HOUSE TOUR | A Chic Cottage in London, England

Kemi Lawson, co-Founder of The Cornrow, invites us inside her utterly charming home in Northern London, which she affectionately refers to as Cottage Noir.
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Originally built in the 1750s, Cottage Noir is a harmonious fusion of two workmen's cottages-one serving as a bakery, the other as the residence for the baker. Today, Kemi Lawson shares this charming space with her husband and two daughters, seeing themselves as the new guardians entrusted with its legacy.
Stepping inside, you'll be captivated by the Afro-Aristo meets Caribbean chic aesthetic that permeates every corner. Kemi, with Nigerian and Jamaican roots, drew inspiration from her heritage, adorning the home with art and textiles reminiscent of her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria. The result is a celebration of the African-Aristo diaspora, showcasing a high-end, luxurious interpretation. Each room tells a story of the past and present, beautifully interwoven in a tapestry of cultural richness.
Having spent 15 years in finance, Kemi discovered her passion for decorating upon moving into Cottage Noir. Faced with the challenge of finding a modern African-Aristo Caribbean chic aesthetic, she identified a gap in the market. Thus, The Cornrow was born-a business venture she embarked on with her sister. The Cornrow offers a curated edit of modern African-Aristo decor, marrying history, art, and contemporary design.
As you explore Cottage Noir, notice the black and white geometric patterns that dance through the space, symbolizing a perfect harmony. West African symbolism and imagery, including nods to Haitian freedom fighters, are thoughtfully sprinkled throughout. Hand-dyed fabrics add a tactile and personal touch, creating an atmosphere of celebration and remembrance for Kemi's ancestors.
#hometour #interiordesign #homedecor
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Visit Kemi Lawson's website: www.thecornrow.com/en-us
Follow Kemi on Instagram: / cottagenoir

[@cottagenoir]

Just to say thank you so much to everyone for your kind comments. You have really made my day and its is so encouraging that you guys all "get" what I am trying to achieve with my home xx

[@luvergirl416]

It’s so warm, welcoming, and colorful. I love it! ❤

[@kgalvin7503]

This tour gave me my life❤. Good luck with all your endeavors!

[@darlenechandler2403]

My gosh, this was such a beautiful video. Your home is so beautiful and so interesting. Love all of your cultural decorations, your wallpaper and love the green on the fireplaces and those black and white tiles. I was mesmerized by the beauty of your home and how it has so many memories for you and your family, through your artwork and all your art sculpture pieces. You home is so cozy and your story of everything was so interesting. That kitchen was so bright and cheerful with the green cupboards and the lovely tiles to match beside the stove. Thank you. That is one magnificent cottage. Still can’t get over all of the interesting wallpaper. And a beautiful soul telling your family story for us. Your bedroom truly was so serene. One of the nicest Homeworthy homes.

[@sacb2000]

What an amazing and inspiring beautiful space you’ve created

[@flyhunnies8922]

I wish I had designers and homes like you available growing up. You're so needed and this home tour was beautiful. ❤️❤️❤️

[@kyre6722]

So So Very Happy to see a woman of color showing her home on Homeworthy. Diversity matters.

[@paulm83j]

Exactly! We need more like this

[@tracys.mitnaul-xv7te]

Love love love your home. Can you share where you purchased the pillows on your couch? The face pillows.

[@pelkawiltshire4348]

Those girls are lucky to have such a mom. The fact that the house is filled with images that affirm is so beautiful.

[@kgalvin7503]

Agreed!

[@mayagreenafrica]

Absolutely lucky girls. And husband ❤

[@CharisseKenionYT]

Homeworthy you are doing such a great job of showing a wide array of people/cultures. Please keep it up. Thank you

[@avgolden1974]

Yes!!!

[@deannab9511]

Completely agree!

[@shazav9776]

It is lovely to see all the different cultures/ backgrounds! So refreshing to see !

[@wandacolon2391]

Yes, I’m agree Homeworthy is doing a beautiful project. Each home is really special and magic!! The vest wishes for Homeworthy!!

[@Lis-ek9wm]

Kemi needs her own channel or podcast. I can listen to her all day! Gorgeous home too!

