How I’m re-imagining Interior designing with creativity — Adeleke Akorede

As Nigeria’s creative industry continues to expand, opening new opportunities for young innovators across fashion, film, tech, and design, Ibadan-based interior designer Adeleke Akorede is determined to carve out his own lane.

In an industry often perceived as dominated by Lagos and Abuja, Akorede is steadily building ADB Interior, a brand he believes will not just thrive but stand the test of time.

“I have been out of the country a couple of times, and I’ve seen how people connect emotionally with their spaces,” he explained, reflecting on his travels. “Most of the major interior projects in Nigeria come from Lagos or Abuja. I wanted to prove that Ibadan can also produce world-class designs.”

Akorede’s story is not the typical tale of someone born into the craft. His journey into interior design wasn’t pre-planned. A self-confessed lover of beautiful spaces, he found himself drawn to how well-designed environments could shape emotions, moods, and even productivity. That passion soon grew into something bigger than just an admiration for décor.

“One day, I realised I wanted to do this seriously,” he recalled. “I enrolled in a six-month interior design course in Lagos, attending three times a week. After earning my certificate, I knew I could build something unique.”

What he built became ADB Interior, a reflection of the new wave of Nigerian creatives who blend global exposure with local insight. For Akorede, this fusion of worlds is intentional. He draws heavily from his time working in Dubai, where he endured 16-hour shifts in an industry that demanded resilience, precision, and a commitment to excellence.

Those long hours in the UAE became the foundation for his discipline. “I’ve always wanted to be my own boss,” he admitted. “That independence drives me. Even when work was tough, I kept my vision in mind. I knew I wasn’t just doing it for survival — I was doing it to gather the skills and discipline to one day build ADB Interior.”

But starting out in Ibadan came with its own challenges. Clients in the city were often skeptical, assuming only Lagos-based designers could deliver sophistication and global standards. Akorede, however, turned that doubt into motivation. Each project became an opportunity to demonstrate that creativity knows no geographical boundaries.

He began to carefully build a reputation, one project at a time. His work soon started attracting attention for its meticulous detail, balance between function and aesthetics, and a modern approach that still respected cultural nuances. “When people walk into a space I design, I want them to feel both comfort and identity,” he said. “A space should speak to you — it should tell your story.”

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The Nigerian interior design industry is fast evolving, with more people seeking to transform their homes and offices into functional, stylish, and emotionally resonant spaces. Akorede sees this as a turning point. “We are moving from just filling a room with furniture to creating experiences,” he noted. “It’s no longer just about aesthetics; it’s about how your environment improves your daily life.”

Beyond design, Akorede envisions ADB Interior as a platform for nurturing the next generation of creatives. He hopes to one day establish a design academy that trains young Nigerians, particularly those outside Lagos and Abuja, giving them the tools to compete globally. “I know how difficult it was to get access to training when I started,” he said. “If I can make that journey easier for others, I will.”