022, co-working-ready amenities have become a standard expectation in Nairobi’s residential market above KES 80,000/month rent. We design these spaces with biophilic elements, acoustic separation between open and closed areas, and enough power and data infrastructure to support professional use — not just a table with a plug socket.
Children’s play areas
Family-oriented apartment buyers in Nairobi make faster purchase decisions when there is a dedicated, designed play space in the development. We specify these with safety-first surfacing, natural material equipment, good natural light, and sightlines that allow parents to supervise from a seating area. Well-designed play areas also reduce noise complaints — children play in designated spaces rather than corridors.
Security & concierge design
The entrance experience is the first and last impression a resident or visitor has of your development. We design entrance lobbies, gatehouse structures, and security control points that communicate safety, professionalism, and quality — without feeling like a fortress.
Professionally designed entrance and security gatehouse · Aalis Studios apartment development · Nairobi, Kenya
10 — Design Trends 2026
Apartment Design Trends in Nairobi for 2026
Based on the projects Aalis Studios is currently delivering and conversations with clients across Nairobi, the UK, the US, Qatar, and Canada, these are the interior design trends defining Nairobi apartments in 2026.
Warm minimalism
Neutral palettes — warm white, greige, soft clay — with natural material accents: wood grain joinery, terrazzo tiles, woven linen textures, indoor plants. The aesthetic is calm, uncluttered, and warm rather than cold. It photographs well, ages well, and appeals to the broadest range of buyers and tenants.
Home office integration
With many Nairobi professionals still working partially from home, apartment owners are requesting home office nooks integrated into living rooms or bedroom alcoves — designed to be fully functional during the day and visually disappear in the evening. A floating desk, task lighting, and above-desk shelving can create a complete workspace in 1.2m of wall.
Biophilic design elements
Indoor plants, natural light maximisation, timber accents, stone and clay textures, and water features in communal areas. In Nairobi’s apartment context, biophilic design is not an aesthetic choice — it is a health and wellbeing intervention. Research consistently shows that residents in biophilically designed spaces report higher life satisfaction and lower stress levels.
Statement kitchens
The kitchen is no longer a utility space. In 2026, the most requested kitchen briefs in Nairobi are open-plan layouts with islands, pendant lighting over breakfast bars, and bold cabinet colours: deep forest green, navy blue, warm terracotta. The kitchen is the room buyers Instagram first — design it accordingly.
Smart home integration
Voice-controlled lighting, motorised blinds, app-based access control, and smart security cameras are increasingly standard in Nairobi’s KES 80,000+/month rental market. We specify and integrate these systems from the design stage, so they are embedded in the architecture rather than retrofitted.
11 — Choosing the Right Firm
How to Choose the Best Interior Design Company for Your Apartment in Nairobi
If you are searching for interior design companies for apartments in Nairobi, the market has no shortage of options. Here is what separates a firm that will transform your apartment from one that will cost you money and deliver disappointment.
BORAQS registration — non-negotiable
The Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) is the statutory body that governs architectural practice in Kenya. An unregistered firm offering design and build services has no professional accountability if something goes wrong. Aalis Studios is BORAQS-registered. Always ask for registration details before signing any contract.
A verifiable portfolio — not just renders
Ask to see completed apartment projects in person, not just CGI images. The quality of workmanship on a finished site — how cleanly tiles are laid, how well joinery meets walls, how consistent the paint finish is — tells you everything about how a firm manages its contractors. Aalis Studios actively invites prospective clients to visit completed projects.
Full-service capability under one roof
The best outcome comes from working with a firm that handles design, specification, procurement, and construction supervision in an integrated process. Fragmented engagements — a designer, a separate contractor, a separate project manager — are the most common source of budget overruns and quality failures in Nairobi apartment renovations.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Any reputable firm should be willing to produce a detailed Bill of Quantities before work begins. Avoid any firm that asks you to commit to a project without a clear, line-by-line cost breakdown. At Aalis Studios, we produce a full BOQ for every project before a single contractor is appointed.
Award credentials
Aalis Studios is the only architecture firm in Kenya to have won the Lexus Design Award Grand Prix — the world’s most prestigious design award — which we received in 2020. We bring the same level of design ambition to an apartment in Kilimani as to a luxury villa in Karen. Awards are not vanity markers; they are evidence of a firm that pushes past the obvious answer to find the best one.
12 — Diaspora Clients
Design & Renovate Your Nairobi Apartment from Abroad
A significant proportion of Aalis Studios apartment clients are Kenyans based in the UK, United States, Canada, Qatar, and Australia who own property in Nairobi and want it designed, renovated, or managed to a high standard — without having to travel back to oversee the project.
We have developed a structured remote project management system specifically for diaspora clients. It includes:
Weekly photo & video site reports
Every Friday, we send a structured site report via WhatsApp or email covering work completed that week, materials on site, the programme for the coming week, and any decisions required from you. You are in the project whether you are in Nairobi or New York.
Milestone-based payment schedule
Funds are only released on verified completion of each construction milestone — confirmed by site photographs and inspection sign-off from our project manager. You never pay for work that has not been done. This is the most common anxiety for diaspora clients renovating remotely, and we remove it entirely.
