Exotic Designs Kenya is a Nairobi-based artisanal studio renowned for transforming hand-hammered brass into functional works of art inspired by Swahili culture. Their collection includes statement lighting, décor pieces, and furniture, all distinguished by rich textures, craftsmanship, and custom design possibilities. Their work is available at Lavington Mall, Nairobi.
In 2025, NASO @ Home partnered with Exotic Designs Kenya to create a bespoke range of candle holders and containers crafted from recycled brass. The collaboration began after meeting Ted, founder of Exotic Designs Kenya, at the Powerful Kenyan Women Exhibition hosted by Kibera Arts District and House of Fine Arts Gallery Kibera.
The concept for the Brass Project was developed by Yasmine of NASO @ Home, who used Google ImageFX to visualize the initial designs. Inspired by Ted’s artistry and impressed by the team’s ability to transform ideas into beautifully crafted products, Yasmine recognized the potential for a meaningful collaboration. Together, the two brands brought the vision to life, creating a collection that combines sustainability, innovation, and exceptional Kenyan craftsmanship.
The Concepts, 2025
Designing the concepts was less about perfecting the exact image of what we wanted to create, but getting to see how brass could form something unique for NASO AT HOME.
The Project Team
NASO AT HOME x Exotic Designs KE
Prototypes
Without giving Ted and the team much insight on the concepts, I instead described what I was looking for and for Ted to make the brass candle box in the same way he would make his lights. Here is a glimpse of the initial product the team produced and shared:
I then shared some of NASO AT HOME’s ideas and designs. To help direct and guide the end product. Here is the start of the process:
The very first version of our brass candle box was rough around the edges. It was in its original form, the brass. I loved the rustic and authentic finish but it was miles away from our concepts. Our concepts had a clean finish. So I consulted Ted, how could we get the product to be a smoother golden colour? He suggested gold spray / paint.
This was the start of reaching our desired product.
The next part of the process was to test the candle making method using these brass vessels. And boy, was my work cut out for me!
Some feedback for the team for the next iteration, that there were gaps in the brass box and our soy fragrance mixture poured straight through. I had another go, this time, leaving the wax mixture to thicken as much as possible before pouring. That seemed to do it. But it was a plaster over a wider issue, especially if we were to make more.
My second request to Ted and the team, could we make a smaller version. Mini brass candles? This was to ensure we had an affordable range if we were to put it on the market.
We’d completed our first iteration. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a fantastic start at achieving our desired brass candle.
Our brass candle project continues into 2026.
Iteration 2, underway.
We’re currently working on a design where we mix some of our decor materials to ensure a quality output.
NASO AT HOME 