Author Meet + Greet: Nasozi Kakembo of xN Studio

Join us for an engaging book event at Eliko Rugs by David Ariel with multidisciplinary designer Nasozi Kakembo of xN Studio to celebrate their mutual commitment to sustaining traditional artisanal practices. Nasozi’s debut book, The African Decor Edit: Collecting and Decorating with Heritage Objects, introduces 16 artisans, culturally significant African objects, and ten layered interiors demonstrating the wares as decor.

The African Decor Edit

Travel with Ugandan American designer Nasozi Kakembo as she explores culturally significant African objects —from Malian mudcloth to Moroccan rugs— at the source and offers guidance on sourcing, collecting, and decorating inside The African Decor Edit: Collecting and Decorating with Heritage Objects.

Nasozi founded xN Studio (“Lifestyle—Without Borders”) as an interior design and product design practice that collaborates with artisans throughout Africa. Through xN Studio, she cultivates her deep knowledge of ethically sourced and aesthetically elevated heritage wares. 

Each chapter introduces artisans in their home countries, sharing their talents, work, and stories. The book demonstrates the beauty of the artisans' objects as decor, with a collection of inspiring, layered interiors designed by captivating people from across the globe. As the definitive decor book celebrating African artistry, Nasozi guides everyone to take their own journey using the Ethical Sourcing Guide.

The African Decor Edit is a must-have for all who admire thoughtful interiors and wish to collect and decorate with ethically sourced African wares.

Nasozi Kakembo

Nasozi Kakembo is the author of "The African Decor Edit: Collecting and Decorating with Heritage Objects." Her debut book launches on October 1, 2024, with Abrams Books. Nasozi is the visionary founder, designer, and creative director of xN Studio ("Lifestyle—Without Borders"), an interior design and product design practice launched in Brooklyn, NY, and Kampala, Uganda, in 2011.

With a unique blend of Uganda heritage and American upbringing, Nasozi seamlessly integrates traditional African objects with contemporary aesthetics, garnering global acclaim for deepening the necessity for ethically sourced African wares as decor. Nasozi has over a decade of experience in international development across Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and South America having traveled to 42 countries, she brings deep, authoritative knowledge to her work.

Nasozi holds a BS in Art History focusing on Architecture and African Art and an MSc in Urban Planning. As an expert and a storyteller, Nasozi Kakembo redefines how all can collect, appreciate, and incorporate African artistry into sacred spaces, from homes to commercial spaces.

Host or Publisher Eliko Rugs by David Ariel