Need functional liveable space? Contract interior designer services

Melissa Cherop is the founder of Zora Interiors, a home styling business, interior design consultancy and woodworking

Why did you go for interior decorating? 

I have always had a passion for beautiful spaces even before I knew of the term interior design. I always wondered why one space would make me feel calm, others excited, others anxious and so forth. And so my curiosity grew into an unrelenting decorating and redecorating of my rooms growing up and the rest is history.

Professional interior design services have not been embraced in Kenya the way it is supposed to, why?

Because most people think that interior designers are not essential yet they are. Also, one of the most common misconceptions about interior design is that interior styling is only a reservation of the rich and famous, which is not true. I believe it boils down to lack of adequate information on the importance of interior design on the general functionality of a space. People also believe that it will cost them more money that they would rather put elsewhere. The role of an interior designer is to create beauty, comfort and functionality by playing with space, light, colour, materials and furniture all while keeping clients’ wishes and constraints top of mind. People also don’t know that poor interior design lowers the chance of potential buyers being attracted to your property. The interior design is, in fact, one of the major considerations for buying a house. 

Why should people involve professional interior designers in their projects?

Apart from the wow factor, the primary aim of having an interior design service is to help improve the quality of life. A designer is a professional with a trained eye that can automatically tell if there is something wrong or right with a space. Having that immediate consult is a major advantage when making aesthetic decisions. Good interior design has aesthetic value.

Interior designers will also help you maximise on your space, save money, because they are able to point out the right materials, fixtures and fittings to fit within your budget and of course there’s the concept of functional beauty that will enhance your living and working conditions. We spend most of our time indoors and there’s no better way to do this than to work with someone who understands your needs.

What can be done to ensure Kenyans embrace these services?

Reiterating the importance of interior design by educating them on the impact it has on our everyday living. A good interior designer will collaborate with you to create a space best suited to you, your personality and general optimisation of your space. It is value for money in the long term.

What is the most important factor to consider when designing a room?

Space is the biggest factor when designing a room. What do you want this room to do and how do you want it to feel. This is the starting point before we take into consideration light (natural and artificial), colour, textures, lines and all the other elements of interior design. Space will determine what kind of floor plan to have and ultimately the kind of furniture and fittings to bring in.

What are some of the things to avoid while designing a house?

I would say, avoid designing your space around trends that will be here for two years (or less) and then disappear and you’re left stuck with all these things that you no longer love. Always design with longevity. Also, taking measurements is extremely important to ensure your furniture and décor pieces fit like a glove. 

What are some of the challenges you have encountered?

It has always been a challenge getting prospective clients to understand the value of initial consultation services and following due process. Finding the right people and quality control in the supply chain is a big issue too, as well as it can be a struggle managing time and scheduling projects. 

Apart from traditional areas, such as houses and offices, where else can one apply interior design?

Healthcare facilities, exhibitions, restaurants, retail spaces and learning institutions are interesting areas one can explore.