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
Congratulations!! Jamala This article gave me ensigns on how you got started with decorating and thrifting. I am so proud to see your taste and beauty on display. It truly gave me great ideas.
I met this young lady on Facebook as a matter of fact about 4 years and we have been connected ever since! She has inspired me more than she knows! Great article Sis!
Your home is so beautiful. You have blended all of the artistic fabrics, furniture and home decor so magnificently!
Your home is so beautiful. You have blended all of the artistic fabrics, furniture and home decor so magnificently!
Hello Jamala,
The photos of your home are beautiful, however, what gave me pause is the partially nude, dancing female on the wall. (first photo) Please be on the look out for the partially nude, dancing male.
More than 50 years ago, I’m 69 yo, my mother worked tiredlessly, to create both pieces as she attached the jems, small stones, and braids, with adhesive, to the canvas. Both pieces are hanging in my parents living room.
Again, your home is beautiful…..
Thank you…..