As the cost of furnishing homes continues to rise across Nigeria, many homeowners are increasingly torn between the desire for stylish, functional interiors and the reality of escalating furniture prices driven by high material costs, import challenges and fluctuating exchange rates.

Industry observers note that these pressures have made quality furniture less accessible to average buyers, even as demand for aesthetically pleasing spaces continues to grow. For Mercy Chinonso Agada, Founder of InteriorsbyTuda, this gap between taste and affordability has become the driving force behind her brand.

“People want luxury, but they don’t want to break the bank, and they shouldn’t have to,” Agada said. “Every piece at InteriorsbyTuda is selected to bring warmth, luxury and functionality into a space. Our mission is to make beautiful living attainable.”

What began as a small online furniture and décor brand on social media has evolved into one of Lagos’ fast-rising home interior businesses. InteriorsbyTuda recently opened a physical showroom along Ago Palace Way, a development Agada described as the start of a new phase for the brand.

According to her, operating initially as an online business provided insight into the changing preferences of Nigerian consumers. “People are no longer buying furniture just to fill a room. They want pieces that reflect their personality and lifestyle,” she said.

Experts in the interior design sector attribute this shift partly to the influence of social media, which has amplified exposure to global interior trends. However, affordability remains a key concern for most buyers.

Agada identified rising material costs, from wood to upholstery fabrics, as one of the major challenges confronting both designers and consumers. In response, she recently undertook a sourcing trip to China, personally selecting a range of premium sofas, dining sets, centre tables, lighting and décor accessories now available at the Lagos showroom.

“I go myself because quality control is too important to leave to chance,” she explained. “We select pieces that deliver designer-level aesthetics at prices customers can realistically work with.”

Despite the brand’s growth, Agada said the journey has not been without challenges, particularly in building trust in an industry where customers are often wary of scams, poor quality products and delayed deliveries. She noted that customer loyalty and referrals have been instrumental to the brand’s expansion.

Today, InteriorsbyTuda serves residential and commercial clients across Lagos and other parts of the country, furnishing homes, offices and short-let apartments. The brand also offers payment-on-delivery within Lagos, a service introduced to boost customer confidence.

With the festive season approaching—a period when many Nigerians refresh their living spaces—InteriorsbyTuda is expanding its collection with new luxury items sourced during the recent international trip.

“People want their homes to feel warm and inviting during this period, and we are ready for that,” Agada said.

Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about the future of the interior design industry in Nigeria. “Nigerians appreciate good design. Our responsibility is to make sure they can afford it without compromising quality or style,” she said, adding that InteriorsbyTuda aims to position itself not just as a furniture store, but as a lifestyle brand focused on creating inspiring living spaces.