[@5usiewongs489]

What an incredible lady- I could easily sit and chat with her for hours. I love how everything was considered, and how much she invests into her children’s sense of identity and well-being. This home goes beyond decor and floorplans- it’s really representative of the people and the lives within. Thank you, I found this really uplifting!

[@lifewithklc]

THAT. BLACK. WOMEN. WALLPAPER!!!! I absolutely love it🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@roxannedaly279]

Kemi, I am totally in awe of your home's design! You have so honored your heritage for yourself, your husband & mostly for your daughters!!!🎉!! Your home is absolutely stunning 🤩

[@csmtcqueen]

Kemi Lawson's cottage/home is so beautiful. As a Black woman, seeing ourselves in art, decor and literature that is thoughtful, and making it accessible, I thank her.

[@karis7649]

Her enthusiasm is really infectious -lovely cozy family home, packed with beauty.

[@user-dr9fm9kc7p]

I love that she sees herself as part of a long line of custodians of the house throughout history. She appreciates the history and then adds her own history and touches. She brings a joyous spirit to it.

[@josephinebrevig8748]

Thank you Homeworthy for the diverse showcase. How refreshing. What an absolutely delightful and lovely home. Also love the homage to Afro-culture and history. She’s such a wonderful person.❤❤

[@josephinebournes8212]

Phenomenal video 👏🏿 the representation of African Diaspora art and history is impressive. Also, thank you for showcasing Haitian art 🙏🏾

[@jeniodhiambo1434]

Absolutely beautiful. As an East African in the US, I also fill my home with amazing African art and crafts from all over Africa. You have an amazing home full of history.Totally Beautiful!! Great show!👏🏾👏🏾

[@JWartsy]

As a Jamaican woman with British ancestry I’m so inspired by this home. It has so much soul…so awesome ❤

[@harlemneedlearts576]

Sister Kemi, your home gives me complete life. A wonderful expression of who we are as people of the African Diaspora. Well done and truly inspirational. I love it all but that wall paper from Yael will be in my home. Thank you. #Africa by way of #Barbados by way of #Harlem. I also have cotton in my home. Cotton didn't do anything to us it was the colonizer who did. We came with skills and still possess skills to transform cotton into the most magnificent items. The power of African hands. ❤🖤💚

[@soniatriana9091]

What a lovely woman!!!! Her young girls are extremely lucky to have a mom who is so personable, intelligent, creative, talented, etc!!

[@bettylowdermilk4296]

Loved the way she embraced her heritage. Enjoyed

[@chumabanjwa4662]

One of my favourite Homeworthy tours. She has such lovely energy and style. So glad I have discovered her shop too 💃🎉!!

[@jamielynne-magney2574]

What a wonderful woman! A breath of fresh air- so authentic!

[@northoftheequator2094]

The best homeworthy videos are one's with a distinctive, inviting home and a warm, authentic owner. Tick.

[@user-ml7dn4rv6j]

Kemi's artistic vibrancy resonates throughout this stunning home. How inspiring and encouraging she is in her use of color and the many materials she uses. Thank you Homeworthy.

[@Legendsofrain]

This has to be one of my favorite Homeworthy tours to date. As an African-American woman living in the US who’s design style is influenced by the African diaspora, I am so so so thrilled to see this beautiful home. She speaks with so much passion about her home, the history behind it, and her inspired design choices.❤❤❤

[@reneeread1301]

The best homeworthy yet! Kemi shows us how personal and informed a home can be! What an inspiration!!

[@Heyu7her3]

I think most of them do in their own way! I saved the name for the black art wallpaper that the recent Black Chicagoan couple used because I want it as soon as I can afford it 😅 But I also save ideas from other Homeworthy participants who match my desired aesthetic, eg. Chinoiserie, pattern-matching, Hollywood regency, & African diasporic pieces.

[@venusmalloy6134]

OMG THE WALLPAPER going up the stairs. I got to have it. Just phenomenal.

[@midoann]

So cozy house and full of art pieces. She should be a historian: learnt so much. I was impressed by her comment “I can’t see me” referring to black people. It made me think and visualize did I see myself when I lived in South America? And I think I see myself here living in Japan. I’d loved too her 1 word definition of what it means home to her: ‘exhalation’. Wow! It’s resonates with me and maybe thousands of people who are stressed from the world how is now in our personal life and the political situation. I will like to purchase some of her items for sale. Always, thank you Homeworthy 💖

[@aliseamcleod1]

Definitely at the top of my list of favorite tours. She is very talented and also very proud of global diaspora heritage.

