Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Yomi Adegoke has built a powerful platform that has recently gained a global following since the publication of her latest novel, The List. Stepping inside Adegoke’s home, phenomenal designs adorn the walls with a wealth of rich cultural histories. With a passion for cultural diversity and representation across the creative industries, the writer is trustee of the charity Arts Emergency and works alongside the organisation to support young people as they embark upon their journey into the arts, humanities and cultural industries. We sat down with the writer to discuss navigating the creative industry, creating inspirational space and exploring her carefully curated art collection.
A: Home for me is about comfort but also functionality. My flat is my safe space and where I can completely unwind, but I've also been a freelance writer for a number of years so it's where I work too, which is something more people are now experiencing post-pandemic. For me, it's about striking that balance of work and play at my place. The most important thing when it comes to my home is that whether I'm using the space to write or relax, it feels like a sanctuary.
Yomi AdegokeA: I knew from the outset that I wanted an art wall and it's my pride and joy - that kind of came first and everything else followed. It features beautiful works from a variety of black female artists - Lady Skollie, Nathalie Jolivert, Shannon Bono, Charlotte Edey - as well as African masks that were picked up in Nigeria. My sister lived there for a number of years and also brought me back a pair of gorgeous statuettes from the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market in Lagos that frame my fireplace and I have a pair of Yoruba Ibeji (meaning ‘born two’ in the language) twin figureheads on my console table. On the other wall is a piece by British-Nigerian artist Esiri Erheriene-Essi and another by Nigerian artist EM Yeku.
There are lots of colourful prints and other pieces dotted around the space too - the only places without any art are the bathroom and kitchen (and since I'm running out of wall space, that may soon change!). I love to paint and sculpt and there are a few pieces of mine up that I've used to decorate as well.
A: Welcome, first and foremost, which is why I have so many rugs and decorative pillows. Once the shoes are off at the door (it's a strictly 'no shoes' flat) I want my home to make people feel relaxed.
A: I tend to write a lot at home so it means being disciplined is difficult - I would be lying if I said I wasn't often distracted! That being said, I'm situated near a park that I sometimes take walks in which can help clear my mind if I'm having trouble writing. All in all, I prefer writing at home as it's very comfortable and very convenient.
A: The arts are in a dire state at the moment - opportunities are few and far between and with more and more initiatives closing, it's increasingly difficult to get a foot in the door of these already very exclusionary industries.
I'm incredibly grateful for the amazing work Arts Emergency does and very proud to be a part of the team. I do hugely recommend young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to engage in their services - they offer mentoring for 16–25-year-olds who wouldn't otherwise have access to the industry. Aside from that, I advise young people to remain optimistic during what's a difficult time for the arts and for everyone who can to support the brilliant work Arts Emergency does.
A: The perfect marriage between skill and artistry. Craftsmanship to me is all about attention to detail.
A: Ramble, Framis, Gold Handloom Cashmere Blend High Pile, Dippy Moonlight, Climbing Leopard, Sunray Gold, Caldera, Climbing Cubs and Avant Graphite Shaped.
A: Caldera, Climbing Leopard and Framis, because I love it when furnishings look like art in and of themselves. Any one of these rugs could be framed or hung up on the wall as a tapestry, they're so striking.
A: I chose it because it fits the colour palette of my living room to a tee. It's almost as if it was created with my room in mind - I couldn't have designed it more perfectly myself and it feels like it's always been there! The red and yellow hues work really well alongside a beautiful vase I'd picked up in a Moroccan Souk just before it was installed and the pinks, blues and cream colours tie in perfectly with a gorgeous Charlotte Edey tapestry that's up on my wall.
Ramble
Framis
Caldera
Climbing Leopard
Dippy Moonlight
Sunray Gold
Gold Handloom Cashmere Blend High Pile
Avant Graphite Shaped
Climbing Cubs
Caldera by The Rug Company
Caldera by The Rug Company
