Medina Sam aims to break barriers with her business MK Kids Interiors, an Interior Design Company that designs for children. She shares with Adetorera Idowu what makes MK Kids so remarkable.
Why did you venture into the interior design business?
I’m quite creative and discovered this at the age of13. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives using my creativity, and interior design offers that.
What informed the children’s interior niche?
In 2010 I designed the room for my friends’ daughter Katya, who was quite specific with how she wanted her room to be. When I had completed the room, little Katya was extremely pleased. In researching I realised children’s rooms were often an afterthought and not properly planned, when in fact it is the most important space in the home. A child’s bedroom is their sanctuary, a place where they grow and learn to express themselves. Children are creative and honest! Who wouldn’t want to design with them?
What makes you look forward to another day at MK Kids?
I’m driven by the chance to be creative, design and make another client happy.
What have been the most challenging moments on the job, especially running the business as a young lady?
At times the business journey can be very lonely, and many times, people do not understand my passion. Sometimes passion cannot be explained for anyone to understand.
What are your most rewarding moments?
My most rewarding moment was completing the design of little Jaeden’s room. The room was dark with a double bed, chest of drawers, wardrobe, cot and a side table. I totally transformed the room from start to finish, up-cycling some furniture and adding features that 2 year old Jaeden loves; numbers, and hanging monkeys. Jaeden fought to get into his room as we were adding the finishing touches. When he finally got in he jumped on the bed in excitement. When I saw his parents at a later date, they told me that Jaeden was praying for ‘auntie Dina’ (that’s what he calls me). Though too young to verbally express his gratitude, I was absolutely touched by Jaeden’s actions.
How would you rate your success?
You may think I’m being hard on myself but I would give myself 5/10, as I’m not quite where I would like to be, but I’m getting there.
What’s the inspiration behind your work?
God is my main inspiration for my creativity. I usually pray about every project before I start. However, I get to know each child/client, so that their needs and wants are met and will inform the design scheme.
Why do you involve kids and what are the benefits of involving them in the design process?
Children like new responsibilities. A child’s room is their sanctuary, it’s their space and I strongly believe they should have a say in how their room should be. It helps build confidence and develop creative skills.
Why is interior design for kids so necessary?
Children are just as important as adults, they are the future. Research has proven that our environment has a direct effect on our health and wellbeing. If we want healthier and happier children it’s important that we invest in their surroundings.
What are some of your tips for decorating children’s room?
Themed rooms are kitsch; therefore I tend to stay away. I like a minimal eclectic mix. A room must show the child’s personality. Keep the walls simple, ready for your child’s art collection or study aids. Invest in storage, so everything will have a place. Softer palettes of blues, pinks, greens, or grey are more suited for bedrooms. Invest in furniture that will last many years. Invest in blackout window treatment, to avoid the glares of street lights at bedtime.
What is the future for MK kids?
We’ll quickly be moving onto designing schools and hospital spaces for children.