[@marierrobillard]

Beautiful! The perfect representation of the family that inhabits this home. As a Haitian-American I was so pleased to see the Haitian artwork. I will definitely check out Yael et Valerie, I love their cushions and wallpaper. Thank you Homeworthy!

[@triciahlongwa6383]

I normally watch yt videos on 1.25/1.5 speed but I had to pause, rewind and just take this all in. What a wonderful home and so well thought out and put together❤️

[@darline8310]

Love this 🇭🇹 history lesson. ❤️ Such an inspiration.

[@jennifercarlacadet5291]

Me too i grew up ingingerbread in haiti

[@myrtecampbell7083]

Your home is a warm cultural, collected center that tells a beautiful story. I am Jamaican, and as soon as you sat down in the living room I was drawn to the text “Jamaica Vibe.”

[@sharonkaysnowton]

Kemi, I love your Cottage Noir. I love how you merged your Nigerian/Jamaican heritage as you decorated. Happy Birthday to your daughter. I love the gingerbread houses wallpaper. Having a book on the history of your home is sooo cool. I also love the picture that you inherited about the house. I love the "lobby head". Your sofa and chair patterns remind me of South African Housa patterns. I really like the Ghanian flag with the welcoming tree. All of your house tells a story about something or represents something. That is soo special for your girls. Like you all my items in my house is very intentional and has a special meaning to me. I love to build Barbie doll houses, and anytime I build a Barbie house with an African theme I tend to go toward Nigeria and South African items to look for things for the Barbie house. They always turn out beautifully because as you say "they tell a story." In Doll House Beautiful, a couple of the designers used your exact same wall paper in the doll houses. You can share it with your daughters on You Tube- Look up "Doll House Beautiful". Your home is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@angelineedgar3134]

My favorite Homeworthy episode so far!!!!

[@Kim-qt7yn]

Ekaabo! Such a lovely and storied home. Your transition from finance to creative was a very good choice-your enthusiasm and educational tour skills are quite engaging. Continued success to you and your sister with The Cornrow.

[@ShelleyWallace-nq3jr]

What a delightful and warm hostess! Her home is so unique and personal. (I also love seeing someone wearing house shoes on their tour- that’s just what I’d do!)

[@lisacoleman1735]

I love her representation of black women and her way to show her daughters to love their skin. Just wonderful!

[@matjieramaila7270]

I’m moving into a new space and you have just given me the confidence to be bold and proudly African

[@askmamalouise7605]

This is an Outstanding and creative home tour! I love the unique cultural pieces that speak volumes to the homeowners' commitment to profound representation! I love the variety of elements that make this home so very intriguing! The history of this home was actually quite thrilling. Wishing this family unlimited success in their home made for love! 💝

[@gqbloke]

Lovely! The African influence is nice to see in homes.

[@kathleenbifulco8129]

We luv Kemi, her decor, her history, & all the knowledge of her culture that she excitedly shared with us!

[@AnastasiaOMeagher]

My favorite episode by far! What a beautiful encouraging and unique Mother!

[@astraaustin7655]

Kemi has such warm energy and her home is inspiring! As a Caribbean-American (Trinidad/Guyana/Grenada), it's nice to see how she interprets the African and Caribbean influences in her home. Thanks Homeworthy for this unique tour!

[@camuchanomellini903]

It’s so nice to see how proud she is of her heritage ❤

[@starveartist]

Beautiful home! Thank you for featuring people of different ethnicities and backgrounds.

[@rhodesiajackson7386]

This episode made me feel so happy 🤗

[@nlbhaduri]

How wonderful that you have created not just a home but an identity, a safe space for your family! Everything is filled with thought and love. Your family is so lucky to have you! We all should celebrate ourselves and also SHARE that with people who enter our home. What a beautiful space you have made!! Much love!!

[@risk5riskmks93]

Such a beautiful balance of tradition and style! The sort of home where guests never want to leave 💕 Thank you for inviting us in.

