By Merit Ibe Rapheal
By Merit Ibe
An interior design firm, Chauntelles Home Ideas, has called on the federal government to support the industry through targeted incentives and grants, saying such interventions would stimulate growth, create jobs and unlock the sector鈥檚 economic potential.
The Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Omeba Ejiogu, who made the remark during the recent 2025 World Interiors Day, themed; 鈥淒esigning with Emotion; Building with Intelligence,鈥 in Lagos, stated that such help will ensure the interior design industry remains a key contributor to the creative economy.
鈥淭his can be done by offering grants or tax incentives to design-led businesses, investing in creative hubs and innovation centers, and ensuring local content is prioritized in public infrastructure projects. Establishing policy support for design education and mandating professional engagement in urban and residential developments will also go a long way in strengthening the sector,鈥 she added.
Addressing some of the challenges confronting the sector and how practitioners are navigating them, Ejiogu, who is also the Assistant Secretary General of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), said: 鈥淭he Nigerian interior design industry faces several challenges, including a lack of formal regulatory frameworks, limited access to funding for creative businesses, and the undervaluation of design professionals.
鈥淚DAN is actively working to change this by advocating for industry standards, promoting continuing education, and creating networking platforms for professionals. I鈥檝e been involved in efforts to expand IDAN鈥檚 presence, especially in underserved regions like South-South Nigeria, to ensure inclusivity and visibility for more designers,鈥 Dr. Ejiogu added.
Analyzing the worth of the interior design industry in Nigeria, Dr. Ejiogu noted that Nigeria鈥檚 interior design industry holds massive untapped potential and is arguably one of the most vibrant in Africa, 鈥渢hanks to its large population, booming real estate, and a growing appreciation for design-led living.鈥
鈥淪outh Africa and Morocco have more established ecosystems; Nigeria is quickly catching up, especially with the rise of Afrocentric design narratives and local manufacturing. With the right investment and institutional support, Nigeria can become a continental hub for interior innovation, creativity, and exportable design talent.鈥
Highlighting some of the innovations that set her firm apart, she stated that Chauntelles Home Ideas is a leading interior design and lifestyle brand based in Nigeria, founded over 12 years ago with a clear mission to transform lives through thoughtful design.
What truly sets us apart, she revealed, 鈥渋s our deep-rooted commitment to Afrocentric innovation鈥攎erging cultural identity with modern aesthetics. We鈥檙e not just designing beautiful spaces; we鈥檙e telling African stories through every project.
鈥淲ith over 800 satisfied clients, we鈥檝e maintained a reputation for excellence by prioritizing creativity, functionality, and a client-centric approach. We also actively mentor emerging designers, contributing to the long-term growth of the industry,鈥 she added.
On some of the outstanding works Chauntelles Home Ideas has done, Ejiogu said: 鈥淲e鈥檝e delivered numerous standout projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. One of our signature achievements is the development of bestselling furniture collections, with over 100 unique pieces that celebrate African form and function.
鈥淥ur work at the Make in Nigeria Product Exhibition earned us the 鈥楳ost Attractive Booth鈥 award鈥攁 testament to our ability to blend innovation with cultural appeal. We鈥檝e also redesigned workspaces and homes that were later featured in local media and design exhibitions, reinforcing our thought leadership in the space,鈥 she enthused.