Retouched By Flair, an interior design organisation, has unveiled a home makeover reality television show, The Retoucher, to promote African interior design, empower young creatives and showcase affordable ways to transform living spaces.
The 12-week programme, scheduled to air in the first quarter of 2027, will feature 18 contestants.
The show’s creator and executive producer, Debola Majekodunmi, said it would provide young African interior designers with a platform to showcase their talents, gain visibility and explore indigenous materials, African culture and sustainable design.
She added that the initiative would extend beyond television to include training, exhibitions, partnerships and product development, creating more opportunities for emerging designers.
The project manager, Jemimah Ododo, said the programme aimed to transform homes to reflect African culture and identity while empowering local talent and promoting world-class designs using locally available resources.
Veteran Nollywood filmmaker and the show’s producer, Tade Ogidan, said the programme would combine design challenges, competition, audience participation and home makeovers. He added that some episodes would feature the transformation of homes belonging to people living in difficult conditions, giving them spaces they could enjoy.
At the unveiling in Lagos, contestants divided into Team Blue and Team Orange were given 25 minutes to transform blank sets using available materials.
Team Orange won the challenge following the judges’ assessment and audience voting, which accounted for 40 per cent and 60 per cent of the final scores, respectively. The team received ₦200,000, while Team Blue, the runner-up, received ₦50,000.
Strategy Adviser to Retouched, Hubert Davies, said attractive homes could be achieved without excessive spending.
Jennifer Chukwujekwe, founder of Jenniez School of African Interior Design and former president of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria, highlighted the need to consider older people’s needs when designing living spaces.
Victor Afolabi, Group Chief Executive Officer of GDM Group, described the initiative as an opportunity to make homes more attractive and affordable. He called for partnerships to support the programme and expand its reach.
The organisers urged brands, broadcasters, building-material manufacturers, retailers, property developers and investors to partner with or sponsor the show to promote African creativity and create opportunities for emerging designers.