[@Sonictheoofhog4]

I fell in love with her home! I am inspired to redecorate my space!

[@leflore101]

Kemi Lawson's natural, homey presentation is exceptional--on any channel! Thank you for this particular tour. It's extraordinary!

[@jozejeaux3962]

Nigerian🇳🇬 and Jamaican🇯🇲! Oh how I love it! 🖤

[@MsBritishwoman]

What a wonderful lady. She clearly is passionate about her role as curator to her home and inspirational caretaker to her heritage. It is so lovely to see her accomplishments she's achieved and able to share with her family. Homeworthy did a beautiful job in introducing her ecstatic. What a very uplifting home.

[@JP-br5os]

I love her aesthetic and follow her on social! I can't wait to finally get a piece from her shop and love that she created a business around what she wanted to see more of!

[@nubianqueen9675]

I'm British born, Guyanese heritage and I love the way, how you have celebrated, embraced your Jamaican, Nigerian culture and have also been sympathetic to the original period features in your beautiful colourful home🏡🙏🏾♥

[@dorothy-z]

Kemi, you and your house are just great! Honestly. I can relate to your stories so much, well done!

[@walter9215]

I love her. And adore Cottage Noir.

[@lorinealy9614]

I loved this tour beginning to end. Every inch of this space reflects rich culture and history. Absolutely beautiful!

[@flyhunnies8922]

What a gorgeous, curated home that shares and shines a beautiful history of Black beauty and history in an English cottage. I would've cried as a child seeing something so tastefully and richly decorated and lovingly detailed. It's like a love letter to girls like me who didn't see the beauty and awe inspiring culture and history outside of spaces where one demographic held power and wealth, or only one type that was represented. It's also so refreshing to hear "this is Nigerian" and "this is Jamaican" as opposed to seeing products from 20 countries throughout a house that details things as Grecian, English, Indian, Chinese, etc but anything from the continent and extensions of Africa as just...African. She's naming Nigeria (including the Yoruba tribe and language), Burkina Faso, etc. You've gone a tremendous service by sharing this designer and home with many audiences that wouldn't see it otherwise and don't see them as examples of luxury and aesthetes. This has claimed Homeworthy as a true lover of design in all its facets and representations.

[@5262janna]

Beautiful. So happy you brought this beautiful young mother and her company to our attention

[@emmyems5171]

Beautifully considered home! Thank you for sharing with us! I can’t wait to incorporate decor into my home that celebrates Black people ❤

[@emilyauffrey]

Awww love The Corn Row!

[@bonnievsoske3168]

Fabulous home and owner!!!

[@sereneladie7678]

This gave me so much joy and it makes me smile. I didn't want the video to end. I am so mesmerized and intrigued. Your home is a "Masterpiece ".🥰

[@countryhousediary]

Learned so much about this special cultural heritage. Must applaud the warm atmoshere and a very impressive and wecoming hostess!!! 🌹🌹🌹

[@orchidchamblee]

This is the most intentional thoughtful beautiful interior decoration I have seen. I am blown away by her knowledge of history across the African diaspora and how she incorporates that into design 👏🏿

[@annjohnson8437]

Such a beautifully decorated home. The home's history is really cool as well! It looks like a fabulous place to raise a family. Thank you for this lovely tour! ❤

[@bonriver9420]

What an absolutely beautiful home and what an interesting history lesson on her cultural heritage. Her daughters are so very fortunate to have such a wonderful mother.

[@shoshanahhillman5197]

My Grandmother always had cotton in her Georgia home so all children could place their fingers inside the bowl of the plant. She wanted them to know what the plant was and that children picked cotton too. She always made the contribution of my Ancestors present. No history had to tell me, I was taught to reverence the hands that made a path for me. I have it in my home today.❤

[@kayc5125]

Soooo happy and proud to instantly recognize Yael and Valerie fabrics and wallpaper designs on home worthy 🤩🤩🤩🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@everythingeva4761]

One the best episodes 🎉

[@Cfoots03]

Lovely! Intentional and beautiful!! Looking forward to visiting your online space! 🖤

[@myrtecampbell7083]

Loved the story of your home so much, I had to switch from my phone to my iPad so that I could see everything better.

