UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Many potential renters find themselves viewing numerous dilapidated properties before settling on one that, while not ideal, is the best option available. Despite the condition of the rental, transforming it into a comfortable home becomes a priority for those planning to live there for several years.
This is where Georgina Mwebaza, an interior designer and the founder of Spicing Homes, steps in to help tenants turn their rentals into homes.
For the past seven years, Mwebaza has focused on encouraging renters to invest in making their rented spaces more appealing and functional.
Her journey began with transforming bathrooms, an area often neglected in rental properties. Mwebaza reached out to landlords, offering to renovate bathrooms to improve their functionality, often receiving positive responses.
“Many rental bathrooms are drab and small spaces,” Mwebaza said. “I would contact the landlords and offer to transform them. Although landlords do not like their structures altered, they would be willing to give it a try, especially when I explained that what I wanted to do would improve functionality.”
Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, which initially seemed like a potential setback, turned out to be a turning point for Mwebaza’s business.
With lockdowns forcing people to spend more time at home, many realized the need to improve their living spaces.
This realization led to an increase in demand for Mwebaza’s services as more people sought to transform their rentals into comfortable and functional homes.
“When the lockdowns came, people were forced to spend so much time in their homes,” Mwebaza noted. “This is when many of them realized how depressing their spaces were. They also learned that these were their homes and the landlords should not have so much control over what they did with them.”
Focus on Bathrooms
Bathrooms are among the most used spaces in a home but are often overlooked in rentals. However, millennials view bathrooms as more than just functional spaces; they see them as places to relax and unwind.
Mwebaza’s expertise in transforming small and neglected bathrooms has resonated with this demographic.
“To this insta-generation, the bathroom is more than a place of convenience; it’s a place to relax, unwind with a book or a glass of wine after a long day at work,” Mwebaza explained. “These are not activities that can be supported by a cramped, damp, and unpleasant space.”
Mwebaza shared an example of a particularly small bathroom she renovated. The landlord had crammed a toilet, shower, and sink into a tiny space, leaving no room for anything else.
Mwebaza added a mirror, changed the lighting, and added shelves to create an illusion of space and reduce clutter. Decorative elements like plants and wall art, along with thorough cleaning, also made a significant difference.
Early Beginnings and Growth
Mwebaza’s interest in interior design began in her childhood. Her father, an outdoor advertising executive, often brought home leftover materials used for billboards.
Mwebaza spent hours building and decorating spaces with these materials, eventually experimenting with the interior design of her own home.
“I would clean, move furniture, and change things around, which irritated my father because he liked having his things a particular way,” Mwebaza recounted.
After university, where she pursued a degree in entrepreneurship, Mwebaza continued her passion for interior design as a hobby.
Following the birth of her child, she transformed her home to make it more comfortable, which impressed her friends, family, and even her landlord. This experience motivated her to turn her hobby into a business.
She enrolled at the Institute of Interior Design in South Africa for formal training and founded Spicing Homes.
Opportunities in the Industry
Mwebaza sees vast opportunities in the interior design industry and encourages others to take advantage of them.
She believes the market is still largely untapped, with homeowners gradually embracing hiring professionals to design their spaces. Mwebaza uses social media platforms to market her services, which has proven effective.
“Homeowners are slowly adapting to the idea of letting a professional design their houses for them,” Mwebaza said. “What we need to do as an industry is make ourselves available and deliver to the best of our abilities.”
To nurture new talent in the industry, Mwebaza organizes short courses and masterclass sessions for aspiring interior designers. These initiatives have helped several women start their businesses.
“The masterclass is also intended to equip people passionate about interior design with enough knowledge to be able to do certain things on their own,” she said.
Lessons Learned
Throughout her journey, Mwebaza has learned valuable lessons about pricing her work and balancing beauty with functionality.
Initially driven by passion, she sometimes overlooked the importance of appropriate pricing, which led to overwhelming workloads.
She advises interior designers to avoid compromising functionality for beauty, as practical spaces offer more rewards.
“Sometimes a designer gets taken up by certain colors or furniture pieces that become impossible for the homeowner to live with or use,” Mwebaza noted.
Advice for Renters
Mwebaza encourages renters to invest in making their homes livable, regardless of the rental status. While major structural changes might be off-limits, renters can enhance their spaces with the right furniture, art, and lighting.
She emphasizes the importance of selecting quality household items, as these can be used in future homes.
“Quality items are more durable and give you a longer shelf life,” Mwebaza said. “Take your time to invest in your home, no matter what timeframe you are working with.”
She advises against rushing to fill every space, suggesting that renters prioritize the areas where they spend the most time.
Major Repairs and Renovations
Mwebaza highlights the importance of understanding the responsibilities of both tenants and landlords regarding repairs and renovations.
Tenants are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and seeking landlord permission for any changes. Landlords must maintain the property’s structure and exterior, ensure necessary insurance coverage, and address utility-related issues.
Renovations and major repairs should be reasonable and necessary. Urgent work may be done in emergencies to prevent health risks or property damage. Generally, tenants must seek landlord permission for major improvements or repairs.
Changing Mindsets
For the past seven years, Mwebaza has been on a mission to change people’s attitudes towards making their rented homes more comfortable and functional.
By focusing on bathrooms, she has been able to convince landlords to allow transformations that improve functionality.
“Many rental bathrooms tend to be drab and small spaces,” Mwebaza explained. “I would contact the landlords and offer to transform them. Although landlords do not like their structures altered, they would be willing to give it a try.”
Georgina Mwebaza’s journey from a passionate hobbyist to a professional interior designer highlights the importance of investing in making rented spaces feel like home.
Her focus on transforming neglected areas like bathrooms has resonated with many renters, particularly millennials.
With a commitment to continuous learning and a vision for the future, Mwebaza is poised to make a lasting impact on the interior design industry.
Through her efforts, she has shown that turning rentals into homes is not just possible but can also lead to more comfortable and enjoyable living spaces for tenants.
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