When Kenyans think of the American dream, many picture a stable life with a good job, perhaps a modest home, and enough to support loved ones back home.
But for Esther Kiiru, a proud Kenyan living in Folsom, California, that dream has taken on an extraordinary shape—one worth a staggering 8 million US dollars.
In a viral home tour with content creator Jeremy Damaris, Esther opened her doors to reveal not just a house, but a luxury residence that could easily grace the pages of high-end interior design magazines.
Every corner of the home—from the grand kitchen to the guest rooms—oozes class, creativity, and a touch of Kenyan warmth.
Esther has lived in the United States for nearly two decades.
Her Folsom home, located in one of Sacramento’s most prestigious neighborhoods, showcases her skill as an interior designer and real estate advisor.
“This isn’t just where I live. It’s my brand. I want clients to walk in and see what I do with my own space,” Esther told Jeremy during the interview.
The transformation of her home has been nothing short of impressive. The kitchen, which she completely remodeled, now features a massive center island, designer lighting, and high-end appliances.
“The kitchen alone could easily cost between $30,000 to $50,000,” she explained. “But it’s worth it. In real estate, the kitchen is a major selling point.”
She also renovated the flooring, installed textured accent walls, and selected every piece of décor personally.
“I spend hours shopping, choosing the right chandeliers, accessories, furniture, and even the vases. I didn’t leave anything to chance,” she said.
A particularly notable design decision was her approach to window treatment.
Jeremy remarked, “If this was in Kenya, people would have put heavy curtains on these big windows.” Esther responded, “Exactly, but nowadays less is more. Clean, uncluttered design is elegant. I went for a single, subtle color to maintain a calm, modern feel.”
The tour included multiple guest rooms, a formal dining area, and a foyer designed to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
“When guests walk in, I want them to feel like they’ve arrived home. That’s what good design should do — it should welcome and calm the soul.”
She also added a fireplace, large TV area, and decorated with accessories that are not only functional but also express personality.
Her attention to detail even included printing out the Wi-Fi password for guests and placing it neatly in the guest rooms — a small but thoughtful touch that shows her commitment to both style and hospitality.
Esther’s design talent goes far beyond her own home. She has turned her passion into a business, offering interior design services to clients across the United States. Some of her clients are house flippers like two Filipino nurses she works with — who buy properties, renovate them, and then bring in Esther to stage the homes before resale.
“One of them calls me after her contractor finishes renovations. I go see the house, visualize the space, and do the design. I stage it with furniture, décor, and lighting — and within a week, the house has multiple offers,” she shared.
For clients who need her help, Esther charges $200 for a consultation, which includes a walkthrough and design recommendations.
If the client is in another state, she can work virtually.
“You just take clear pictures, send them to me, and I’ll help you design your space from wherever you are. If needed, I can fly out, though that comes at an additional cost.”
