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Published: 31 Jan 2024
Q&A with Yomi Adegoke
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.
Q: How would you define your idea of home?
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.
Q: When moving into your new home, what inspired your interior choices?
A: 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.
Q: As a journalist/writer, how does the environment you work in affect how and what you write?
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.
Q: How do you want your home to make others feel?
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.
Q: As a trustee for the charity Arts Emergency, which helps young people enter creative industries, what advice would you offer a young person embarking upon this journey?
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.
What are your nine favourite rugs from The Rug Company?
A: Ramble, Framis, Gold Handloom Cashmere Blend High Pile, Dippy Moonlight, Climbing Leopard, Sunray Gold, Caldera, Climbing Cubs and Avant Graphite Shaped.
Q: Out of your favourite nine rugs, which are your top three and why?
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.
Q: Why did you choose Caldera for your home?
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
