Nairobi, Sept. 13 -- When Mercy Akoth moved to Canada nearly three years ago, she quickly discovered that setting up a home away from Kenya came with unexpected costs, particularly when it came to decorating her living space.

Mercy, who works as a caregiver while pursuing a master's degree in nursing at McGill University, has had to move house several times to accommodate her work and studies. Although her residences have not been far from the university, each move has meant finding ways to make her space comfortable and homely.

One of the first things she noticed was the difference in curtain options between Kenya and Canada. In Nairobi, curtains were readily available in countless designs, colours and fabrics. In Canada, however, she ...