Trending now: Interior designs that scream class

Today, whether one is constructing a high- or low-end house, interior designers have become visible and people are involving them more in their projects. PHOTO | FILE | NATION

What you need to know:

  • That may give them the kicks, but as Humphrey Odhiambo, the chief executive officer of Real Wealth Group, says, it is not the right way to go about it as he believes that interior architecture begins in the mind.
  • Today, whether one is constructing a high- or low-end house, interior designers have become visible and people are involving them more, says Mbogori. That is evident also in the interest shown in their services.

Once considered part of the construction process and largely the home owner’s business, interior design is catching on as Kenyans’ tastes change and they seek to give their homes a personal touch.

Many are even seeking professional help to design their homes.

“Interior design has picked up at almost the same pace as the growth of the real estate market” says Nempiris Lesiit, an assistant interior designer at Crown Paints. “It has become a trend, like fashion, because a lot of people want to make their living spaces feel personal, so many are becoming more creative with their designs.”

He recalls that previously, most people would simply buy paint and hire men in overalls to work on their walls because it was the cheaper option since many aspects of interior design were charged separately. However, since some firms started offering services such as wall painting for free, many developers and home owners have embraced interior design.

Because of the high price of some of the products, some people are initially reluctant, but when they see the finish, they are happy to do a small section of their house and go neutral with the rest, says Lesiit.

That may give them the kicks, but as Humphrey Odhiambo, the chief executive officer of Real Wealth Group, says, it is not the right way to go about it as he believes that interior architecture begins in the mind.

“Interiors do not only constitute the movable accessories in the house, but also structural aspects such as walls and wiring,” he says, adding that many developers build houses only to begin making modifications later. You should ask yourself what would not only make the space look and feel livable, but stylish as well, says the organiser of Ideal Interiors Expo.

“Developers should plan their interiors before they begin construction because one might build a room in which they intend to put a king- or queen-size bed, only to find that the bed either does not fit or does not leave enough room for a dressing table or even a closet,” he says.

Jennifer Mbogori, his colleague and marketing director at Real Wealth, agrees, adding that although architects draw the plan of the house, the sketches do not “explain why a certain aspect of the interior design should be where it is”. In contrast, an interior designer explains to the home owner why a certain window should face a certain direction and why a socket should be placed in a certain position.

“I have sat with interior designers and it’s interesting that there are many things they look at whose importance you, the home owner, might never have given a thought to, such as which the direction the windows should face or why a staircase should be at a particular place. They look at those things critically to enhance the functionality of the space,” she says.

“To a home owner,” Odhiambo chips in, “a 4x4 room might be just another space, but to an interior designer, it is not; to them, there is a lot that can be done to make the room functional.

Attractively done interiors enhance the value of the property in a big way. In fact, interior design comprises 60 per cent of a home’s value, with the skeleton accounting for the remaining 40 per cent.”

Today, whether one is constructing a high- or low-end house, interior designers have become visible and people are involving them more, says Mbogori. That is evident also in the interest shown in their services.

“When we launched the Ideal Interiors Expo five years ago, we expected about 20 exhibitors but were surprised when 38 turned up. In 2013, we had 45 exhibitors, with an average of 3,800 visitors, while this year we had 55 exhibitors and an average of 4,500 visitors,” says Odhiambo.

“We get many people who are planning to build homes asking us to recommend an interior designer because they want one to work with their architect,” says Mbogori, adding that a house with a well-designed interior going for Sh10 million is likely to attract more potential clients than one with a less attractive interior design going for Sh5 million.

“I have worked with people from different classes and many of them are becoming more receptive to design and colours. The middle class now appreciates interior design more, though we are yet to convince people to be bold with colour because most opt to play it safe. They are still reluctant to use the reds, yellows, and lime greens,” says Lesiit.

Mbogori attributes the trend to the fact that Kenyans are now travelling more and, thus getting exposed to what the world has to offer. “Some come with magazines and tell us that they want their homes to look like the pictures in the publications. As a result, interior designers have had to become very creative. Even local carpenters and artisans have had to up their game because people are not just buying furniture, but designs as well.”

A number of universities and colleges now offer courses in interior design. Not all of them had the requisite departments when the craze started, but they have now seen an opening and are rushing to fill it.

“When we first started the expo five years ago, we had the heads of department of various universities and colleges visiting,” says Odhiambo. “Now they come with their trainees, giving them the opportunity to communicate directly with exhibitors and get attachments to enable them to gain experience, which is a remarkable development since this will grow the industry with time.”

It is also the only way there will be consistency in the quality of the market and maybe offer opportunities to have home-grown concepts that are universally accepted.