In Nigeria’s evolving design landscape, these women are using interiors, furniture, and plant styling to shape spaces — and the culture around them.
In Nigeria’s growing design industry, a new generation of women is transforming what it means to design a space. Through the intentional use of plants, handcrafted furniture, and culturally rooted aesthetics, they are refining the design industry. These female designers are seamlessly blending function, beauty and sustainability. Their work tells a story that extends beyond decoration, sharing a tale of resilience and innovation. As more Nigerian women carve out space in this industry, they’re not only transforming homes and public spaces but also challenging traditional ideas of who should be called a designer.
This article features works of women reimagining how space can reflect culture to provide a beautiful environment. Their work touches on sustainability, emotional well-being, and the preservation of local craft traditions. Whether it’s through the use of native plants, handcrafted wood, or interior layouts, they centre comfort and design. These women prove that female perspectives in design are essential to creating spaces that are thoughtful, inclusive, and deeply connected to culture and community.
Tosin Oshinowo is redefining contemporary African furniture design with Ilé Ilà
Tosin Oshinowo is a prominent Nigerian architect shaping furniture design to reflect her Nigerian heritage. She founded her brand Ilé Ilà, which translates to “House of lines” — a luxury furniture brand that celebrates traditional craftsmanship through modern aesthetics. Through Ilé Ilà, Oshinowo blends African identity with minimalist forms. Inspired by her Yoruba heritage, Oshinowo uses locally sourced materials and collaborates with skilled artisans. At Ilé Ilà, she aims to preserve and reinterpret cultural narratives through functional art.
Beyond furniture, Oshinowo is also recognised for her architectural projects, notably the Maryland Mall in Lagos, reflecting her commitment to thoughtful, community-focused design. In 2023, Oshinowo’s impact was further recognised when she was named a Loeb Fellow at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. This prestigious appointment underscores her role not just as a designer, but as a cultural thinker and changemaker on the global stage.
Read more: Folakemi Oloye is building a legacy through interior design
Tobi Afolabi and Ifeoma Nnewuihe are making plant styling more accessible with Nkasi Obi
Founded by two friends, Tobi Afolabi and Ifeoma Nnewuihe, Nkasi Obi is about creating green spaces where everyone can feel relaxed and connected. The brand focuses on how plant design can make a home a sanctuary. Initially, both founders started out navigating the challenges of settling into new spaces, thrifting and DIY-ing furniture to make their homes more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Today, Nkasi Obi curates green spaces that balance aesthetics with practicality. They carefully select plants that suit the environment, paying attention to the lifestyle of each client. Their popular plants are the low-maintenance snake plants and cacti.
Nkasi Obi also demystifies greenery with thoughtful advice, care instructions, and intentional follow-ups. Through events like Conversations from Home and Pots, Paints and Perfect Scents, they’ve cultivated a growing community that fosters connection, creativity, and reflection. With every plant, Nkasi Obi reimagines plant design as an act of community healing and a way to revitalise a space.
Taeillo by Jumoke Dada is transforming furniture design on a large scale
Jumoke Dada, founder of Taeillo, is an African designer who bridges traditional design with contemporary design. Taeillo is a Nigerian furniture brand that makes beds, chairs, couches, tables and other necessary home items. The brand blends an Afrocentric aesthetic with modern furniture design. Through naming their furniture after Nigerian names like the “Susu bed” and the “Tolani table” the brand creates a space for design to be rooted in Nigerian culture. The brand also makes stylish, locally made furniture accessible across the continent.
Dada has turned what started as a passion project into a scalable e-commerce platform, delivering pieces that resonate deeply with identity and pride. Under her leadership, Taeillo has grown into one of West Africa’s most recognisable design startups. It captures the spirit of a generation that wants to see itself reflected in the spaces it inhabits. For Dada, furniture is not just functional; it’s personal, and a way to increase economic capital in the country.
Mysranne is making dynamic interior spaces with Mysranne design studio
Mysranne, renowned for her beauty content, is also making waves in the interior design world. Her brand, Mysranne design studio, is an architecture and design firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. She brings a fresh, modern eye to residential and commercial spaces, combining functionality and aesthetic.
Her designs prioritise mood and comfort, creating spaces that not only look beautiful but feel homey. As she seamlessly moves between beauty, design, and lifestyle, Mysranne is crafting a multidisciplinary brand that reflects the evolving identity of young African creatives.
Elizabeth Wodu is elevating woodwork with Wodu Craft
Elizabeth Wodu is carving her name — quite literally — into Nigeria’s evolving design narrative. As the founder of Wodu Craft, a Lagos-based furniture brand rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling, she brings an important perspective to the world of interior aesthetics.
Wodu Craft creates statement pieces that celebrate the raw beauty of wood, form, and functionality. Every item — consoles, tables, ladders, shelves — is made with intention, bridging heritage with contemporary design. Her approach embraces the natural form of wood as part of the design. In a space long dominated by men, Wodu Craft’s presence is vital, showing that women can spearhead Nigerian design. Through Wodu Craft’s works, Elizabeth Wodu is shaping a new standard for design and representation.
Anita Vwede is creating luxurious spaces with Noani Interior Design
Anita Vwede, founder of Noani Interior Design and Noani Home has built a brand rooted in artistry and accessibility. Her firm launched with hand‑painted prints and framed art, then expanded into full interior design services. She believes beautiful spaces and home decor shouldn’t be out of reach — they should reflect your personality without breaking the bank. Anita balances sophistication and comfort with playful touches, choosing elements that bring the space to life. Every room she designs carries her signature style: soft, curated and cosy. In transforming spaces in Lagos and across the globe, Noani is styling interiors that feel luxurious.
These women – Tosin Oshinowo, Tobi Afolabi, Ifeoma Nnewuihe, Jumoke Dada, Mysranne, Elizabeth Wodu, and Anita Vwede – are reshaping what design looks and feels like in Nigeria. Their work is not only about aesthetics; it’s about identity, access, and community. Through furniture, plants, and interiors, they reclaim space for women in design. They honour local culture by building businesses that reflect the reality of modern Africa. In a country where design is often overlooked, these women are proving that good design can be thoughtful, intentional, and unapologetically Nigerian.
Read more: From courtyard to high-rises: How Nigerian architecture keeps evolving but not for the better