[@sylw9289]

A beautiful you and a beautiful home! Love the art and the way you created a home that speaks of your heritage. Thank you for sharing.

[@Shereka-Vicky]

I loved watching your home tour with such rich pride of history and culture! Love love Love Very inspiring!

[@sakinahabdul-jaleel]

LOVE HER AND EVERYTHING about her beautiful home. It feels very inviting❤

[@patricebrown777]

What a delightful woman Kemi is and such an awesome home. I love her positive posture on the cultural, appreciation and representation, throughout her home. I understand the importance of it, beingbof Caribbean heritage too. I saw so many pieces, of personal interest. Her home is full of beautiful, cultural treasures!! I smiled all the way through thus episode. Her hubby and daughters are blessed!❤❤❤

[@nathalieandparis]

What a beautiful and thoughtful home! Love Kemi’s vibe.

[@tyoung3509]

Love it! I have had the yellow wallpaper with the faces in my cart for weeks now in hopes I get a house soon. Cool to see it in a home.

[@afrobluatlanta2380]

Love what she did with the fireplace. The black and white is poppin!!! Awesome home in general!

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

Sorry I was mesmerized listening to her accent the whole time 🤣 I think I missed a couple of things about the house🤣 let me rewind 🤣

[@pattykelly6621]

I was thinking the exact same thing! I don't know how to describe it. Its lyrical.

[@Cassiopee-mj2nj]

Me too by gesticulations

[@Being_Stania]

Truly enjoyed this!

[@VONALEXANDRIA]

As an African decent woman, my heart is exploding with pride! 🙋🏾‍♀️ This was absolutely beautiful. Her style, not like the style we see here on Homeworthy normally but I love that because everyone has a different voice and vision of beauty. As a black woman that has only known European type ways of style, this will now give me the prideful direction to make several changes. I'm crying now out of pure joy and again pride and rememberance of my heritage. Thank you so very much Homeworthy for this episode. 🤎🤎🤎🤎🖤 #cantstopcryingforjoy

[@annettedelahunty3899]

Oh wow i just love your home thanks for sharing♥️

[@tanyatoliver8398]

I love this home. Absolutely gorgeously decorated!

[@r-cdmx]

Lovely, well curated home. 🙌🏽✨

[@marcusmason3100]

An episode very rich in culture . I enjoyed every second. And I must begin buying some of these things.

[@TT-ib4gf]

Love,love, love her home and everything she curated for her family. Great personality and energy. Very inspirational.

[@user-hs2mi6kp2b]

Such a beautiful and cozy home. Love it!

[@cathyhickson7098]

Your home is very beautiful and very full of culture. The Pride that you have in your heritage is wonderful, but I wanted to ask you what skin care you use because your skin is absolutely stunning. I'll be shopping your website. Cheers

[@sexyblackcharlery]

I just looked at ur website and I'm obsessed, I'll definitely be ordering some art and cushions ❤

[@cshea1978]

I love that you shared the history of all of the pieces you shared! I learned so much just watching this!!! Loved so many of your pieces ❤❤❤ Beautiful representation of the black experience across the globe. It was a privilege to watch!

[@fionamcdonagh655]

Such a beautiful lived in cottage and how wonderful to have it pass through different cultures. Wow, what lucky girls to have a mum that is really showing them positive roll models. In everyday life, from the past and with yourself as a women of today!🥰

[@LeonaGlazebrooks]

I love this home so much!!! I want to purchase everything from the wallpaper to the sofa.

[@user-mj7bg1ob3u]

Very informative, a beautiful home. Good luck.

[@avgolden1974]

My taste, my style! Love to see women of color representation! Makes me proud ❤. My favorite tour so far.

[@lornamarie5544]

I like the living room, the rest isn’t really for me but appreciate the message she’s giving to her girls

[@Fellec01]

Beautiful!!!

[@user-yo2qf3yb4n]

🙌🏿 yes Kemi love love this soooo pleased you’re sharing your home.. yes representation thank you home worthy ❤❤❤ more of this

[@deborahjohnson282]

This is such a wonderful home tour; feels really authentic, in that you can see it's a soul-filled home and representational of the family that lives there.

[@kibibishaw1194]

So inspiring! 💖✨

[@indranibaxter897]

I. LOVE.THIS. HOME. That's it...