Nairobi, Jan. 27 -- While many people fill their homes with furniture, Michelle Mashauri has sacrificed comfort for plants. In her small apartment in Nairobi's Ruaka, she owns only a small three-seater couch and a coffee table that serves more as a plant stand.

"I got rid of big seats so my plants could fit. When I move to a new house, I look at windows first, then furniture," she says.

Bloodleaf plants display their dramatic burgundy foliage in her house. Pothos vines fall from the shelf like waterfalls.

An African palm spreads near the window, while a peace lily stands with glossy leaves. Snake plants stand in clusters throughout. There is barely a path to walk through.

The dining space has been completely reimagined. Where a table ...