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<p>By Khadijah Bashir Muhammad</p><div class="v5lFm0YE" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>In today’s fast-evolving world of architecture and spatial planning, one truth remains constant: interior design is more than just aesthetics. Yet, in Nigeria, the industry continues to be undervalued often misinterpreted and diluted by the growing number of untrained decorators parading as interior designers. This trend is not only damaging the profession’s reputation, but it is also robbing countless homes and offices of their potential beauty, functionality, and long-term value.</p>
<p>The Blurred Line: Decorators vs. Designers</p>
<p>The Nigerian interior space has witnessed a surge of individuals offering design services without formal training or certification. While decorators do play a vital role in beautifying spaces, they are not trained to handle the technical, spatial, psychological, and architectural intricacies that professional interior designers are equipped to manage.</p><div class="MnJOGskz" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>Interior design is a profession grounded in both creativity and science. It involves spatial planning, human-centered design, lighting, acoustics, ergonomics, material specifications, and regulatory compliance. Professional interior designers are trained to balance functionality with style, ensuring that spaces not only look good but work well for the people using them.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately, many clients unaware of this distinction hand over large-scale projects to decorators who may have no formal education or background in design principles. The result? Expensive mistakes, wasted time, poor layouts, and in many cases, the need to redo entire spaces.</p>
<p>Why Professional Interior Designers Matter</p>
<p>A certified interior designer brings more than beauty to a space. They bring structure, purpose, and longevity. They are problem-solvers who interpret your needs and translate them into spatial solutions that align with international standards and cultural relevance.</p>
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<p>Here’s what a professional interior designer contributes to any project:</p>
<p>Conceptual Planning: Defining the layout, flow, and function of spaces.</p>
<p>Technical Knowledge: Understanding building codes, lighting plans, and structural dynamics.</p>
<p>Material Expertise: Selecting the right finishes that are durable, cost-effective, and appropriate for the climate and usage.</p>
<p>Budget Management: Helping clients get the most out of their budget without compromising quality.</p>
<p>Collaboration: Working alongside architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and contractors for a cohesive result.</p>
<p>In contrast, many decorators enter projects after the critical design stages, focusing mainly on colors, curtains, and accessories. While these are important, they are just the surface. Without a solid design foundation, even the most beautiful furnishings won’t achieve a cohesive or functional space.</p>
<p>When Should a Designer Be Involved?</p>
<p>In an ideal scenario, the interior designer should come on board as early as the architect during the planning phase. This allows for thoughtful space planning, seamless coordination with other professionals, and the integration of the client’s lifestyle or business needs into the structural layout.</p>
<p>Interior designers work hand-in-hand with:</p>
<p>Architects: To ensure the interior aligns with the building&#8217;s structure and exterior.</p>
<p>Civil and Structural Engineers: For modifications involving walls, ceilings, or major installations.</p>
<p>Mechanical &; Electrical Engineers: To plan HVAC, lighting, and other systems that affect comfort and usability.</p>
<p>Artisans and Decorators: To bring the design vision to life through finishes, fabrics, and accessories.</p>
<p>Nigeria’s creative industries are full of potential. But the interior design sector continues to suffer from a lack of structure, certification enforcement, and public education. Clients are often unaware that there are accredited institutions and professional bodies for interior design.</p>
<p>This gap allows hobbyists and decorators to take center stage, often offering cheaper, seemingly more convenient services, but at the long-term expense of quality, safety, and satisfaction.</p>
<p>As Professional interior designer and the CEO of Soar Beyond Interia Ltd, my mission is not only to create timeless residential spaces but to advocate for an industry where creativity meets professionalism, where Nigerian designers are seen, heard, and hired both locally and internationally. With better awareness, partnerships, and global collaboration, Nigeria can become a hub for world-class interior design innovation.</p>
<p>Let’s stop underestimating interior designers. Let’s start building smarter, safer, and more stunning spaces the professional way.</p>
<p>Khadijah Bashir Muhammad wrote from Abuja.<br />
She can be reached via email soarbeyondinteria@gmail.com</p>
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