PATRONIZING INTERIOR DECORATORS IN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA: THE HOMEMAKERS PERCEPTION

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the use of interior decorators by homemakers living in staff quarters in the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Four specific purposes guided the study as it sought answers to four research questions. The study used descriptive survey design. Simple random sampling technique was used A sample size of 120 home makers living within the staff quarters of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus was used for the study. A questionnaire which was designed and developed by the researchers in line with the objectives of the study was used to collect data for the study. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the collected data that was used for the study. The results analyzed revealed that majority of the Home makers residing in University of Nigeria Nsukka staff quarters are knowledgeable about interior decoration and its importance to the home (88%).The perception of homemakers living in University of Nigeria Nsukka towards patronizing interior decorators is positive as they are willing to patronize interior decorators (56%)but are constrained by a number of factors such as unavailability of funds, lack of value for interior decoration, scarcity of interior materials which leads to high cost of interior decoration materials among others (80%). However, these constraints can be reduced by making interior decoration affordable for the people, creating more awareness of interior decoration, implementing the right tools for decorating, among others (91%). It was recommended based on the outcome of the study , that the awareness of interior decoration and decorators should be intensified, this could come in form of workshop, seminars, exhibitions to get more people to know about the potential in interior decoration. There should be more practical lessons on interior decoration in the Home Economics program at various level as this would challenge students to explore the creativity in interior decoration. Discounts should be given to clients so that they can keep referring other people to patronize interior decorators.