Interior decoration is an art of enhancing the interiors of
a building to achieve a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for
the inhabitants. The interior decoration industry has grown significantly in
Kenya over the past decade. The increase in real estate development and demand
for modern living spaces has driven the growth of the interior decoration
business. This article explores the interior decoration business in Kenya,
including its history, market size, challenges, opportunities, and the future
outlook.
History
of Interior Decoration Business in Kenya
Interior
decoration in Kenya dates back to the colonial era. During this period, most of
the interior decoration works were done by foreign expatriates. The expatriates
were mainly European architects and interior designers who were employed to
design and decorate colonial buildings. They introduced modern interior design
concepts that were later adopted by local architects and designers.
After
independence, the interior decoration industry continued to grow, and more
local designers emerged. The industry was mainly dominated by small businesses
that offered services such as wallpapering, painting, and furniture making.
However, the industry experienced significant growth in the 2000s, fueled by
the growth of the real estate industry, which led to an increased demand for
interior decoration services.
Market
Size of Interior Decoration Business in Kenya
The
interior decoration industry in Kenya is relatively young compared to developed
countries. However, it has experienced significant growth over the past decade,
thanks to the rise in real estate development and increased disposable income
among the middle-class population.
According
to a report by Market Research, the interior decoration market in Kenya was
valued at Ksh 4.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2%
from 2019 to 2025. The report attributes the growth to factors such as the
increasing number of commercial and residential construction projects, rising
demand for customized furniture, and increasing disposable income.
The
market is highly fragmented, with numerous small businesses and independent
contractors offering interior decoration services. However, there are a few
large players such as House of Tiles, Tafaria Castle, and Interiors By Design,
who dominate the high-end market segment.
Challenges
Facing the Interior Decoration Business in Kenya
Despite
the growth of the interior decoration industry in Kenya, there are several
challenges that businesses in the sector face. These challenges include:
1.
High competition: The interior
decoration industry is highly competitive, with numerous small businesses and
independent contractors offering similar services. This makes it difficult for
businesses to stand out and attract customers.
2.
Limited access to finance: Most
small interior decoration businesses in Kenya have limited access to finance,
making it difficult for them to invest in modern equipment and technology.
3.
Lack of skilled labor: The interior
decoration industry in Kenya lacks enough skilled labor to meet the growing
demand for services. This has led to a situation where some businesses have to
turn down projects due to a lack of manpower.
4.
Counterfeit products: The interior
decoration industry in Kenya has been flooded with counterfeit products,
particularly furniture. This has led to a situation where customers cannot
differentiate between genuine and fake products, leading to a decline in trust
in the industry.
Opportunities
in the Interior Decoration Business in Kenya
Despite
the challenges facing the interior decoration business in Kenya, there are
numerous opportunities for businesses in the sector. These opportunities
include:
1.
Growing demand for customized
services: There is a growing demand for customized interior decoration services
in Kenya. Customers are looking for unique designs that reflect their personal
tastes and preferences. This provides an opportunity for interior decoration
businesses to differentiate themselves by offering personalized services.
2.
Rise in real estate development: The
real estate industry in Kenya is growing at a rapid rate, leading to an
increased demand for interior decoration services. Interior decoration
businesses can take advantage of this opportunity by positioning themselves as
the go-to service providers for real estate developers.
3.
Emergence
the emergence of interior deco business in kenya
The interior decoration industry in Kenya has been
experiencing significant growth over the past few years. This growth can be
attributed to several factors, including:
1.
Growing middle-class population:
With a growing middle-class population in Kenya, there is an increasing demand
for modern and stylish interior decor to match their lifestyle.
2.
Increased disposable income: As more
Kenyans continue to earn more money, they are able to spend more on interior
decoration to improve their living spaces.
3.
Increased access to information: The
rise of social media and online resources has made it easier for Kenyans to
access information on interior decoration trends and styles, which has
increased their interest in interior decor.
4.
Increased construction activities:
The real estate sector in Kenya has been booming over the past few years, with
numerous housing developments and commercial buildings being constructed. This
has created a demand for interior decoration services to make these spaces
habitable.
As
a result of these factors, there has been a rise in the number of interior
decoration businesses in Kenya. These businesses offer a wide range of
services, including space planning, color consultations, furniture selection,
and accessorizing. Some of the popular interior decoration styles in Kenya
include contemporary, rustic, and eclectic designs.
Overall,
the growth of the interior decoration industry in Kenya is expected to continue
as the country's economy continues to grow and more people aspire to live in
stylish and comfortable spaces.
