Walk into a newly built home in Nairobi, Eldoret, or even Nyeri today, and you’re likely to find imported tiles, quartz countertops, suspended ceilings, and LED lighting strips. But ask your parents—or take a stroll through homes built in the ’80s—and you’ll find a different story: mabati roofing sheets, chipboard ceilings, terrazzo floors, and green painted walls.

Kenyan home finishes have come a long way. And the materials we choose say more than we realise—they reflect our priorities, our tastes, our budget, and even how we define success.

The finishings you choose aren’t just for comfort. They’re quiet storytellers about your values and vision.

Stage 1: Functional and Frugal (1970s – 1990s)

The post-independence era saw many Kenyans building homes with modest materials: rough cement floors, timber window frames, and iron sheet roofs. The goal wasn’t style—it was shelter and structure. Everything was guided by practicality and budget.

But even then, choices carried weight. Mabati, for instance, was a sign of stability—better than grass-thatched roofs or mud walls. And terrazzo? That was a status symbol in the ’90s.

Stage 2: Flash and Flourish (2000s – 2010s)

The construction boom of the 2000s brought flashier trends. Glossy ceramic tiles, coloured gypsum ceilings, and decorative pillars became the norm. Finishes were about “wow” factor, sometimes at the cost of longevity. Plastic ceiling panels, for instance, looked good—but warped within years.

During this phase, most Kenyans leaned toward quantity over quality—bigger homes, fancier details, and borrowed aesthetics from the West and Gulf countries.

Stage 3: Sophistication and Sustainability (2020s Onward)

Now, there’s a shift. While flash still sells, more homeowners—especially young professionals—are leaning into minimalism, durability, and energy-efficient finishes. Natural stone, reclaimed wood, earth tones, and polished concrete are making a quiet comeback. The new luxury is less about shine, and more about substance.

Today’s homeowner doesn’t just want a beautiful home. They want a smart, eco-conscious, low-maintenance home.

What This Means for Homeowners

• Budget: Finishes now range from budget-friendly vinyl tiles to high-end marble. Lanny Builders helps you find that sweet spot—where style meets savings.
• Lifestyle: If you’re a family with toddlers, glossy floors may not be ideal. If you live in a hot area, think breathable materials.
• Resale Value: Smart finish choices (like durable tiles and proper waterproofing) directly affect how well your property appreciates.

What Lanny Builders Offers

We’re always ahead of the trends—without losing sight of practicality. Whether you’re going for high-end imported finishes or elegant affordability, we guide clients through every decision. From floor finishes to ceiling panels, we don’t just ask what looks good—we ask what works best for you.

A well-finished home feels good to live in, easy to clean, and always holds its value.

Final Thought

Your home’s finishing is more than the final coat of paint. It’s the final signature of who you are and what you stand for. Whether you’re team terrazzo or team travertine, Lanny Builders ensures it’s done with precision, purpose, and pride.