‘Home designs should be for better living, not luxury'
Many Nigerian homes, offices and public spaces are built without fully considering how people live and work in them. Tight rooms can increase stress, poor layouts reduce efficiency and unfriendly
Many Nigerian homes, offices and public spaces are built without fully considering how people live and work in them. Tight rooms can increase stress, poor layouts reduce efficiency and unfriendly environments affect comfort. Yet interior design is often treated as decoration instead of a practical tool for better living. For the CEO of Midas Interiors Limited, Mabel Nwanegbu, this is the core issue. Her journey began with a simple realisation: when spaces do not work for people, quality of life is affected. Over the years, she has come to view design not as luxury, but as a functional response to everyday challenges. Speaking with CHINYERE OKOROAFOR, she talks about design, leadership and creating spaces that truly serve people.
What inspired you to pursue a career in interior design, and how do you stay inspired and up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry?
My journey began with a passion for transforming spaces into functional, beautiful environments that enhance people's lives. The defining moment was my first major commercial project, which taught me the power of design to influence productivity, comfort, and client satisfaction. That experience cemented my vision to build a company that delivers not just interiors but experiences.
As a seasoned interior design consultant with over 12 years of experience, I've had the privilege of working on numerous projects that have allowed me to hone my skills and develop a unique approach to design. My passion for creativity and commitment to excellence drive me to continuously seek new inspiration and stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
Whether it's through reading novels, sketching or traveling to experience different architectural styles, I find that my personal interests and hobbies play a significant role in shaping my design aesthetic and informing my approach to problem-solving. I believe that interior design is not just about creating beautiful spaces, but also about crafting environments that are functional, sustainable, and tailored to the needs of the people who inhabit them.
How has your academic experience influenced your approach to interior design and business?
My educational background in interior design from the University of the Arts London and strategic business management from Harvard University has provided me with a solid foundation in both the creative and business aspects of the industry. This combined with my practical experience in business administration enables me to approach projects with a holistic perspective and deliver results that meet and exceed client expectations.
What skills and qualities do you believe set you apart as a leader in the interior design industry, and how do you foster a culture of collaboration and innovation in your work?
What sets me apart in the field is my ability to multitask, develop creative solutions, and effectively manage high-value projects. I thrive in fast-paced environments and I am adept at juggling multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and ensuring that every aspect of the design is meticulously executed.
At Midas Interiors Limited, I have the opportunity to work with a talented team of designers and professionals who share my passion for design and commitment to excellence. Together, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled results for our clients and pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the world of interior design. My approach is centered on collaboration, attention to detail, and client satisfaction, and I take pride in building long-term relationships with my clients and delivering spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable.
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What drives your approach to interior design?
At Midas Interiors Limited, we are driven by a passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence. We believe that every space has the potential to inspire, delight and enhance the lives of those who inhabit it. Our approach to interior design is rooted in the belief that every environment should enhance how people live, work and connect. We don't just design spaces, we design experiences.
Our philosophy is built around a collaborative and client-centric approach. We take the time to listen to our clients, understanding their needs, preferences, and aspirations. We prioritise function, flow and feeling, and we're committed to delivering design solutions that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable.
We are guided by our core values of integrity, professionalism and creativity. We believe in excellence without compromise, transparency, and honesty. We are dedicated to delivering unparalleled results for our clients and pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the world of interior design.
Our commitment to our clients is simple: when you trust us with your space, we treat it with the care we'd give our own. We're not satisfied until you walk into your transformed environment and feel exactly what we intended; that this space was designed for YOU. We commit to three things: design that endures, process that respects and results that transform.
How does Midas Interiors aim to make a positive impact through its design solutions, and what specific values or goals drive your work beyond just creating beautiful spaces?
At Midas Interiors, we solve the challenge of creating spaces that are both practical and aesthetically elevated, and most importantly, create a sense of safety, comfort and inspiration. From corporate offices to clinics and event centres, our work improves functionality, user experience, and operational efficiency. Beyond design, we have empowered local artisans, fostered client satisfaction, and contributed to elevating Nigeria's interior design industry.
What key decisions and strategies have contributed most to the growth and success of your business?
Key and vital decisions that fuelled our growth include focusing on quality, client-centered solutions, and strategic project selection. Building a strong team and investing in innovation have allowed us to take on high-profile projects and deliver consistently. I am also big on investing in Business Education, understanding financial operations and not just designs.
Leading by example, I prioritise integrity, creativity, and mentorship to inspire both my team and clients. Finding mentors outside the design industry for a fresh perspective, regular feedback from clients, and my team. It is important to understand that we are selling transformation and not just creative spaces.
What advice would you give to young women who aspire for leadership roles in male-dominated industries, and how do you believe your perspective as a woman has influenced your approach to design and business?
Your perspective as a woman is not a limitation; it is your competitive advantage. We naturally understand how spaces should feel, function and nurture. My advice to women aspiring to lead is simple: trust your vision, embrace challenges and never underestimate the value of resilience. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, focus on solutions rather than obstacles, and remember that impact is built over time, not overnight. Stop waiting for permission, I didn't have all the credentials or connections when I started. I had vision and refused to shrink it. Some days you'll want to quit, that's normal. But rest instead, don't quit. You can be kind and still be a tough negotiator. The world needs spaces designed with a woman's lens. We create differently, and that matters.
What does legacy mean to you, and how do you envision Midas Interiors' impact on the interior design industry and the world at large in the years to come?
I aim to build a legacy of excellence, innovation, and empowerment in the interior design space. I want spaces that outlive trends – timeless designs that future generations will continue to find beautiful and functional.
In the next 3–5 years, success will look like expanding Midas Interiors across Nigeria, mentoring the next generation of women designers who go on to build their own empires, and delivering transformative spaces that set new industry standards. We would continue to show that we can build a successful business without compromising on our values or burning out our team.
I want to build a company that proves design is a force for human flourishing, not just aesthetic pleasure; where sustainability isn't a marketing term but our foundation. Where our team thrives, not just survives. My legacy isn't about my name on buildings; it is about the lives changed in those buildings; the employee who's more productive in a space that respects their humanity; the family that reconnects in a home designed for real living; the community that gathers in public spaces we have reimaged.
I want to leave behind a more beautiful, equitable, and thoughtfully designed world and a generation of designers, especially women, who know they belong at the table where those decisions are made.
What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work, and how do they influence your approach to design and creativity?
In my free time, I enjoy collecting vintage furniture pieces, attending design exhibitions and trade shows, and watching movies that fuel my imagination. I believe that there's beauty in the unexpected, and I find inspiration in the stories that people tell and the spaces that they inhabit. Whether it's a modern skyscraper or a vintage armchair, I believe that every space has a story to tell, and I feel privileged to be able to play a role in shaping those stories through my work.