3D visualisation of every design decision
Before any finish is specified or any contractor is appointed, you see the full 3D render of your apartment. You approve tiles, joinery, paint colours, and lighting remotely with confidence — because you are approving a render that matches what will be built, not a description or a material sample photograph.
Diaspora Apartment Design Service · Nairobi
Based in the UK, US, Canada, or the Gulf? We manage your Nairobi apartment remotely.
Weekly site reports. Milestone-based payments. 3D approval of every design decision. Full project management from design to handover. Contact us for a free 20-minute diaspora consultation.
13 — Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Apartment Interior Design in Nairobi
The questions Aalis Studios receives most often from apartment owners, developers, and investors in Nairobi. For anything not covered here, call us on +254 757 743 454 or send a WhatsApp.
How much does apartment interior design cost in Nairobi in 2026? +
Apartment interior design in Nairobi ranges from KES 150,000–350,000 for a cosmetic refresh (repaint, new fittings, lighting) to KES 600,000–1,400,000 for a mid-level renovation (new kitchen, bathroom retiling, gypsum ceilings), and KES 1,500,000–3,500,000 for a full renovation of a one-bedroom apartment. Professional design fees alone (excluding construction) are typically KES 3,000–7,000 per square metre. Two-bedroom full renovations range from KES 2,200,000 to KES 5,000,000. Contact Aalis Studios for a detailed BOQ specific to your project.
Who are the best interior design companies for apartments in Nairobi? +
Aalis Studios is Nairobi’s leading architecture and interior design firm for apartments. We are BORAQS-registered, NCA-registered for construction, and winners of the Lexus Design Award Grand Prix 2020 — the world’s most prestigious design award. We offer a full-service design, build and renovation service for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments across Kilimani, Westlands, Karen, Lavington, Runda, Syokimau, and across Kenya. Our principal architect Arch. Vincent Abuya personally oversees every project brief. Call +254 757 743 454 or visit aalisstudios.com.
How do I maximise space in a small studio apartment in Nairobi? +
The five most effective strategies for maximising space in a Nairobi studio apartment are: (1) open-plan zoning using ceiling treatments and rugs instead of walls; (2) floor-to-ceiling fitted storage; (3) multi-functional furniture including sofa beds, fold-down dining tables, and beds with under-storage drawers; (4) light neutral paint colours — warm white or greige — to maximise perceived brightness; and (5) strategic mirror placement to double the perceived depth of the space. A professional interior designer at Aalis Studios can make a 35m² studio feel 40–50% larger through these interventions alone.
What are the best paint colours for a bright, airy apartment in Nairobi? +
For Nairobi apartments, Aalis Studios recommends warm whites and light neutrals: Dulux White Cotton, Crown Gardenia, or Behr Swiss Coffee for walls. Avoid pure brilliant white — it reads as cold and clinical in Nairobi’s natural light. Use a slightly warmer tone on ceilings than on walls — it creates a cocooning effect that makes the room feel finished and intimate. Introduce colour through a single feature wall, soft furnishings, or joinery. For a living room that feels both bright and warm, combine white walls with warm timber flooring and linen curtains.
How long does an apartment renovation take in Nairobi? +
A cosmetic apartment refresh (repaint, new fittings, accessories) takes 2–3 weeks. A mid-level renovation (kitchen, bathroom, ceilings, lighting) typically takes 5–8 weeks. A full renovation of a one-bedroom apartment takes 10–16 weeks depending on scope and material availability. Aalis Studios provides a detailed programme at the start of every project and manages to that schedule. Diaspora clients receive weekly progress reports throughout.
Can Aalis Studios design and build a full apartment development in Nairobi? +
Yes. Aalis Studios is a full-service architecture and construction management firm registered with BORAQS (architecture) and NCA (construction). We offer complete apartment development services: concept design, county planning approvals, structural and services engineering coordination, Bill of Quantities, contractor procurement, quality assurance, and site supervision from foundation to handover. We have designed and delivered residential developments ranging from individual apartments to multi-unit blocks in Nairobi and across Kenya. Contact us at +254 757 743 454 to discuss your development brief.
What apartment neighbourhoods does Aalis Studios serve in Nairobi? +
Aalis Studios designs and renovates apartments across all major Nairobi residential neighbourhoods including: Kilimani, Westlands, Lavington, Karen, Runda, Muthaiga, Kyuna, Spring Valley, Riverside, Kileleshwa, Parklands, South B, South C, Syokimau, Athi River, Ruaka, Ngong Road, Thika Road corridor, and Upperhill. We also serve Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Eldoret, and diaspora-funded projects across Kenya.
VA
Arch. Vincent Abuya
BORAQS Registered
NCA Registered
Lexus Design Award 2020
Vincent Abuya is the Principal Architect and founder of Aalis Studios, Nairobi’s award-winning architecture and interior design firm. With over 15 years of experience designing residential and commercial projects across Kenya, he specialises in apartment design, luxury residential architecture, and sustainable construction. He is the only Kenyan architect to have won the Lexus Design Award Grand Prix.
