How We Live Home Tour: Jamala Wallace
Blogger, decorator and die hard thrifter, Jamala Wallace is the queen of Afro antique chic. Her eye for timeless pieces that celebrate black culture is inspiring. Jamala transforms spaces (including her own) with fabulous treasures from thrift and antique stores so I couldn't wait to show you her South Carolina home.
Tell readers a little about yourself and where you live. My name is Jamala (Arabic meaning beautiful) and I’ve been married 33 years to my high school sweetheart, a proud mother of 2 fine young men and a newbie grandmother. I developed my love for interior decor early in life with an emphasis on antique and vintage furniture.
I opened my first business - Pieces of Time - (along with my twin sister) at the age of 25 and have been in the business ever since. Originally from Newark NJ, I dub myself as a black southern belle with northern swirl who lives the lifestyle of the Thrift and Famous.
How would you describe your decor style in three words and who or what influenced that style? I describe my decor style as Afro Antique Chic - which is an eclectic style that blends antiques with black culture. I was never influenced by a designer, but I always paid attention to home decor of family members and subscribed to several home decor magazines.
Do you have keepsakes or family heirlooms incorporated into your home decor? If so, what are they and why was it important to incorporate them? I most definitely do! Every room has a family heirloom piece tucked somewhere, but my most prominent are on my bed lay a pillow accented with a vintage brooch that belonged to my maternal grandmother, my living room holds a family heirloom bar cabinet from my paternal grandmother and my guests sleep under a handmade quilt by my husband’s grandmother. I was also gifted hand carved sette circa 1890 which sits in my living room.
Why was it important for you to incorporate African decor into your home? What types do you have? (e.g Art, pillows, bedding, masks ect.) African decor pays homage to my ancestors and I can’t imagine not having my home without a reflection of such. I’ve incorporated mud cloth into my design patterns along with a few masks. My main love is Black-American art. Our beautiful people must grace my walls.
For those that are hesitant to incorporate African decor into their space or don’t know where to start, what's one piece of advice you’d give them? Start small and choose a piece that catches your eye. Pick the perfect area in your home to display the item and build on it. Eventually you will develop your own unique style and home decor.
At Reflektion Design our mantra is, See Yourself at Home. How does your home reflect who you are? My home is filled with lovingly restored antiques (some with minor imperfections). It reflects my personality and lifestyle because although I strive to look and be perfect, I’m not, but like my pieces, I am worthy of love and my shining glory.
Where can we find you online? I would love to have you join me on my blog at vivalavintageforyourhome.com or follow me on my thrift-capdes on instagram @urvintagegirl.
Looking for items to bring more of you into your home checkout the shop: www.reflektiondesign.com
I love your ethnic home style of decoration. Indeed, you’re an inspiration to others.like me! I just love every room in your house.
Ethnic, eclectic, exquisite. Everything about your style is so me and i love it.
Jamala, enjoyed reading how it all started, I enjoyed viewing the roomed in your home, I am in love with everything most of all your placement of plants in every space.
I have always loved everything about Jamala’s style! And this quotable quote… “not perfect but worthy of love and my shining glory.” AMEN 💕
Thank you Anitra for this wonderful opportunity. I truly appreciate being featured as a designer in your well needed series. Our homes matter and we love to decorate them to reflect our lives